Which Controller to Get?

[Sharkbait420]

Which controller and probes should I get?

The only reading I want is temperature and salinity. I also want to be able to check the stats online and get a message if something is wrong.

Can controllers control all powerheads or only ones made for the controller?

 

[Nottick]

I would hands down recommend the apex. They can control power heads that are meant to be controlled ( some have a hard time starting up in a wave maker setup) ecotech power heads are wirelessly controlled via the wxm module however is expensive. I also believe the WP series of power heads have cables making them capable of controlling them with a 0-10vdc analog controller (apex has 4 of these : also no reason why you couldn't run multiple power heads off one channel). From what I've seen salinity probes aren't worth it but if you decide to get one make sure you put a grounding probe in the tank ( make sure house wiring is correct first to allow the grounding pin to work properly) as I've seen stray tank voltage alter salitiny ( conductivity) probes readings. Hope this helps you with your decision.

 

[under10minutes]

Everyone is going to tell you to get Apex. And being a Digital Aquatics client I'm afraid they are right.

 

[Nottick]

Everyone is going to tell you to get Apex. And being a Digital Aquatics client I'm afraid they are right.

I actually LOLd

 

[vio]

funny, some guys prefer to spend $ 750 up in one controller, then when have to buy GOOD Protein Skimmer, they say........ NO no,no.......way to much, i hope is not you. lol

 

[Sharkbait420]

I would hands down recommend the apex. They can control power heads that are meant to be controlled ( some have a hard time starting up in a wave maker setup) ecotech power heads are wirelessly controlled via the wxm module however is expensive. I also believe the WP series of power heads have cables making them capable of controlling them with a 0-10vdc analog controller (apex has 4 of these : also no reason why you couldn't run multiple power heads off one channel). From what I've seen salinity probes aren't worth it but if you decide to get one make sure you put a grounding probe in the tank ( make sure house wiring is correct first to allow the grounding pin to work properly) as I've seen stray tank voltage alter salitiny ( conductivity) probes readings. Hope this helps you with your decision.

I use no brand name powerheads from ebay, will it control them?

I have two grounding probes. Is this the only reason why salinity probes are bad? I would guess a salinity prob will be the second most useful reading next to tempeture.

 

[Sharkbait420]

funny, some guys prefer to spend $ 750 up in one controller, then when have to buy GOOD Protein Skimmer, they say........ NO no,no.......way to much, i hope is not you. lol

Thanks for your advice it was very helpful. I am one of those people. Which controller are you refering to which costs over $750. Here is my crappy skimmer.

 

[vio]

is not about "crappy skimmer" but yours , i dont think is working well, is brown, a way before collection cup, i will build one , one day, i got the pump already (Tunze)

 

[Nottick]

I use no brand name powerheads from ebay, will it control them?

I have two grounding probes. Is this the only reason why salinity probes are bad? I would guess a salinity prob will be the second most useful reading next to tempeture.

I can't say for sure the power heads are rated to be cycled on and off frequently. The apex will control anything you plug into it, if the unit you plug in likes to be controlled or not that's the difference.

 

[Nottick]

For the salinity probes I've seen none were accurate even after grounding probes and numerous calibrations. So its up to you. I personally wouldn't waste my money on a conductivity probe.

 

[Sharkbait420]

Can reef keepers connect to the internet without having the extra $100 piece? I think I am going to get the apex Jr. With a temp prop, salinity prop and water level monitor. Can the apex jr go on the internet? Is it wifi or does it need a ethernet cord?

 

[Sharkbait420]

Is there a simple compairison chart of the diffrent models?

 

[Nottick]

I would get the full. The apex requires an Ethernet cord however I believe most users buy a "gaming adaptor from best buy to convert copper to WiFi.

Nothing worse than buying an item and outgrowing it.

 

[TUSI]

I would recommend GHL PROFILUX is a better quality than the apex. It cost more money but it does not break down and it controls everything.

 

[Sharkbait420]

I found almost exactly what I was looking for minus the salinity prob. Its the digital aquatics lifeguard. I can wait to set it up, Since I live on Long Island and my fish are still at my parents house I figure this will help me monitor my tanknuntil I get a new one setup.

http://reefbuilders.com/2012/04/03/digital-aquatics-lifeguard-3/