Digital aquatics lifegaurd?

I was looking into getting a controler for my tank, because i want to knpw what my pH is and temp is always a good thing to know since i dont havecentral air in my house and it gets pretty cold in here at nighttime.

But all the controlers have a lot of fancy features that i dont think id use, i.e. the wave maker and things to contol the lights. Which is all good but i have vortechs and a radion, so that type of stuff seems pointless for me to have, and i cant have an ATO cusi just simply dont have aplace to store a bucket big enuff to mlae it worth while.

But the i saw the life gaurd, simple and to the point, has everythin i need. But its still pretty pricey, and was thinking if imma spend the money then i should just get the reefkeeper ..?

all i know is that i want something to send me a message or start beeping when things start going down hill so i can correct them.

dont know let me know what yall think and if youve had any life changing experiances with either the life gaurd or a controler in general.

Oh and do any of these fancy wham-a-dine thinggies moniter salinity?

 

You want an Apex. Apex has a wireless module to run Vortech pumps. It runs the modes and you can now programs to do what ever you want when ever you want. A whole new level.

Apex will send text, email, or voice alerts where ever you are. You can log in and control everything from anywhere... but control still means turn on turn off.

Yes you can get a salinity probe...they are a little expensive and not totally precise. The monitor conductivity by it is changed to salinity. good enough for monitoring, but I'm not sure if I would trust it to maintain... there are ways you can do that but I have never been sure enough to try.

You can make a ATO with switches using a APEX... not sure how big of a resivoir you would need to make it worth your while... but even if all you hadwas a days worth, it would still be worth while.... topped off through the day with small additions instead of one large one at the end of the day. It would still add stability.

Yes they are pricey... but when you get one you will wonder why you waited so long. Single best lump of money you can spend on your tank. It isn't about what you can turn on and off, it is about the level of safety you can program in... if temp is 78 turn off heater. If temp is 79 turn on fan. If temp it 80 turn on chiller. If temp is 81 turn off non essential pumps. If temp is 82 send alert turn off halides. If temp is 83 send alert turn off all lights.... It isn't about getting an alert if something is wrong...it is about taking action before they get there. Tons of safety you can program in.

 

Apex all the way +1

 

In my opinion I would stay away from the lifeguard. it will warn you of the problem; however, it wont do anything to fix it like, if the temp is high shut the heater off.

personally I would go with the a Reef angel. best bang for the buck and if you have an android phone better app support. it has been getting more user friendly and has wizards to help you with the coding, also it has a module for the vortech. if you want the salinity prob they have one;however along you stay constant on topping it off and watch for salt creep you should have a fairly stable salinity without this.

also the Reef Angel is wireless, which is nice. need to buy module $100.

 

460 bucks, yikes! good thing xmas is coming up, haha!