Aquarium controllers

Who uses them? Are they worth the upfront cost? I've seen the one BRS offers, looks awesome, but at $270 I think its a bit expensive to splurge on for a mere 20 gallon tank.

Any who, assuming I do go with the ReefKeeper, I would love to have the ability to program it via the pc. [STRIKE]I have yet to be able to find anywhere that states you do not need the net module to do this. Am I missing something here?[/STRIKE] Are there other Controllers that offer the similar features?

thanks in advance!

edit: I'm a stunod and forgot to visit digital aquatics website. >_< Oh look! a user guide you can download! <insert facepalm here>

 

IMO controllers are great regardless what size tank you have. While I dont have an aquarium control I do have a a GHL doser that doses alk, cal, mag and does so flawlessly. It has made the day to day upkeep that much easier and best of all puts my mind at rest. So I can only imagine that having a full aquarium controller would make ones life that much more easier and care free.
And when you calculate what you get with a controller compared to buying things like timers, probes, wave controllers, ect separately- the controllers price seems like a bargain- not to mention consolidates all your switches, levers, bells and whistles into one nice touch pad interface.
While it is certainly not a must i would, however, consider it more than a Just buy.
...just my .02

 

look into the neptune apex. i was in your shoes not to long ago. but looking into the neptune i found it to be a more intuitive set up and easier to use.its is definately a worth while investment.keep in mind the reef keeper will add up to pretty much what the neptune apex is.lotts of added safety features. it all depends how hands on you want to be. it cna automate a tank wonderfully but some people like to top off via bucket.id say buy all the other equipment first then circle around to a controller after youve put in the research into wich unit fits your needs best

 

After my ramble i forgot to add other controller brands to look into..
-Reef Keeper
-Neptune Systems
-GHL Profilux
-And thats all i can think off... :/

 

Thank you both very much. Very helpful. While I am a hands on kind of guy, I'd would much rather hand off ATO, kalk, etc. to an automated process. I know there will be days that I won't have enough free time to do what needs to be done. I tend to work from 10AM to 9PM, and pretty much after 9PM there is nothing I can really do except look at it. Living at home sucks in case anyone is wondering.

Thanks again and I will look into these further. I'd much rather make an up front purchase instead of spending extra money on timers, etc when i can save up a little more cash, and buy a controller.

 

You might want to look into the reef angel too. I have been doing controller research myself, and I think that's the direction I want to head!

 

One other quick question. I keep seeing ORP monitors, and I have absolutely no idea what they are or what they measure. yet I keep seeing them as a selling point for controllers. [STRIKE]So... what the heck is ORP?[/STRIKE]


edit: found out what ORP stood for. Doesn't really seem to be something I should be crazy concerned with.

Any other opinions on controllers?