Power Stations and Controllers

CaptJeff220 · Apr 17, 2025

exnisstech said:
Been in the hobby 9 years now with 4 tanks running and I have never had a controller or any type of power supply other than strips with individual switches on the outlets. I'm old and not really into tech but the hydros is interesting but I can't justify it so it would be more a toy than a necessity for me. They can be a necessity for someone who is away from home a lot but I'm retired and don't travel.
Your LFS is making money off of everything they can talk you into, just saying.

Thank you. Yes I agree with the LFS they want me to buy everything under the sun. Even when I said I want to learn on my own they were trying to get me to buy a weekly maintenance plan. Thanks for the honesty.

BryanM · Apr 17, 2025

CaptJeff220 said:
I am new to the hobby and have been going to a lot of LFS only to be scratching my head on power management and controllers. I was recommended a LFS that does installs and maintenance and took there lead but have found myself buying more and more and being told now that i need power management and controllers. My LFS that has been setting everything up for me wants me to by a Hydros system including the Kraken to clean up all the power bricks. I wanted to get some more opinions and now I am really confused. Some people are saying use the APEX some GHL and few saying Hydros. That being said I only have a 65g EXT with Sump, Reef Flare Pro Lights, Octo Protein Skimmer, SDC6 Pump, auto aqua ATO and a Helio 200w heater which was all sold to me by the referred LFS. Just looking for some help and insight.

KISS is great, but I would not survive well without automation.... Don't NEED it, but it certainly makes my reefing life better.