Best controller/monitiring system?

[gametrackers]

I am interest in buying a controller in the near future. What is the best buy for the money? I will NOT be running powerheads off of it. I would like one that would control lights and give me good feed back with multiple parameters. I dont need internet access or any useless info. Any ideas also through in some pros and cons please

 

[mapleredta]

You just missed a great price on a group buy!

 

[mojo]

Gametrackers;393975 wrote: I am interest in buying a controller in the near future. What is the best buy for the money? I will NOT be running powerheads off of it. I would like one that would control lights and give me good feed back with multiple parameters. I dont need internet access or any useless info. Any ideas also through in some pros and cons please

Well, it's hard to say, since you say that you don't need any "useless info" - any information is useful to some regard. And while I don't access my controller to monitor anything, I definitely like the ability to get alerts via email or txt message, which requires internet connectivity.

All the controllers do more or less the same thing, but with different strengths and weaknesses. The "good feedback with multiple parameters" to some may be "useless info" to others. You'll need to decide what's important to you before anyone can offer any suggestions.

What's your price point? What are you looking to monitor? What are you looking to control? How complex is your system?

 

[rbredding]

Reef Keeper Light is a pretty good price for a basic system... it's less expensive than most dual stage temperature controllers (which of course it can do)...


I'd say it probably gives the most bang for your buck to someone looking to only control temperature and lights (although it will do a lot more than that)..

with just one upgrade, it will also monitor PH and control a calcium reactor..

 

[snowmansnow]

I'll do a initial neophyte review when I get my RK Lite. It should be here Friday. Very upgradable, just no NET.

B

 

[gametrackers]

What parameters can be monitered by a digital intrument? I dont have power jets. I have a 65 gallon cube with a 55 gallon refugium, 55 gallon filter tank that holds about 25-35 gallons of water, 2 skimmers one with its own pump. It have 2 externals pumps one for return and the other closed loop with a squid. Lighting right now has a 400 watt but will be change to a dual 250 watt with some actenic T5s not sure how much money I want to spend yet just kind of want to get an idea what is out there and want to know which ones are a waste of money.

 

[elfloyd]

I use the AC Jr:
- Monitor temperature.
- Monitor pH
- Timer for my lights (actinic, mh, moon lights, refuguim lights)
- Turn heaters on when tank falls below a certain threshold
- Turn fans on at a certain temperature.
- Sequentially turn lights off when temperature gets too high.
- Send email alerts

I couple this with free software from Neptune to control everything from my PC, manage a data base of water test readings, manage livestock life cycle (when I bought a fish, etc), and to send email alerts when problems develope.

 

[mojo]

Check out http://www.aquariumcontrollers.com/aquarium-equipment-comparisons.php#controllerchart">this page</a>. There's a excel spreadsheet that has every known aquarium controller, it's features, and it's cost.

Based on what you've described, you're probably just looking to monitor pH and temperature - possibly ORP, and control lights and possibly other on/off functions. Based on that, you're probably be best served by a ReefKeeper Lite or Neptune Aquacontroller Jr. If you can find a used ReefKeeper 2, it'd probably be the cheapest option, and suit your needs perfectly.

 

[rbredding]

The ReefKeeper Lite will monitor temperature and switch your lights for less than $100

for another $70 you can get an SL-1 (enables you to add a PH probe)
and $40 for a PH Probe..

for $210 you can do everything you want to do.. (and have the new sleek interface)

 

[tjherman]

AndyMan;394196 wrote: +1 RKLite package

I'd do +1 on RKL but mine is frizzing out majorly right now.

 

[gametrackers]

How are the AC jr

 

[gametrackers]

I am looking at the AC jr but thinking that the AC III would be better to go with because if possibly wanting more after getting it set up. What are X10 devices? What is Redox?

 

[theplatypus]

tjherman;394221 wrote: I'd do +1 on RKL but mine is frizzing out majorly right now.

Seeing things like this makes me cringe since I just picked up a RKL tonight.

 

[weaglereefer]

Had the temp probe on mine go bad after just 3 months. Luckily I was nearby when my RKL started beeping and flashing, or it would have left my fans on for 8 hours straight...

 

[tjherman]

Mine's cutting on and off for a few seconds intermittently throughout the day. Thankfully I've been home and nothing seems worse for wear. I've contacted DA for support.

 

[rbredding]

Gametrackers;394235 wrote: I am looking at the AC jr but thinking that the AC III would be better to go with because if possibly wanting more after getting it set up. What are X10 devices? What is Redox?

Personally, I was a part of the powerbuy and I'm waiting on the Apex to arrive. "patiently"


with the older Neptune systems, the X10 devices are used to "label" an outlet so that it can then be controlled (on at this time or if temperature is above "x", etc.) I'm oversimplifying it, but that is the gist..

I'd recommend going to