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

[pecan2phat]

RK2 is more user friendly, sort of idiot proof. You don't need to think about syntaxs or timer names, timer states etc.

But now the RK2 becomes limited without the above functions, so a catch-22.

 

[cali_reef]

Why did the people who own the RK2 purchase that model?

RK2 is more user friendly, sort of idiot proof. You don't need to think about syntaxs or timer names, timer states etc.

But now the RK2 becomes limited without the above functions, so a catch-22.

:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:

 

[Deanos]

:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:

Contribute! :irked:

 

[cali_reef]

Contribute! :irked:

:lol2:

 

[Bob 1000]

This a really good discussion you guys are having and very informative also....

 

[Wes]

what exactly would you want your controller to do for you if the nitrates and phosphates get too high?

 

[Bob 1000]

what exactly would you want your controller to do for you if the nitrates and phosphates get too high?

Just monitor and maybe beep loud when the limit is reached, but dose a and b as needed, and have at least a timer that I could hook up to another doser...

 

[Wes]

a safer way is to just use dosing pump for your A + B and dose just enough to keep your Ca/Alk steady. Dosing according to what a probe is telling your controller could be catastrophic if the probe goes bad for some reason and dumps a buttload of 2-part in your tank. Too risky imo. The best bet is to get a doser and when you get it dialed in right, you can test alk/ca once a week and adjust accordingly.

 

[Bob 1000]

Funny that you said that because I've had a doser sitting around for some time now and just decided to use it an hour ago I'm dosing Kalkwasser....I just have it going right now don't have it on a timer yet...Still waiting for it to start dripping out some liquid though so I can time how long it takes to empty out a half gallon bottle of Kalk first....

 

[boozeman]

:groupflip

 

[kimoyo]

A sensor that can monitor nitrates and phosphates now that would be a gem to me, I'm tired of watching those.

Are there monitors that can do this?

I wouldn't worry about testing for phosphates. The only thing a test can tell you is how bad your doing, not how good your doing. They don't test for organic phosphates which is most important.

And for nitrates, I wouldn't worry about testing them that often after your tank has cycled, if your corals look good then once in a while would be fine.

But I don't think constant monitoring will help.

Also, I agree with Wes, set your alk/calc steady and just adjust. I will sometimes set my controller to shut off alk/calc dosing if my pH goes really really high.

 

[jgiordano]

I have a Premium Aquatics Lighthouse controller and love it. Not as flexible but for the price it is great!

 

[Bob 1000]

yesterday I dosed 1 teaspoon to half a gallon of ro used the whole thing... Today I tested cal and alk and somthing is wrong alk 3.20, cal 380, ph 8.0......Is this okay and how can I get cal up without lowering my alk???

 

[Bob 1000]

Okay I'm ready to purchase a controller that will turn on a fan if temp goes higher than a specified number,monitor temp, ph, and salinity...which will also not cost to much but work well..
Any suggestions or maybe your selling yours...If so pm me..

 

[herman]

unbiased **** talking mod in da house :fight2:

Looking at all the stuff you have posted the recommendation for you is the RK2. It will turn everything on and off it will tell yo the temp and ph. But thats it. For salinity use your trusted refractometer. that is the reasonable and least expensive option. Plus the blue screen looks cool

It money aint an issue and you want a controller that will do everything short of cooking for you then the GHL Profilux is your best bet. Its a modular system that is expandable. Along with all the other stuff ranging from temp to storm & lightning simulator they are currently developing the Ca monitor as well as Nitrate monitor.

If money aint an issue and you like slick looks the Elos Biotopus is the ****!

Word from the wise: Calcium probes and Conductivity probes are not as reliable as people think. Ca probes downright suck and they are expensive as all hell (as much as the RK2) Use a refractometer and your saliferst Ca & Alk tests!!!

HTH,
Herman

 

[pecan2phat]

Because you want to monitor salinity (conductivity), you just bumped the stakes to an AC Pro instead of an AC Jr. Difference is about $600

Take it from me or Herm, conductivity probes are not reliable. They need to be calibrated almost every month.

 

[Bob 1000]

What can I hook up a pinpoint calcium monitor to??? Going to purchase a monitor this evening if these people check their pm's or even go on line...

 

[jhale]

the pinpoint is just a monitor, I'm pretty sure you can't hook it up to do anything.

 

[Bob 1000]

Oh man, that sucks..So I'll have to find a controller with probes...

 

[slowsoaks]

Where did you get the elos controller?