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06/14/2019, 10:47 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Norwalk, CA
Posts: 87
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aquarium controller
i am looking for a aquarium controller that's not going to cost a arm or a leg needs to do Temp Lights PH and more please help me
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06/15/2019, 08:38 AM | #2 |
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 20,050
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Specifically define "and more"...
You can easily get a standalone heater controller (ranco or inkbird) and simple lamp timers for the lights and be done for under $100.. Or one of the wifi power strips on amazon for like $25-30 instead of the lamp timers.. Unless you have a calcium reactor ph monitoring is rarely useful.. I recommend against a controller for you based on what you have stated so far
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06/15/2019, 09:09 AM | #3 |
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Milton, Vermont
Posts: 560
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I personally think the Apex is great, although pricey. It can grow with you. They sell and ApexEl which retails around $500. NOT CHEAP - but you do get cloud access, power control, ph, temp etc. If you find you need more, you can add modules.
There is a large fan base for it and lots of advice and support if needed. I’ve run them for over 10 years (older line back then) and wouldn’t have a tank without one. Good luck in your search!
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Bill Current Tank Info: 180 gallon Starfire, 3-Radion G1, Tunze with 7091 Controller, 2- ecotech mp40s, MP60, Panworld 250 return pump, TunzeATO, XP2000ss Reef Octopus Skimmer, Theiling rollermat |
06/16/2019, 07:06 PM | #4 |
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Location: Rio de Janeiro
Posts: 394
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I personally use the Apex Jr. It is relatively cheap at $200 and includes 4 outlets and the very reliable temperature probe. My AI Prime, Aquamai Wavemakers and SMART ATO use their own controllers, so I don't need one controller do everything. For me, it controls the return pump, heater and chiller and skimmer. I have a webcam connected to it, so I can see my tank on my cell phone. I also got it setup to use Alexa.
Personally, my pH doesn't vary much other than a water change and there really isn't much I can do if it goes from 8.3 --> 8.5. I have a digital hand-held probe for that along with the salinity so really those 4 outlets are just fine for me. As others have said, it is pretty much the status quo for controllers so there is lots of information for programming stuff. It was a $200 well spent in my opinion. |
06/17/2019, 08:47 PM | #5 |
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Lancaster PA
Posts: 405
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Things i dont use
I have an apex jr. I no longer use. $100.00
A UV sterilizer |
07/20/2019, 06:55 PM | #6 |
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Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 22
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07/22/2019, 12:10 AM | #7 |
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Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 28
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I bought my Reefkeeper two years ago, and until now it works great.
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07/22/2019, 07:17 AM | #8 |
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Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Waukesha , WI
Posts: 4,998
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Well since DA closed their doors the only thing cheap out there I know of is the GHL Profilux mini.
I have not used it but is supposed to be a solid controller. Not really too cheap though in price either but the lowest you will get right now for those features.
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David Polzin |
07/22/2019, 09:24 AM | #9 |
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Location: North Carolina
Posts: 20,050
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http://www.reefangel.com/
"low" cost controller with may of the bells/whistles as the $$$ guys and a fairly simple "hobby control" access
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07/22/2019, 12:59 PM | #10 |
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Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 57
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Apex is the best bet for reliability and cost if you want to control all of that stuff. Question is do you really need to? You can get away with just a timer and temp controller if needed.
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07/22/2019, 04:29 PM | #11 |
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Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 12
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I second the Apex even though it does not necessarily meet you "cheap" requirement. I started out with just the base unit and have added overtime. I now have over 20 modules controlling 3 tanks on a single head unit. The hardware is top notch and the support guys are amazing, they will help you solve anything and the possibilities are endless with apex.
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07/23/2019, 08:50 AM | #12 |
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Lancaster PA
Posts: 405
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APEX jr CONTROLLER
I have an Apex Jr. controller I don’t use. It has been a while and I forgot what I used it for. PM me
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