Reasons to buy a tank controller?

S

saltyrottie

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I would love to have people's opinions on using a tank controller. I'm specifically looking at the Apex system, but I have to admit, I don't know very much about them and why people say they are "must haves" for their tanks. What can I do with them? What can't I do? Tell me why I should shell out the $500 please...

Thanks in advance!
 
This is corny but give the main reasons why
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovFDR3l ... ata_player

AND for me....I want to get a controller because my wife is pretty involved in the hobby also. She takes Livestock inventory and looks at everything in the tank. She said she would like to be able to check the PH without a test kit. She just wants to look, but like the idea that the Controller will turn heaters, fans and lights on/off as needed. There are tons of other things it can do also.
 
Sounds like a good reason to attend NextWave. We have one of the foremost experts and a guy that works for Neptunes there to present to us.
 
I am going to say what are you reasons for not having one? I was the same way when I bought my first one. I will never have a tank without one now.
 
I don't have a reason either way right now. They look really cool but I know nothing about them. Figured I should learn a little about them before dropping $500

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Anything you can think of they will do it. I have mine do sunrise sunset, storm, turn on and off pumps different times of the day, feed, top off, dose. Trying to setup a water change area but the wife wont let me right now.


Sent from inside the shark tank!
 
Once you use one, it's tough to fathom running your system without one.

You can buy a base setup for $200 off marine depot.
 
@Eckolancer wrote:
Anything you can think of they will do it. I have mine do sunrise sunset said:
I have the full apex...how do you integrate the storm mode into the program? I have the sunrise as rampup, etc but unsure on the storm.

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I had an Apex for about 3 weeks before I jerked it all out and sold it on CL. Seemed like a lot of hassle and $$ for something I did not need. I like to keep it simple. I have no desire to monitor my aquarium 24/7 or post stats to a forum. All the special effects don't do anything for me. I like my reef to come on at noon and go off at 10. Have yet to even test my reefs this go round except for alk 3-4 times. Don't even own another test kit.
 
@Robby2782 wrote:
Once you use one said:
I will probably just get the whole set. (income tax time!!) And once I get my new tank set up, I'm gonna come visit you and get some more frags if you have any available. [smilie=hi.gif]
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Lol. My collection has gotten pretty ridiculous these days.

Depending on how big your system and what you'd like to do, you can go cheap or go big. My 58 gallon all I got was the Reef Keeper light pack for $200 and bought an extra outlet module. It runs my top off, heater, lights, fans, and monitors my temp and ph.

My 180 however, I spent nearly 700 with extra modules and probes to control my 4 mp40s, pumps, ORP, ph, temp, top off, chiller, reactors, etc.

I've honestly had more problems with the more expensive Apex and even had to drop an extra $200 to replace the base.
 
Automation is great. Much more free Time. You can look in on your tank any time when away. You can set up all devices to go on and off. Water sensors to alert you when something's happened. If you are not going to use 2 ph ports and not going to go with the variable dimming for the led lights or the tunze pumps them go with the apex lite.
 
THANKS Saltyrottie for starting this thread I had the same question I only have a 29 biocube so it's alittle hard explaining to myself spending $500 but I plan on attending NEXTWAVE so I can better inform myself
1 question I do have for the one's that do have a controller already is how hard is it to install & operate the device for someone that is not that up to speed on all the new technology gadgets
THANKS IN ADVANCE
Andrea
 
@reeferwanabe wrote:
[I]@Eckolancer wrote:[/I][quote="Anything you can think of they will do it. I have mine do sunrise sunset said:
I have the full apex...how do you integrate the storm mode into the program? I have the sunrise as rampup, etc but unsure on the storm.

Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2"]

You have to have the type of driver that allows it to turn on and off right away for lights. Then I setup my pumps to go from 30% to 100% and can get about 2 in wave going in the tank. First attempt I have a little water flowing over the edge.


Sent from inside the shark tank!
Click to expand...
 
You have to have the type of driver that allows it to turn on and off right away for lights. Then I setup my pumps to go from 30% to 100% and can get about 2 in wave going in the tank. First attempt I have a little water flowing over the edge.


Sent from inside the shark tank![/quote]


OK, this just sounds awesome! Is that storm feature (lightning) an add on accessory?
 
@Drew wrote:
Sounds like a good reason to attend NextWave. We have one of the foremost experts and a guy that works for Neptunes there to present to us. said:
I plan on being there again this year...with more money to spend than last [smilie=wink.gif]
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@Robby2782 wrote:
Lol. My collection has gotten pretty ridiculous these days. Depending on how big your system and what you'd like to do said:
I bought Marco's 112 rimless he had on here for sale. Can't wait to get it home! It is beautiful. I want all the bells and whistles of the Apex but I'm afraid I'll confuse myself...
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@Adesparza wrote:
THANKS Saltyrottie for starting this thread I had the same question I only have a 29 biocube so it's alittle hard explaining to myself spending $500 but I plan on attending NEXTWAVE so I can better inform myself 1 question I do have for the one's that do have a controller already is how hard is it to install & operate the device for someone that is not that up to speed on all the new technology gadgets THANKS IN ADVANCE Andrea said:
I love technology and gadgets, just want to make sure I don't just sit there and stare at it because I have no idea what to do with it!
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The apex interface is very easy to set up. Best way is to use you computer and set it up from their. I have had to send my controller in 2 times and once was warranted and the other was not. It was my fault but the upgraded me from a apex lite to a full apex for 30$. Great customer service and tech support. Plus their is a lot of help on this forum. I can remote into help you out if you should need help with setup.
 
Ahh, I just have the dimming driver then. I been looking thru the forums on Neptune's website. That's mainly for the AI Sols which I do not have.

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