Reefers not using a controller...

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

Originally Posted by 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..

Yup so is mine. Never leaves 8.2-8.5 but I like the fact that it will warn me if it does (alarm), or that if my tank ever overheats, it will warn me and start shutting off lights one at a time. Like that it turns my fans on and off and keeps the temperature right at 79-80.5, I like that turns some of my powerheads off at night. I like that it turns my pumps off at feeding time and if I forget to turn them back on it does it for me...and on and on.

IMO they are well worth the money and I still can't imagine not using one.

[Mrfish55]

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.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by GreenSpottedPuffer

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.

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!

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

Originally Posted by Mrfish55

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.

Ok, thanks. I did rinse it out with RO water but I will do that too.

[moldrik]

Grats on getting it working again. Good to hear that something turned out ok.

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

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!

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

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.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by GreenSpottedPuffer

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

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.

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.

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

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.

Your right fair enough...I probably took that the wrong way. Its been a long day.

[don.ald]

what brand of controller?

Originally Posted by 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?