The best controller....and why???

[Bob 1000]

I'm thinking of getting a controller but don't have a clue as to what these things can really do....
I would like something that can monitor calcium and alk, ph, temp and turn the pumps, and heaters connected to these various things off and on...

Is their something out there????

Do you own this controller???

How much will cost to run and maintain this piece of equipment???

Thanks
Gonereefandgettinglazy and tiredoffamilywatchingmytank........
:banghead::banghead::yo:

 

[Deanos]

AquariumControllers

Check the Comparison Chart

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Controller opinions are very biased. I have 2 Reefkeeper 2's and think they are great. Others have the aquacontrollers and think they are the best. You should check out the comparison chart dean posted very carefully and see if that helps you make your decision.

 

[Bob 1000]

Thanks reading now...

 

[Bob 1000]

It seems that none of the controllers have calcium probes or controllers...The things that I want a controller to do they don't really do I guess..But then again I just skimmed through the list and capabilities....Still reading though..

Is there a way to hook up a probes to these controllers???

Chief what does your controller do for you??? (Short list please)

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Timer, PH, Temp, Wavemaker, soft start lighting for MH lights when there is a power loss.

 

[Bob 1000]

Oh okay that sounds good...Do you think that it takes a lot of the everyday load off a little??

 

[DevIouS]

Electricty wise?
I would think so, as everything is not running 24/7 (fans, heater)......although probably not enough that you would notice it on your electricity bill.

Everything is more precise having a controller, like my lighting schedule & temp.
With the weather changing so much recently, my tank has been a steady 79 since getting mine.

A basic equipment & easy to use contoller is a RK2 (which is what I have).

 

[Bob 1000]

That sounds good also but there is still nothing out that can do what I need it to do calcium, alk, and maybe nitrates and phosphates...
I was going to get the nitrate probe but Everyone said no it's to new...
My temp has been the same having a temp sensor on my ac...
My calcium and alk and ph would be real good with a controller...
I'm tired of going through salifert test kits the way I do...But I guess I will be doing this for a while with no sensors for the stuff that really counts...

 

[DevIouS]

RK2 monitors your PH as well....


If you want all you levels to be monitored, you have to spend the cash.

Pinpoint has Calcium & Nitrate monitors.
Hanna for Phos.

 

[Bob 1000]

But are there sensors for the calcium that can turn on dosing pumps???
I know about hanna and pinpoint monitors...

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

http://www.aqua-digital.com/Products.asp?SubCatagoryID=396

This is the type of unit you are looking for I guess. But keep in mind the price reflects the functions.

 

[Bob 1000]

Thanks chief this thing is what I was looking for mostly....
Now I just have to find out if they have a mac compatible version or a flip for mac type program that will enable this to be run on my mac...
So the research goes on...
Thank you, very much appreciated.....

 

[kimoyo]

Bob,

There is a reason why the majority of the controllers don't offer a calcium probe. If there was a reliable way to measure it then neptune, reefkeeper, etc. would all offer it. Until then your stuck with test kits.

 

[NYreefNoob]

controller

either rk or the zc have a ph probe which will run a calcium reactor, if you are looking for something to turn a doser on and off cant help you there, but either of the 2 monitors will controll a cal reactor

 

[Bob 1000]

Thanks but I really don't want another reactor....A sensor that can monitor nitrates and phosphates now that would be a gem to me, I'm tired of watching those. Calcium and alk doesn't seem to be a problem I watch that by testing once a week or 2 if I'm feeling lazy that week and have no problems with that... I pride my system on low to no phosphates and nitrates no matter how much I feed and this has been going on for years... I guess I'm still waiting on that one probe with controller...

 

[boozeman]

The information on the Elos Biotopus in that chart is a bit outdated.
hardware updates include a colorimeter and firmware updates a tunze wave control function

 

[strendo]

One of the best parts of having a controller is being able to have thing automatically shut off-like your lights if the temp gets too hot-and your heaters if they malfunction. Just that feature makes them indispensable imo.

 

[bigyankfan]

I used the comparison chart to compare the RK2 and ACJr, and for about the same price, the ACJr seems to do much more. Why did the people who own the RK2 purchase that model? Is there some benefit that cannot be quantified on a spreadsheet? Better quality, better customer support, etc. Thx.

 

[Deanos]

Why did the people who own the RK2 purchase that model? Is there some benefit that cannot be quantified on a spreadsheet?

There was a group buy about 1 year ago which changed the pricing/shipping costs in the favor of the RK2. :scratch: