Controllers????

[TriMax]

I know that I have heard several times in club meetings that someone in the club is totally sold on using controllers. I cannot remember who it is (although I think it is Garry). Others that do not use controllers – why not?
If you do -- why?
I am looking at the Reefkeeper that Bulk Reef Supply sells. Does anyone know anything about them?
I guess, after reading my post, I am referring to all-in-one controllers.:bigsmile:
Thanks

 

[macclellan]

You don't have to post every thread in both of our forums.
Answered at the other, but here's the c&p:

What ReefKeeper are you looking at? The Elite? Take a look at the AC's Neptune; same base price and includes internet ($100+ extra on RKE).

I think the only reason not to use a controller is $, or if you don't care if stuff dies. Look at the price of pH controllers, temp controllers, and getting an "All in One" is a no-brainer.

I've got the ReefKeeper 2 (older/discontinued)...controls 8 outlets, prevents TOD from heaters getting stuck on, pH probe/controllable outlets, keeps my MH off for 15 mins if the power goes out so it will actually come back after a temporary outage and not ruin the bulb, works as a wavemaker (great), sends me a text if something is out of whack. Not as fully featured as the RK Elite or Aquacontroller Neptune, but is perfect for my needs.

Oh, and there is something to the 'cool factor' of a blue LED display.
Sexay, ay (bottom of pic)?

 

[goreefer]

I'm really sold on controllers. After my house was struck by lightning I again reviewed what was out there. I purchased another Aqua Controller Jr. I was tempted to buy an Apex, but my system just didn't justify one.
What do I control? Well besides the lights, which I did for decades with a timer, I can control when my ATO refills the system, when I feed, what the pH is, what the temp is(by the way it stays with in one half of a degree), what the pumps do when I feed and many more things.
The reason that I went to a controller is that I had heaters stick, not just once, but three times. I looked at Ranco controllers, but they weren't that much less than a controller. I lost much more in dollars than what the controller costs.
I do not use a controller that is on the web, but I use a free program that allows me to access my computer from the web.
I will never have another tank without a controller, period...

 

[DaveMorris]

Another real good reason to get a controller is consistancy. We all battle with water quality and varius parameters being kept in check. A controller can be set up to always dose the exact amount you want at the exact time you want. Be honest, when you are dosing by hand, every now and then you will skip a day, accidently drop in too much or too little, etc. A doser/controller set up will eliminate that.

Also, with the cost of controllers being what they are, it is too cheap to not have one. The RKE was just dropped in price by $100. The competition between Neptune and Digital Aquatics will result in better stuff at a better price for all of us.

 

[goreefer]

Eddie,
So have we convinced you?

 

[TriMax]

Yea, You guys have convinced my. Now I just need to have a telethon, cake/bake sale, 5K run or some way to get the big $$$$$. Everything about this addiction cost many $$. Did you folks write that down. It was a bit of wisdom that you probably didn't know. :wink:

Of course losing several corals due to a runaway heater could cost lots of $$ too. :squigglemouth:

Thanks for the replies!!!!

 

[copper]

So, now that I'm also convinced... what all exactly do I need to buy besides the controller? I assume to use it to add a 2 part there must be some kind of hideously overpriced pumps and probes involved???

 

[macclellan]

Yep, dosing pumps for 2-part are not cheap. Most decent controllers come with pH probes, and you can use that to trigger dosing, or just have the pumps/controller deliver a set amount and adjust accordingly in small increments. You could switch over to kalkwasser and get by with 1 pump instead of 2...

I'm looking into using Tom's Aqualifters instead of proper dosing pumps since they are so cheap... and may end up doing two top off reservoirs with diluted two part and two sets of switches... but that seems inelegant. hmm

 

[ct_vol]

CR is going to start carrying DA products...

Janie~ You can use the controller to "control" anything... As far as Calcium supplementation, I use it to control my CO2 regulator for my Calcium Reactor. You can use it to dose 2 part as well...

Joel~ The problem with using Aqualifters is that they clog, and are inconsistent. There is a reason people use precision pumps when adding 2 part. An extra mL here and there can be the demise of your tank. Gangsta GPhi can attest to that...

 

[DaveMorris]

The Reefkeeper Lite, or RKL, is only $99. It is a great place to start from. Fully upgradeable as your needs and cash flow dictate.

 

[ct_vol]

It should be noted that the RKL is only capable of accomodating 4 modules... It is fine for most people's needs... I am currently using 6 on my main system and could use a few more, so I have the RKE for that one...

 

[DaveMorris]

Also of note is the upcoming release of the RKM-RD1 (Remote display for $69) and the RKM-TPC (Tunze powerhead controller, price unpublished). The Tunze control module will control up to 4 Tunze pumps. No word yet on when either module will be released, but they are coming soon.