Power Supplu

Trying to stay away from the expence of getting a controller for a while or at least until I am more confidant in what I am truly doing when it comes to saltwater...that and I want to try and DIY a controller.

I have been google searching for a programmable power strip for the new (first) tank build...but I have been coming up a little short with what I am looking for. Most that I have found are 8-outlet strips with 4 of them programmable, but not each indipendently. Would LIKE to find one where they are programmable differently so I can plug on what I want and then not have to worry about it, like a controller but just not as fully featured.

 

IMO I'd go with a Apex Controller, even if its a JR or a Lite edition. This is one thing I wouldn't skimp on. It's a +1 in getting a controller. Makes your life that much easier to control and monitor things.

 

I too have looked for such a device. With no luck. The only DIY controller I know of (and I'm sure there are others) is the arduino micro controller. Not sure of the price but after all the hardware you would need (outlets, project box, relays etc) I think you would be better off with something lime an apex Jr. At least you can expand it over time. And the functions available are worth every penny. I want one just for the leak detection although I'd make use of everything it offers.

 

You can build anything you want with the know how. The price is where it gets you. I can build a chiller with room ac and piece of titanium and diy controls. But when I did my research for materials it was very close to actuall price. I built a wave timer out of old heatpump parts for free. Its 2+ years old still working great plus it controls the ato.

 

The make one with this controller called the Reef Angel and its really cool. I think it was 200 when I got it and came with 8 outlets, auto top off equipment, temp probe, ph probe, and other bells and whistles, great vaule