Controller Options

[NYLEO]

Looking for an all in one system that is online compatible, like to check tank parameters anywhere I am. Also been looking for a digital refractometer that can tie into any of the systems without any luck. How do you know your salinity is correct, by knowing your water levels are ok and topoff is working?

[mikelaubach]

There are many controllers, and many price ranges. From the simple to the complex, and everywhere in between. This site has a comparison of hte major ones: http://www.aquariumcontrollers.com/

Keep in mind that price goes up as you add features such as outlet strips and probes and controllers.

As for ensuring salinity is correct, that can be tricky, but only as tricky as you want it to be. Most of the probes for such things that I have seen are not designed to be constantly in use, and are really just "point in time" meters that you use to check once a day or once a week. If your top-off system is accurate and failsafe, then there is generally no need to keep a constant watch on the salt level. Do check it at each water change, but knowing the salinity at 2:15 as compared to 2:05 and 2:25 is not as important. If your top-off allows for wild fluctuations in water level in the sump or tank, then you need to fix that instead of monitor the result of a poorly designed system.

The above website should give a start to compare the different controllers and what they have to offer.

Good luck and welcome to CTARS.

[Gillundr]

Depending on the tank size salinity will not move too much. Adjust your salinity to where you want it when you fill the tank. use an ATO or manually top of your tank daily with RO/DI water or every other day and you will be fine.
When you mix water for a change just mix it to the salinity you run your water at. Any fluctuations from evaporation happen so slow things acclimate to them fine.
I guess you could have an issue dumping in a bunch of freshwater at once to do a top off, but I have never experienced a problem with it, even when I was running my 3g pico, I didn't see any problems.
In other words don't worry so much about salinity, there are too many other chemistry things to think about! =)

[danbmx]

If you are looking for a controller the neptune apex is really good. It has internet connectivity, can send you emails, be checked on the web, or on your phone. They also have a conductivity probe for it (i think they are used to check salinity)

[Gobie74]

The Profilux 3 can do all that. It's a great controller.

Currently on mine i have
- 2 pH probes
- salinity probe
- temperature probe
- Redox probe

It controls all my electrical equipment on its PAB power strips ( I have two, so 12 sockets ). I have it controlling my AquaIllumination lights so I get some cool sunrise, sunset, thunderstorm, and cloud cover effects.

I also use their doser which the controller makes dead simple to program.

There is a ethernet port connection which I have connected to a wireless bridge which allows me to connect, with help of a third party web service, to my iPhone so I can monitor the tank from anywhere.

And on Monday they are going to start preorders for the Ecotech Marine Vortech integration parts, which I'll be ordering.

This controller really can do it all.

The one downside is the price, it's probably the most expensive of the controllers out there. But in my opinion worth it.

[scottbythesea]

One Vote for the Neptune series,I own the III and it works awsomely and has WIFI cap. to My I-phone.


Careful what you chose ,research research research....
and keep in mind probes cost bucks and need to be replaced every so often so if your buying a unit and need 5 hundereds in probes......

They work awsome for this hobby so don't rush it. I spent big bucks and wish I spent a few more to get what makes my life/tank so much easier and enjoyable. That is the goal by the way enjoy not enslaved too...

You'll figure that out later.... thats why i say chose wisely.

[cccharliecc]

I used to own the RKL and now have the Apex and IMO there is no comparison.

The programming you can do on the Apex is amazing! Also web access not only to view but to change outlet states (shut on/off) is priceless.

Plus there are many apps for your phone to control the Apex also. I love being able to log in from my phone to view and check on things.

It truely makes things so much easier in this hobby, I automate most everything from heaters, fans, lights, ATO, skimmer, powerheads, etc with it!!!

[jjk_reef00]

I own profilux and love it. I had a RKE but it was junk.