Help in choosing a controller

[Claire88]

Hi,

I am about to start running a shallow reef setup that will predominatly contain high end zoas, in a large garden type idea. I am considering in the future using a triton or similar routine but am keen to use a controller in an attempt to minimise loss.

I am aware of abilities such as auto top-up warnings, skimmer cup warnings but I would also like to be able to monitor salinity, temperature, pH, alkalinity, and even mag, calcium etc too. I am not fussy about lights being linked.

I am leaning towards a ghl controller, but have no idea where to start.

Are there any similar devices? Or would you recommend a ghl?

 

[GoVols]

For my own ease of use, I've stayed with an Apex controller, but I have an Alkatronic paired up to my calcium reactor.

Just used to using Apex and their pretty easy to program, but I'd highly recommend the Tunze 3155 for your auto water top off.

Not sure when the Mastertronic will hit the streets.

Think most reefers like their GHLs once they get used to programming them.

 

[Pistondog]

For my own ease of use, I've stayed with an Apex controller, but I have an Alkatronic paired up to my calcium reactor.

Just used to using Apex and their pretty easy to program, but I'd highly recommend the Tunze 3155 for your auto water top off.

Not sure when the Mastertronic will hit the streets.

Think most reefers like their GHLs once they get used to programming them.

2nd the apex and 3155.
You are correct regarding the lights, they can stand alone with their own control.
The skimmer cup can be hosed to a larger diy vessel.
Sorry no experience with the ghl.

 

[SuncrestReef]

I'm extremely happy with my Apex and Trident for automated alk, cal, and mag testing along with controlling my 2-part dosing based on test results. If you decide on Apex, be sure to read my Apex Programming Tutorial series. In my opinion, one advantage of the Apex over GHL is the much larger user base and broad community support.

 

[SuncrestReef]

Follow up to my previous post...See this older post I made last year for a detailed list of what my Apex does for me: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/w...rt-advice-on-controllers.624985/#post-6239212

 

[ichthyoid]

+1 on the Apex & Tunze for ATO. I just ordered a new ApexEL to replace my Classic model, & let me tell you why.

The EL is $300 less, but you will only give up-
-0-10 volt dimming/speed control, no need
-salinity, which many/most don’t trust
-ORP, which I won’t use
All can be added later, if you choose to.

 

[Bosreef]

Am I missing something or is there only a choice of two controllers on the market?
And reefpi

 

[GoVols]

Am I missing something or is there only a choice of two controllers on the market?
And reefpi

lol



I go with Reef Angel before the PI, man that's way above my head.

 

[ichthyoid]

CoralVue has 2 versions of a new controller they showed at Macna, which has yet to be made available.

The good news is it’s easy to set up/program & is inexpensive at $400 for the full Monty version. Accessories are not expensive & it’s very expandable/scalable. It’s also IP65 intrusion rated, which is long overdue for an aquarium controller.

The bad news is that their stuff is sourced in China and COVID has apparently trashed their plans. It was moved back to fall, but who really knows?

I’m in the middle of an already protracted build, so pulled the trigger on the Apex. It has more options, users & likely won’t be going anywhere for a while.

Here’s a link to the CoralVue -

HYDROS Control 4 (Controller Only)

Use for saltwater aquariums, freshwater tanks, or even pond applications, this powerful controller is capable of performing all essential functions needed to maintain a healthy aquarium without the need for extra expensive modules. Experience Total Control on October 31, 2020

www.coralvue.com

 

[ichthyoid]

lol



I go with Reef Angel before the PI, man that's way above my head.

It’s not above my head, but I don’t want to start another hobby, to support the one I’ve got!

 

[tdhnry]

As a GHL owner and a previous Apex owner, I'd give it to GHL. The build quality is second to none. Yes, the programming might take some getting used to but its pretty rock-solid platform. Plus they allow you to purchase components modularly which is pretty cool since you can build your system as you need/afford over time. And with the ION Director coming in the fall you'll be able to test and dose Ca, Mg, Po, and N03.

 

[GoVols]

As a GHL owner and a previous Apex owner, I'd give it to GHL. The build quality is second to none. Yes, the programming might take some getting used to but its pretty rock-solid platform. Plus they allow you to purchase components modularly which is pretty cool since you can build your system as you need/afford over time. And with the ION Director coming in the fall you'll be able to test and dose Ca, Mg, Po, and N03.

I'm waiting for someone to get the Mastertronic on here, my Alkatronic has been spot on.

Not buying a Mastertronic, but Jonas builds some great stuff. No telling what that box will cost.

Dosetronic gives you five pump heads and it did win Jonas some awards.

 

[mike550]

I spent some time trying to spec out what I would want from a controller (sensors, measurements, data logging, WiFi accessibility, compatibility of third party equipment etc) and ultimately will be picking up a GHL when the time is right. Honestly part of the decision came down to quality of the build, and my sense is that the GHL is better built.

 

[robbyg]

You also have Aquatronica from Italy.
They have 3 models of controllers that all work with the same accessories.
Only problem is you have to order directly from them as of 2019 they no longer have an American Dealer.

Shipping from Italy on a deluxe kit is around $150 and takes four days to arrive.

 

[ichthyoid]

You also have Aquatronica from Italy.
They have 3 models of controllers that all work with the same accessories.
Only problem is you have to order directly from them as of 2019 they no longer have an American Dealer.

Shipping from Italy on a deluxe kit is around $150 and takes four days to arrive.

Who knew? Thx
$150 just for shipping?

 

[ichthyoid]

First thing that popped up-

Aquatronica Aquarium Controller Unit Kit Deluxe HY02739 @ Fish Tanks Direct

Aquatronica HY02739 In-Stock Now. Buy Your Aquatronica Aquarium Controller Unit Kit Deluxe Direct and Save. Free Shipping on Orders Over $75. Tax-Free.

www.fishtanksdirect.com

 

[User1]

Hi,

I am about to start running a shallow reef setup that will predominatly contain high end zoas, in a large garden type idea. I am considering in the future using a triton or similar routine but am keen to use a controller in an attempt to minimise loss.

I am aware of abilities such as auto top-up warnings, skimmer cup warnings but I would also like to be able to monitor salinity, temperature, pH, alkalinity, and even mag, calcium etc too. I am not fussy about lights being linked.

I am leaning towards a ghl controller, but have no idea where to start.

Are there any similar devices? Or would you recommend a ghl?

Start by making a list of what you need. Requirements gathering.
Factor in future upgrades.
Coral type doesn't really matter up front but do decide soft, lps, sps, or mixed.
Budget.
DIY skills and time.
Dosing.
Automated testing.

I'm going to try and be neutral to start so no recommendation. Budget is important as are the time you have to setup and fiddle to include DIY skills. Here is why. Over the counter shrink wrap you are looking at two players in the market. GHL and Neptune. Both work. They work well. If you want GHL information search the forum here for @Ditto - he has a good thread, a few threads, on GHL. If you want Neptune Apex then search for @SuncrestReef . Yes, I'm focusing on two controllers because, well, those are the dominate controllers in the reefing market like it or not. Over the counter, support, with a lot of users / hobbyists behind them. Plain and simple.

Now let us talk open source. Open source brings you to Pi based solutions or Arduino Reef Angel. Personally speaking, and having used, I'd go with the Reef Angel. The custom libraries that people maintain are better than anything GHL or Neptune can produce. Storms and weather are usually on or off on all others whereas the RA will do base weather on the main code loop truly making it random. Geo locations, tides, you name it. No over the counter solution has them. So those are your choices but the quality is a bit lower and you have to be familiar with coding. I personally used the RA for 6 years and still use it for my non kessil lighting.

Ok, so now let us talk about automated testing. Two on the market today. Oh, wait. Three. Trident from Neptune, Alktronic, and Reef Bot. Trident tests Ca, Mg, and Alk. Alktronic does Alk, and Reefbot, well, tests whatever kits it supports. If you want to do automated testing today those are your choices. Revert back to your requirement list and this may lead you to a specific controller. Take the Trident - only works with Neptune products. So if you invest in the Apex and later want to test Ca, Mg, and Alk - it would save you money in the longer run because you already have a controller that supports it and then add the trident when you want. If you want you can also do that with GHL but their automated solution isn't available today.

There is so much crap you can do it really comes down to how much you want to invest in your time or not, ease of use, and if you want to automate testing today or tomorrow and then choose. If you do want to do automated water testing then your choice is really narrow. If you don't then it opens up to some of the DIY solutions or open source if you will.

Personally I've used Neptune products since 1999 when they had their X10 relays. Crazy but they worked. I switched to the Reef Angle for about 6 years in between tanks and it is a really amazing device. Entry price is cheaper and as I already said the custom libraries are freaking amazing. yeah - weather may seem like a worthless feature - and I do agree when it is set to the same time daily. However, being part of the main code and it randomly happening based on the main loop of code so it may be days before you see it, well, it is gold. I did switch to the Apex when I upgraded tanks. Why? Because I knew about the trident and wanted to do automated testing. So it made sense financially. And I'm happy.

So there you have it. I try to be unbiased. Main players are Apex and GHL. Open source RA and Pi's. Make your list. Check it twice. Factor in future upgrades. I think you will be fine.

Best of luck.

 

[Cook]

@saf1 has excellent advice. If you go GHL, and don't need the full features of the Profilux take a look at the GHL Wifi mini. It has many good features for the price with a 4 port control bar. I haven't gotten mine setup yet, but it's what I went with and it has temp and pH probes. My approach though is several smaller independent systems instead of one controller that can control everything.

 

[User1]

@saf1 has excellent advice. If you go GHL, and don't need the full features of the Profilux take a look at the GHL Wifi mini. It has many good features for the price with a 4 port control bar. I haven't gotten mine setup yet, but it's what I went with and it has temp and pH probes. My approach though is several smaller independent systems instead of one controller that can control everything.

Great point actually. Back to the budget part. Both of them should have packages. I can't speak for GHL but Neptune if you are going to do automated testing, the Trident, you need a certain model.

Sorry - I forgot to note packages! Thanks.

 

[haitian_reefer]

I'm loving my Apex controller and GHL SA doser. Apex is so easy setup with their wizard, but I find the DOS extremely loud, so I opted for a GHL doser.