Thinking about a controller

I am considering a controller for my tank. First off, are they really worth it? Any experiances with brands, different types of controllers etc would be appreciated.

If I were to buy this:Amazon.com: Digital Aquatics ReefKeeper Lite Controller - Level 1: Pet Supplies

What else would I need to be able to test PH, Temp, and salinity? Links would be AWESOME!

I am a complete newb when it comes to controllers, any other info about them would be great. 8)

EDIT: Oh and also what would I need to be able to view my params on my phone? And I will also want to hook my mp10 to it. Is that possible?

 

Not trying to be stick in the mud, but you really just need to sit down and do a lot of searching and reading. This is one of the more complicated subjects that regularly comes up... it has been gone over a thousand times with the same questions you ask. It's all out there.

But to move you along... Apex Jr. No head unit, but full functions. You need a gaming adapter to connect it to the web... then you can get apps and email and do every thing on line.

Only Apex has a module to control Vortechs. The Apex will talk wirelessly to the Vortech and run all modes and speeds. You need a $100 WXM module to do that.

You asked in a another thread about monitoring all your parameters... overrated. All controllers do temp, Ph is next common. Once it is stable no real need to look at a number. Of course you need it if you want to control a calcium reactor. Salinity is done with more modules and a conductivity probe. That's $200 and it's money better spent else where. Nothing monitors Alk/ca/mg.

A controller is the best money you can spend on your tank. Not because it is cool, but because it adds a HUGE safety component to your system. Who cares about a number, cool gadget, or a fancy timer... what controlers do for you is "if this happens- then do this" If temp > 78 turn off heater, If temp >79 turn on fan, if temp > 80 alert/email, if temp > 81 turn off halides.... Get a controller.

 

Thanks for all of the info! Looks like im going to be passing on a controller though :/
I have an RSM which has this powerhouse set of switches on the side meaning I cannot plug my lights or heater in seperately. There is one plug that gives electricity to everything so I cannot single out one componant. That is why I thought I would get a controller for my vortech, temp, and params. Also they seem very expensive, $100 here, $200 there.
Thanks again for the information!
JJL

 

That's too bad, but to be honest, I don't trust lights on a controller after having one fail on. I mostly use it for redundancy, and it works well for that though. I wouldn't get one anyways though unless you have definitive goals for what you want to do. A lot of people buy them and don't really need them anyways.

 

i always thought of them as thermostats on the wall for your aquarium. I like the idea of something that would dose for me and do ATO

 

You mean like a dosing pump? lol.

You can also have your ato set to your controller.