Lots to learn here, will definitely be keeping up with your build

So I have been hitting my head all throughout the day to see whether or not I should get a controller for my tank. Here are my thoughts:

Apex:
Too darn expensive for my taste and for what I will get. A jr costs $305 with which I will need to add another $127 for VDM to be able to control the kessil. Alongside, I will have to buy an ATO separately ($130). So, for light control, temperature control and ATO, I am in $562.

Reefkeeper lite:
A basic unit will cost me $170 and the LED control unit will be $100. The ATO switch will cost me $50 and the expansion unit to connect the ATO will cost $120. So all in, its $440.

Reefangel:
This is probably the only controller that includes all the units that I need (ATO, 1-10v dimming, 8 outlets, etc.) but with the crazy conversion rate right now, the total is coming out to $550. Still a deal when considering Apex but this is too much.

For me, there are two main reasons for looking into a controller:
1. Heater control (the MOST important reason)
2. LED control (a luxury I don't need but why not!)

So I have decided to go to a very elementary approach. Here are the equipment that I will have and how they will be controlled:

1. Skimmer: it is going to be on 24-7 so I will have this connected to an outlet 24-7.
2. Pump in the return compartment: it is going to be on 24-7 too so direct connection to an outlet 24-7.
3. Wavemaker: RW-04 will be connected through a timer outlet; I don't want to rely on the night mode sensor.
4. ATO: I will be getting tunzi nano. Will be around $130 and includes pump. Thought about getting hydor but the 1cm difference between the two probes might not be great for such a small tank. The ATO will be connected to power outlet directly and for 24-7
5. Light: I will get a spectra controller ($130) for the kessil.
6. Heater: Will get a jager 50W and connect it to Jonson Tempeature controller. This is an industrial controller and not hobby grade so much more reliable. And cheap. Around $70.

So with the required controls, I am spending $330. Not getting all the fancy stuffs but I am also leaving more money in my pocket :D

I run the Hydor with a Toms Aqualifter. Flawless after 1 year. Would cost you about the same. Just a thought

Thanks. I have thought about that combo initially but the fact that hydor doesn't kick in until the water level changes about 1/2" makes me skeptical about more salinity swings than I would want. Hence I am sticking to tunzi nano.

Have you thought about a profilux as a controller?
It will do anything you want it too.
I've found tan you can usually find one used for a very good price.
Just a thought.

I would love to get a profilux! :biggrin: But until I find one used, I will have to stick to regular control. Thanks for the idea :mrgreen:

What the min and max height on the Tunze? Just noticed the Tunze has optical too never knew that as all I ever noticed in the pics was the float switch, carry on :) and good price

I am getting the nano one which only has the float switch, the optical sensor is only available for the bigger one. There is no min max height for the float switches, just switch touching and not touching. Not sure about the optical sensor though but I think it is about the same as float switches.

Pick this baby up today :)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/695/2...4d23204c_c.jpg2015-12-22 16.54.29 by M Raied Hasan, on Flickr

And the thing was broken during shipping:

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5744/...49b25a17_c.jpg2015-12-22 16.54.52 by M Raied Hasan, on Flickr
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/780/2...537a1aeb_c.jpg2015-12-22 16.55.12 by M Raied Hasan, on Flickr

But the package inside was sealed so no damage to the salt itself. Talked to amazon and they refunded 20% so win win :mrgreen:

The lid is probably the worst one. No one does lid better than Salinity and I missed my Salinity bucket while "struggling" to open this one.

But there were nice stuffs inside:

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5622/...7b6ec274_c.jpg2015-12-22 16.55.44 by M Raied Hasan, on Flickr
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5641/...b15558d9_c.jpg2015-12-22 16.55.58 by M Raied Hasan, on Flickr
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/641/2...549819f7_c.jpg2015-12-22 17.33.50 by M Raied Hasan, on Flickr

Should have purchased their reef salt instead of probiotic reef salt (half the price and even their guideline suggests to use regular reef salt for none-SPS dominant tanks) but well, I am not expecting any harm.

I didn't open the salt yet since I am not when I will be able to start the tank but I can feel that there is a measuring cup inside :biggrin:

Here's what I got for boxing day:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1587/...8e4118a0_c.jpg2015-12-26 13.40.24 by M Raied Hasan, on Flickr

And the things that are on its way:

1. The tank (almost ready)
2. Skimmer: aquamaxx ws-1 is on its way
3. Kessil: a160we + goose neck + controller on its way
4. Return pump: ehime compact 1000; haven't picked it up yet
5. Live rock: getting Walt Smith ocean cured rock from Tim
6. RODI unit: this one is kinda ****ing me off; was suppose to be shipped on 11th Dec but now the date has changed to 28th Dec; hopefully there won't be any further delay.