Originally Posted by Aquattro (Post 376366)

I just can't see checking pH ten times a day. That would last for about a day, then I'd feel I wasted money on a silly controller when I ould have bought more corals!
In 2004 I had a full time pH meter. Every day it said somewhere between 7.9 an 8.4. yup, right where I want it. If pH gets too far out of this range, you're going to know it by your corals behaviour.
Temp, same thing. Set your good quality heaters, check them monthly to ensure they're working, temp is going to stay stable.

Originally Posted by JDigital (Post 376370)

I quit testing pH after 4-5 tank setups in this house... it has always been 8.3 on the button every test.. haha..

Originally Posted by GreenSpottedPuffer (Post 376371)

Thats where your wrong. If you have a controller its simple to check all the time. Its just habit. I see it from my couch. I don't purposely walk over and check it.

Originally Posted by Mrfish55 (Post 376376)

If it fell into saltwater you should dissasemble it and spray the circuits with a moisture inhibitor,circuit protector (available at electronics stores) or it will not stay working for long as there will be residual salts left on the board that will eat at it over time. I use the stuff at work on all electronics that are exposed to moisture and it makes a huge difference.

Originally Posted by Aquattro (Post 376378)

My point is it's probably always the same. So why check? A healthy tank with happy corals always has proper pH. I see my corals from the couch, more enjoyable, to me, than a controller :)
Some people like the technology though, so fill yer boots!

Originally Posted by GreenSpottedPuffer (Post 376382)

Sure...cause I sit and watch the controller and not the corals :rolleyes:

I am not big into technology...I got my first computer about only about 4.5 or 5 years ago ;) Just like having the controller to make things easier. As I said, its not just for everyday stuff. I like that I would know right away if anything were wrong or starting to go wrong.

Originally Posted by Aquattro (Post 376384)

I'm not sayin' that you watch your controller more than corals, c'mon. I'm just saying it's really easy to run a tank without all the gadgets. Everyone does things differently, I personally couldn't fathom spending money on a controller, not saying it's bad or anything, just a matter of what's important to you. You stated that you couldn't imagine not using one, so I spoke up and said it's easy not to. That's all.

Originally Posted by GreenSpottedPuffer (Post 376348)

How are you doing it???

Mine fell into a bucket of saltwater and is busted. I really can't afford to replace it right now (although I may have to) and the thought of not using one seems scary!

I guess I can get light timers for the lights, have my fans come on with the lights (although I hate that idea...they should come on and off based on temperature, not light times)...

But what about monitoring PH, temperature, ect. ? Do you guys seriously do that like twice daily manually??? I can't imagine doing that! I check my Ph and temperature about 10 times a day on my controller...LOL

Just seems like this is the heart of the system and I have no idea what to do from here.

Any advice?