Reefers not using a controller...

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

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?

[Aquattro]

My advice, stop worrying. I last checked pH around 2004, temp is good when I touch the glass and the lights are on timers with the fans. Easy.

[Myka]

What he ^ said.

[marie]

I don't have a controller and the last time I checked ph was like... 2 years ago maybe?
Temperature is checked everytime my hands go in the tank so every feeding time I guess. If it feels too warm I put a thermometer in to double check

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

Ok...maybe its possible then

I have had tanks without them of course but it just seems weird now not to use one after doing so for years.

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

WOW! Something went right today! Its working again!

I was sitting in front of the fire with it for the past hour or so and then thought I may as well keep trying...and now it works. I guess it just needed some lovin' after being soaked.

I thought it may be still a little wet and thats why I put it in front of the fire. Seemed to do the trick.

I am relieved.

[my2rotties]

No seriously... I really didn't know there was options other then doing it myself...

More money to spend in my near future

[Aquattro]

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.

[Keri]

Yeah...once you have to actually start doing the tests manually I guarantee you won't be doing them 10x a day lol. I'm glad it's working again for you!!

[JDigital]

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