Question for all of you that have or SELL controller's

[The Grizz]

I am planning on getting a controller for the 8'er and have a few questions because I can't find the answer any where else.

I want a controller that can control / monitor my sump cooling fan and heater (that has never even been plugged in) and ph.

My question is this, is there a unit that can do the above and monitor your salinity as well? And the heck is ORP?

[untamed]

Without listing specific controllers, the things you are looking to do seem very easy for most controllers

[The Grizz]

Ok I am looking into an APEX but cant find any info that it can monitor salinity.

[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 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.

[kien]

Originally Posted by The Grizz

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

I run a Profilux with all the bells and whistles. Very flexible powerful and automates my entire system but if I were in the market for a new controller I would not buy it again. With all that flexibility comes complexity and it has been a huge headache to get set up. I try not to touch it because I fear it. Seriously, it is brutal to use. I would probably buy one of the other two instead.

[kien]

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.

See, this is where you have to do your research because in fact, the ReefKeeper Lite if purchased by itself CAN NOT do what you are asking because it does not include all the various probes. So if you just went and ordered a Reef Keeper Lite you'd get:

ReefKeeper Lite Basic ($99.99)
1 x RKL Head Unit
1 x PC4 - Power Controller 4
1 x DA iTemp Temperature Probe
1 x SID - System Interface Device
1 x Programming Coupler
4 x Mounting Screws

Again, all the main controllers have the capability to do everything you want it to do but you have to research what extra probes, packages, costs you'll have to apply. Or figure out if the vendor has a package that already includes or mostly includes everything you're looking for.

[kien]

Originally Posted by The Grizz

Ok I am looking into an APEX but cant find any info that it can monitor salinity.

For many of these controllers salinity is also measured in and referred to as conductivity.

http://www.marinedepot.com/Neptune_S...TEMOAC-vi.html

[The Grizz]

Originally Posted by kien

For many of these controllers salinity is also measured in and referred to as conductivity.

http://www.marinedepot.com/Neptune_S...TEMOAC-vi.html

Boy I feel like a dumb ass now, I knew that but it took you to say it for it to click in my run down, dog tired gray matter. Thanks again Kien.

[kien]

Originally Posted by The Grizz

Boy I feel like a dumb ass now, I knew that but it took you to say it for it to click in my run down, dog tired gray matter. Thanks again Kien.

Well, unlike you I DID NOT know that until I actually tried to buy one myself