Controller options

That New Guy · 08/12/2019, 10:00 AM

Good day! I'm looking at a controller for a new frag tank. I was going to just get the Reef Keeper but it looks entirely discontinued.

From an entire weekend of research it appears my options are an Apex or GLH, which are both quite expensive and robust for my needs. Does anyone have advice on any other options?

Thanks!

mcgyvr · 08/12/2019, 10:12 AM

ReefAngel

What do you want it to do?
Many lights/pumps,etc.. already have their own controllers..
There are also simple wifi powerstrips now that can automate things if thats all you need..

Often times salinity/ph sensors aren't that useful..

Vinny Kreyling · 08/12/2019, 10:14 AM

I know nothing about this model but ----

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2698387

That New Guy · 08/12/2019, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

ReefAngel

What do you want it to do?
Many lights/pumps,etc.. already have their own controllers..
There are also simple wifi powerstrips now that can automate things if thats all you need..

Often times salinity/ph sensors aren't that useful..

Mostly a wifi / communication device to let me know if things become catastrophically bad; like temp hits 80 degrees, or pH hits 6, etc. The main thing I'd like to actually monitor are temp, pH for swings, and probably salinity since it's attached to a 50 gallon ATO reservoir that could prove to be a problem easily if a pump gets stuck.

mcgyvr · 08/12/2019, 02:29 PM

Get a ranco temp controller..
Accept that monitoring pH is basically useless..
And utilize an ATO with max run time function and/or an extra "too high" float sensor.. (think most have that already)

No need for a controller

.. Saved you a ton..

cvrle1 · 08/12/2019, 02:53 PM

As mcgyvr pointed out, there are ways of going about without controller. If you absolutely want to have one, and have the know-how, look into reef-pi project. It is a controller made using Raspberry Pi and can do a lot of things you mentioned. You need to build it yourself, so if you never played with Pi, then maybe it is not the best idea however.

saf1 · 08/16/2019, 07:51 PM

I'm biased towards the Apex and Reef Angel. Reef Angel for open source and more affordable entry point. Some of the custom libraries people developed are far superior to anything Neptune or GHL can do believe it or not. Geo locations, truly random storms and lightning effects, various tidal simulations (high and low tides), etc. May sound like a useless feature to this day on my Apex I wish I had such a custom library

Over the counter shrink wrap and if you live in the US the Neptune Apex is pretty much the standard. Similar to Cisco in networking the Apex has just about every option covered. You will pay a premium but it is there if you so choose.

Also over the counter but not as widely carried is GHL. Never used one but did consider it. Nice form factor, prettier to look at compared to the other two. I'm sure it works and well but I can't say much because I've not really used one.

There is of course DIY like the Reef Pi's out there if you choose. In any case there you have it. Cheaper entry point Reef Angel if you have coding skills or want to learn. Closed system Neptune or GHL.

Best of luck.

tmnails · 08/16/2019, 08:11 PM

Definitely interested. I'm not to the point of buying a controller yet, but I think I'd have the same basic needs as you when I'm in the market. Let us know what you land on!

08/12/2019, 10:00 AM	#1
That New Guy Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 57	Controller options Good day! I'm looking at a controller for a new frag tank. I was going to just get the Reef Keeper but it looks entirely discontinued. From an entire weekend of research it appears my options are an Apex or GLH, which are both quite expensive and robust for my needs. Does anyone have advice on any other options? Thanks!

08/12/2019, 10:12 AM	#2
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	ReefAngel What do you want it to do? Many lights/pumps,etc.. already have their own controllers.. There are also simple wifi powerstrips now that can automate things if thats all you need.. Often times salinity/ph sensors aren't that useful.. __________________ Who me?

08/12/2019, 10:14 AM	#3
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	I know nothing about this model but ---- http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2698387 __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

08/12/2019, 02:29 PM	#5
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	Get a ranco temp controller.. Accept that monitoring pH is basically useless.. And utilize an ATO with max run time function and/or an extra "too high" float sensor.. (think most have that already) No need for a controller .. Saved you a ton.. __________________ Who me?

08/16/2019, 07:51 PM	#7
saf1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: California Posts: 2,259	I'm biased towards the Apex and Reef Angel. Reef Angel for open source and more affordable entry point. Some of the custom libraries people developed are far superior to anything Neptune or GHL can do believe it or not. Geo locations, truly random storms and lightning effects, various tidal simulations (high and low tides), etc. May sound like a useless feature to this day on my Apex I wish I had such a custom library Over the counter shrink wrap and if you live in the US the Neptune Apex is pretty much the standard. Similar to Cisco in networking the Apex has just about every option covered. You will pay a premium but it is there if you so choose. Also over the counter but not as widely carried is GHL. Never used one but did consider it. Nice form factor, prettier to look at compared to the other two. I'm sure it works and well but I can't say much because I've not really used one. There is of course DIY like the Reef Pi's out there if you choose. In any case there you have it. Cheaper entry point Reef Angel if you have coding skills or want to learn. Closed system Neptune or GHL. Best of luck. __________________ -saf1 Current Tank Info: 210 gallon mixed reef

08/12/2019, 02:53 PM	#6
cvrle1 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Surrey, BC Posts: 454	As mcgyvr pointed out, there are ways of going about without controller. If you absolutely want to have one, and have the know-how, look into reef-pi project. It is a controller made using Raspberry Pi and can do a lot of things you mentioned. You need to build it yourself, so if you never played with Pi, then maybe it is not the best idea however.

08/16/2019, 08:11 PM	#8
tmnails Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 25	Definitely interested. I'm not to the point of buying a controller yet, but I think I'd have the same basic needs as you when I'm in the market. Let us know what you land on!