[The Grizz]

Originally Posted by kien

Pretty much all of the main controllers (GHL Profilux, Digital Aquatics ReefKeeper, Neptune Systems AquaControllers) will do everything you want them to do. What you have to do is decide first which vendor you'd like to go with. Do a little review research, talk to people on the forums who have the various controllers and decide which one you'd like to invest in. Then, once you have picked one, figure out which sub packages you need to order to achieve your goals.

For example, with the Profilux you can buy a base unit which just does simple temp monitoring and controlling with a temp probe. Then you can add on probes and controllable sockets and fans and lights a la cart. Or, you can buy the Profilux Plus EX II pro Super Duper Awesome Comes With Everything package which will include all of the above, minus extra LED lights fans, etc.

The other vendors are more or less the same approach. Buy a "Simple/Getting started" base package and then add on various probes and gadgets, or buy the Full Blown Super Package that has mostly everything.

So, the bottom line is, they will all do what you've listed, you just have to figure out which platform you think you might like better. That is, once you've added up the total cost of all the various pieces to do everything you want the controller to do, one vendor my come out cheaper than the other, etc.

PS. There are other controllers but those are the big 3. In my opinion if you want best overall support I would stick with those three.

Thanks Kien, I have been checking out different controllers. Do you have a controller? What brand.

Originally Posted by mattdean

Check out a Digital Aquatics Reefkeeper Lite or reefkeeper Lite PLUS. It can do all that and more at a very reasonable price. I am very happy with mine.

As for monitoring salinity, it can do that, but why do you need to watch it constantly? A refractometer is easy and fast. Salinity doesn't change often, unless you are topping off manually, or don't measure your salt water for changes.

The main reason the I want to monitor salinity is that I can get so busy at time's( like the last month 0 days off and about the same for down time) that my misses helps to keep tank going but does not really understand it.