Controller Suggestions

I've finally decided to take the plunge and purchase a controller. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on what I should get based on my requirements? Ideally I would like something that can be expanded in the future.

My requirements are: temperature/pH monitoring (ability to dose), auto top off monitoring, and lighting controls. In the future I may want to upgrade to LEDs and have a sunrise/sunset effect. It may be nice to have some wave maker capability.

My tank is going to be a reef tank eventually, but at the moment all I have are fish and live rock.

Thanks for any advice and Happy New Year!

 

If you're not scared off by a little coding (which, btw it does have a tool to help you if you are...) I'd say the reef angel. Happy with mine so far!

 

Wow...thanks for that suggestion. I'm a software engineer so I would feel very comfortable coding. This looks amazing...are there any limitations you have noticed so far in using it?

 

+1 on Reef Angel! I have one on my 55 and one on my 28 I have not found anything I could not make it do that I wanted yet. Out of the box it will do everything you mentioned (well some additional coding for sunrise/sunset, but will do dimming no problem). If you are familiar with programming (as you are), then I think it is the best controller out there as you can literally have it do what ever you want.

I use mine to control temp, wavemaker, lighting control (will use dimming on my 28 soon), single float for ATO, another float for high water (in case my overflow box stopped siphoning, it turns off my return pump), temp control (maintains it to within .2 degrees unless it is very hot), fan & speed control (will come on when the temps rise and then the speed will increase as necessary), etc.

I read a thread on the RA forums where a member recorded his voice saying what different problems the tank could be having (pH off, temp, salinity or ORP, etc), used a motion detector and a speaker to call out what the problem was once someone walked by. This is taking it to the next level, but gives you an idea of what it is capable of.

 

This is the controller for me then...does it come with everything I need for an auto top off or will I still need to buy a float switch/pump? Seems like a pretty basic algorithm to have light gradually get brighter and fade...I think you guys just sold me.

 

Neptune Apex Controller.

 

Depending on your tank size and how high you need to pump, all you may need is a $20 Tom's Aqualifter pump and some airline tubing. It comes with floats, so all you need to do wire in the floats (you will need some 22 gauge wire to extend the floats) and plug the pump into port #1. Very simple setup!

 

If you like fiddling with things... you probably are... then the Reef Angel is probably for you.

I researched them extensively when I was looking for a controller, but they just were not quite there yet (too many limitations). Most of my issues with the controller have been fixed.

I ended up with the Apex. It does everything that I need and much more. Almost infinitely expandable. Easy UI, and quick learning curve.

As for other controllers out there... Profilux, Apex, Reef Keeper Elite. They seem to be the big three in the US.

 

It's worth the extra cost to get the water level expansion for the RA. It's the same switch that Avast uses. The upgrade to the Wizard has made the RA extremely easy to use. There is always something new in the works, and Roberto is extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

 

Not so far. I work in the software industry myself, which was a big reason I went with it. I love that I can make it do what I want it to!