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Reef Controller

S

SlingingBuddha

I'm new to the reef hobby community and I'm reading a lot of positive things about controllers. My question is this, having a 55g tank still adding fish, corals, etc. would it be beneficial for me to purchase this as my tank is in it's infancy still. If so, which controller would you recommend. Price doesn't matter unless its like $6/700. I would rather spend $2/300 on a good one that will last a long time rather than a $50 or $100 that will only last a year. Open to all suggestions, like I said I am new and I'm sure you guys know more than me.
 
trivan

trivan

Hi,
I run a 45 gal with a apex controller and I would not be able to stay in this hobby without it.

Almost every part of my system is run on it.

Let me know if you have any specific questions.
 
kevin

kevin

NJRC Member
I have an Apex controller.
It runs my;
Auto Top Off
Return Pump
Fuge Light
Skimmer
(2) pH probes
controls my temps

I have it hooked up to the internet/phone so I can see the temp, ph, etc & control everything from it. Can send alerts when leaks are present.

I would have it control my lights/power heads but I have ecotech so they run themselves.
 
S

SlingingBuddha

I do have a question, what does your controller control exactly? Any issues with it? Do you have to buy specific skimmers, heaters, filters etc. or will any work?
 
jpelzer

jpelzer

You should probably set your budget expectations a bit higher though. $2-300 won't get you much. Don't get the junior/lite version, that's a false economy, you should get the full version. $500 but will meet your needs, and grow.
 
kevin

kevin

NJRC Member
SlingingBuddha said:
I do have a question, what does your controller control exactly? Any issues with it? Do you have to buy specific skimmers, heaters, filters etc. or will any work?
Click to expand...

Nope, it can control any skimmers, heaters, etc.

Never had any issues.

For my heaters; i have it turn them off at temp (79.1) & back on when it hits (78.0)
Refuge light: I have it set to run opposite of my main lights
Skimmer: I have it to shut off when my return pump goes off & turn back on 5 minutes afterwards when the pump goes back on
Auto Top Off; Runs when the water is low. You'll have to buy switches & the APEX break out box for this to work.

The controller can do many things.. but that's what I currently have mine do.



SlingingBuddha said:
Your apex controller can be accessed through your phone! You may have just sold me on it, that's awesome.
Click to expand...

It's pretty convenient. It'll send me alerts on certain things I program it to. It'll also save information for graphs etc. I have a little widget on my main screen of my phone that is displaying my temp, & (2) pH probes I have hooked up to it.
 
S

SlingingBuddha

I have no problem spending $500 as long as what I'm getting is worth the money, what skimmer do you use? I am looking to build a sump with a top off included. I am still in the research phase of it all of the products I'll be purchased together next week or so
 
kevin

kevin

NJRC Member
SlingingBuddha said:
I have no problem spending $500 as long as what I'm getting is worth the money, what skimmer do you use? I am looking to build a sump with a top off included. I am still in the research phase of it all of the products I'll be purchased together next week or so
Click to expand...

Right now I have a 50g with 18g sump running a Bubble Magus 3.5. It seems to be a little under powered.
I'm putting together a 75g w/ 40gallon sump(which I'm finishing the plumbing today). I haven't chosen a skimmer for it yet. That's the last thing I need. I believe I might be going with a Reef Octopus NWB200
 
S

SlingingBuddha

I was thinking a 20g sump would be to small but I don't think a 30g would fit through the doors of my stand. How much would you let it go for though?
 
TanksNStuff

TanksNStuff

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
Only controller with web browser Monitoring, Control & Configuration.
Click to expand...

Apex really needs to remove that line from their product description. My Reef Angel controller can do all of that as well. Check out the graphic in my signature and you can see all of my current parameters that I'm monitoring. (I don't have the salinity, ORP, or a 2nd pH probe, so those show 0.) In fact, they also have android and iPhone apps that allow you to control things without even using a web browser.

Not trying to knock Apex, they have a good product and have been around for a while. But, I did some research and ended up buying the Reef Angel because it's open source coding and I like to tinker and customize things. RA is not for everyone, but it's very powerful and IMO superior to the Apex in it's capabilities.
 
Olivier

Olivier

+1 for Reef Angel. I have Reef Angel as well. very very flexible system that allow you to programming and controlling many thing. it also every easy in term of cascade chain link for system growth later.
 
jose7878

jose7878

How hard are they to work with?Cause I'm also considering in purchasing one of these controllers.
I'm very computer savvy so I would need something easy to control.
 
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