Should more reefers be using a controller?

[tigre44]

Im tech challenged also i had a problem programing my orphek light. I would like to see a preprogramed system that just covered the basic alk, ca, mg, sal, temp with option to modify parameters.

Wow. That is hardly a basic system. I know of no controllers that measure alkalinity & calcium and apply dosing or other environmental controls.

I’m dreaming I guess I think a bigger problem would be how to add chemicals to adjust without under or over shooting given all the different size tanks we all have

 

[Reef Jedi]

Just throwing this out. I think people would be better off if they learn how to care for a reef tank with out a controller before adding one. Often I see people asking about controllers and they don't even have a tank filled with water yet. To me that's like buying a high performance street rod when you don't even know how to drive yet.

Very well said and I absolutely agree! I reefed for 23 years before I went with an apex. I work a ton of hours and it’s the only way I can see what’s going on when I’m away. When I am home I really enjoy my reef.

 

[gkprevite]

I think controllers are cool. Personally I’m not a big tech guy. I use the controllers that come on the pumps and power heads, I have a single head doser for afr, heck I’m still running annalog timers and t5’s. Keeping things stupid simple has been a strength for me. I’m open to checking one out but i don’t feel the need to with my current setup

 

[Jimbo327]

Way too much money in the glass box to not have a controller.

 

[Koty]

@Katy
After reading your post, I perused some of your threads and read your “meet & greet” post:

“Hello everybody I just started (my tank cycle) about a month ago. I have a 420-lit total aquarium with a sump inc refuge. My aim is a reef tank. New to reefing but not to aquariums (used to grow black water Apistos). I am a scientist in Tel Aviv university Med school and I my field is cell biology. I actually work using fluorescent proteins (from jellyfish). I am fascinated by the challenge of having a modest sample of a reef at home. I also wonder how my strong background will contribute to my experience in reef keeping. this is my tank.”

AND, then I read your signature:

“Academic degree has never prevented anyone from remaining an idiot.“

Not knowing your age, I salute your wisdom and look forward to your future post.

As my signature testifies I had my share of very stupid mistakes from which I hopefully learned. I am 64 years old and since recently started a collaboration with a marine biologist. My reef tank and grandchildren are my points of sanity during the now three years ****storm in my country kidnapped by a bunch corrupt scumbags.
Thank you for the kind words. I feel that I am but a rookie compared to some of the reefing cannons in R2R.
.