Should more reefers be using a controller?

[Grog]

This year my goal was to get my water parameters dialed in and stable and set my dosing program up. That quest is 90% complete.

Next year my reefing goal is to add some level of automation, data collection, and remote control. I've been in and out of the hobby for 20+ years and never had any automation other than an ATO and timers on lights. My data collection is my recording of tests in an Excel spreadsheet.

I like to tinker. I see this as a fun project. Next year I'll very likely add Robo Tank modules (Reef Pi) to my system. The plan is to have automated monitoring of temp, ph, salinity, etc. as Phase I. I want a charting display on the tank so I can peek at these values any time, and remotely when I'm travelling. Maybe even a fan I can kick on remotely. My current plan is to put a small Android phablet on the canopy as a display for the Robo Tank data.

During Phase II, I may work on some automation of the ATO, like automatic refill of the ATO reservoir and double-checks to make sure the ATO isn't running too long etc. Also, Phase II I want some control over my GFO reactor, maybe a timer. Dunno yet but I do know that I don't need a reactor running 24/7 and I'd like it to kick on and off as needed or scheduled.

Phase III I want to do some sort of automated salt mixing and water changing. Maybe some DC pump additions for flow, so I can remove the Hygger powerheads and gyres.

Does anyone NEED this? Probably not. Should I do this? No. But I WANT to do it and find the project fun.

 

[Subsea]

This year my goal was to get my water parameters dialed in and stable and set my dosing program up. That quest is 90% complete.

Next year my reefing goal is to add some level of automation, data collection, and remote control. I've been in and out of the hobby for 20+ years and never had any automation other than an ATO and timers on lights. My data collection is my recording of tests in an Excel spreadsheet.

I like to tinker. I see this as a fun project. Next year I'll very likely add Robo Tank modules (Reef Pi) to my system. The plan is to have automated monitoring of temp, ph, salinity, etc. as Phase I. I want a charting display on the tank so I can peek at these values any time, and remotely when I'm travelling. Maybe even a fan I can kick on remotely. My current plan is to put a small Android phablet on the canopy as a display for the Robo Tank data.

During Phase II, I may work on some automation of the ATO, like automatic refill of the ATO reservoir and double-checks to make sure the ATO isn't running too long etc. Also, Phase II I want some control over my GFO reactor, maybe a timer. Dunno yet but I do know that I don't need a reactor running 24/7 and I'd like it to kick on and off as needed or scheduled.

Phase III I want to do some sort of automated salt mixing and water changing. Maybe some DC pump additions for flow, so I can remove the Hygger powerheads and gyres.

Does anyone NEED this? Probably not. Should I do this? No. But I WANT to do it and find the project fun.

Grog,
Because you know the biology and the technology, you are more than qualified to use automation properly.

“Are they something reefers rely too much on?“

My issue with the thread is the implication that automation solves everything. The simplication that husbandry is accomplished with equipment overlooks the importance of biology in maintaining livestock under your care.

“Does anyone NEED this? Probably not. Should I do this? No. But I WANT to do it and find the project fun.”

Thank you for the disclaimer.

 

[The Ugly Phase]

im tempted by GHL but not sure i need 1 as i am always in the house i have been looking into the ION director without the controller tho

 

[Grog]

My issue with the thread is the implication that automation solves everything. The simplication that husbandry is accomplished with equipment overlooks the importance of biology in maintaining livestock under your care.

I'm going to simple here. My Phase I is strictly improved data collection and reporting. This will have minimal impact on the tank and not really control anything. Sure, you cannot measure anything without effecting it. I get that mantra, but the impact of a few probes is miniscule, and that is my phase one.

Honestly, I don't know how much my temp changes during the day. What is the max? What is the minimum? IDK but I do want to know. I can with 100% certainty tell everyone that I'm not going to wake up at 4:00 AM to test it. I only get up at 4:00 AM for fishing trips and cheap airfare.

 

[blkcoral]

I started with several BioCube32s. I manually dosed. Then I auto dosed with a AquaVitro via a phone app. I now have two 50 gallon tanks. I have a Launch on one and Launch/Apex (with Trident) on the second. I do bi-weekly WCs. So I really do not need to dose alk/cal/mag. I do manually dose trace elements. I test alk/nitrates/phosphates weekly and usually ok. Only equipment failure I had was a heater that failed and was cooking the tank. So an Inkbird fixed that. So as long as I continue to do bi-weekly WCs I probably do not need the controllers. But I have plenty of free time so they keep me busy. Ironic that a controller consumes time versus saving time in my situation!

 

[Matt L]

A controller takes place of time. If you have little time and a high demand tank, get a controller. If you are home all day or have a non demanding tank, it probably won’t gain you much. If money is no object, get the controller and see for yourself.