Advice before I drop 550 dollars...

[danielll]

I am going to do a reef controller. I travel alot, and I want to be able to monitor my tank remotely so my wife doesn't have to stress it some much.

What I want it to do:
Remote access
ATO
PH
Salinity
Temp

And some fail safes like if the top off runs for more than five seconds, it should kill it, and send an alert.

-----
I can code, so I decided the reef angel is probably best. Problem is I am looking at a considerable amount of money for what to me seems pretty light
I was planning on the RA Plus controller, Salinity module, and wifi adapter. That should do everything I want to do, but my question is am I missing anything? Any brand do what I want and options which may be important.

Thanks for weighing in.
Also might be in the market for a used one if anyone has one and wants to PM me

Thanks fellas

 

[kirkwood]

I bought a reef angel a couple months ago and love it. One of my best reef purchases. I don't see why you really need the salinity module unless you have a mixing station. With the ATO you are going to have your salinity dialed in.

I don't know how to code but had members write me code that allows me to track the exact number of minutes that my dosing pumps run each day. I also track the cumulative minutes that my ATO pump (aqualifter) runs on my 5 gallon top off reservoir. I know that after the aqualifter has run for 80 minutes that my reservoir needs to be refilled. I was just outta town for 15 days and only had my neighbor stop by 4 times to change my ATO reservoir. Truly a thing of beauty.

 

[ringo®]

I was hesitant to drop the cash on a controller as well. Once I got it setup and saw what it's capable of, I would have been happy with my purchase at twice the price.

Keep in mind that's probably just what you want it to do right now. Once you have it sitting in front of you, your mind will start thinking about what else you can have it do.

As far as what controller, Apex is the only one I know of that has a Android app, that was a big deal for me.

 

[kirkwood]

Ringo®;882170 wrote:
As far as what controller, Apex is the only one I know of that has a Android app, that was a big deal for me.

I run the Reef Angel on an adroid App.

 

[danielll]

Hi, thanks for the responses. I am wanting to monitor salinity when I am not at home. Just something important to know about.

 

[ringo®]

I meant between the big 2 (RK and Apex). The Reef Angel looked really cool, but I think it required more knowhow than I have......maybe it doesn't, I couldn't find much on it.

Edit:

Kirkwood;882171 wrote: I run the Reef Angel on an adroid App.

Out of curiosity though, is the App made by a 3rd party?

 

[danielll]

Oh knowhow isn't really a problem, I am sure I can code for it just fine. I was just wondering if I could go cheaper

Edit: I think RA being open source, all development is by third party?

 

[ringo®]

Danielll;882178 wrote: Oh knowhow isn't really a problem, I am sure I can code for it just fine.

Don't say that too loud or you'll get an inbox full of port forwarding questions.

 

[elfloyd]

Danielll;882158 wrote: And some fail safes...

Don't under estimate the value of fail safes... save a few fish and the controller is paid for.

 

[danielll]

elFloyd, a fellow Shellback Hooya

 

[elfloyd]

Danielll;882204 wrote: elFloyd, a fellow Shellback Hooya

Our ranks are few among many land lovers and a scattering of pollywogs.

 

[sn4k33y3z]

I see two of you have traveled over certain parts of the equater!

 

[danielll]

Yeah.. strange day for sure, but lots of fun

 

[thanhreef]

I am in the same boat and It's time to invest $ for the controller. After long research. I like the Apex controller and a lot of people here have Apex too. So, it's easy to get help if there are any issues. Below are what I am going to order:

<ul>
<li>Neptune Systems Apex Aquarium Controller with Lab Grade pH Probe</li>
<li>Neptune Systems WXM Vortech Wireless Expansion Module</li>
<li>Neptune Systems Variable Speed Dimming Module VDM</li>
</ul>

 

[cedzaquaddiction]

+1 for Neptune Apex. It paid for itself out of the box for me by replacing the loads of timers, surge protectors, extension chords, and remote controls that I had muttled together trying to automate and monitor my tank...

It also enabled me to buy cheaper LED's that could be controlled by the apex instead of internally programmable LED's. I believe I saved $350.00 in LED's alone...

 

[danielll]

Thanks for the advice, but I have to put my controller plans on hold as tires plus just used the wrong transmission fluid in my car, and I think I am going to have replace the transmission. :|

 

[ichthyoid]

Danielll;883389 wrote: Thanks for the advice, but I have to put my controller plans on hold as tires plus just used the wrong transmission fluid in my car, and I think I am going to have replace the transmission. :|

Auto repair places carry insurance to cover things like that (yes, even incompetence).

I would go to them with your receipt, and give them a chance to make it right (take along a witness too, not related to you).

If they don't do the right thing, I'd go straight to a lawyer. You have 2 years to make a claim in court, I believe.

Most attorneys will give you a consultation either for free, or possibly $100-200. A good investment on a $2,000 tranny, I think.

Most reputable businesses don't want the negative publicity of lawsuits, etc. Two grand is small change in the big picture, to them.

My $0.02

 

[danielll]

Thank you Ich, They just got the correct fluid, and are looking into it right now. If it swings that way, I would love the contact information for your attorney.