Do we still use reef controllers?

[ya_boii]

I've wondered if there still is a market for controllers? I'm building my own because I can, but I'm curious what the community thinks?

What do you look for in a controller?

What are the top functions you want from it?

Do you like Bluetooth/web interfacing, or is it sort of annoying?

What are some things that you wish more controllers could/would do?

Any thoughts would be awesome! Thank you

 

[The_Bro]

Aquarium controllers are so awesome in how they have evolved over the years. I just made a post because I'm about to get one.
What do you look for in a controller? Simplicity
What are the top functions you want from it? Automation to correct anything that is wrong by itself when Im not home or a few hours away. Alerts to let me know when something is wrong, and the controllable via WiFi to correct this from hours away.
Do you like Bluetooth/web interfacing, or is it sort of annoying? Not annoying and very practical considering everyone has a phone in their pocket
What are some things that you wish more controllers could/would do? they almost do anythign you can come up with, if you spend on the money on XYZ module

 

[ya_boii]

Aquarium controllers are so awesome in how they have evolved over the years. I just made a post because I'm about to get one.
What do you look for in a controller? Simplicity
What are the top functions you want from it? Automation to correct anything that is wrong by itself when Im not home or a few hours away. Alerts to let me know when something is wrong, and the controllable via WiFi to correct this from hours away.
Do you like Bluetooth/web interfacing, or is it sort of annoying? Not annoying and very practical considering everyone has a phone in their pocket
What are some things that you wish more controllers could/would do? they almost do anythign you can come up with, if you spend on the money on XYZ module

Thanks for your thoughts! When you say simplicity, do you mean something more like plug and play or like something that doesn't have a whole lot of useless bells and whistles?

 

[The_Bro]

I really only know of 2 controllers. The market popular Apex, and Hydros. There is another I cant recall the name of but it involves coding i believe, which is over my head
Don't know much about building my own. Which seems to complex for me therefore I like simplicity or as you said plug and play with a user friendly interface

 

[Michael71]

I really only know of 2 controllers. The market popular Apex, and Hydros. There is another I cant recall the name of but it involves coding i believe, which is over my head
Don't know much about building my own. Which seems to complex for me therefore I like simplicity or as you said plug and play with a user friendly interface

I believe the other one tou are thinking about is GHL's Profilux controllers although they dont rewuire coding they do require some programming from a windows based machine is my understanding. For the op, i never ran contollers for my systems in the past they were always smaller tanks in the 30gl range. My next build is going to be 100gl display with 57gl sump. I am selecting all my equipment to be paired with a reef controller as i plan on a full mixed reef with sps this go round.