is it worth getting a controller and which one

I have been seeing some profiles with contollers. ive tried to research but wanted to ask you guys which ones are best for the money and what do they actually do. (sorry didnt know if it fit any of the equipment forums)

 

Controllers are certainly worth it. Very powerful programing for the money. Entry level controlers are Neptune Sys AC Jr. The other is Reef Keeper Lite. Both companies make higher end stuff... AC III and RK Elite. There are other controllers too. More powerfull, but Neptune and Reef Keeper seem to fit most people's needs and are reasonable priced.

There is a ton of info on both, just do some research. I just got a AC Jr. and like many.... I should have done it sooner. Not only do they give you very powerful flexible ways of running your tank, the most important thing I like is the safety built in. You can program safety statement that if something is out of wack, then take this action. (if temp > 82 then lights off...fans on...heater off ect.) So it can mange some very bad things happening without you being there. Throw in e-mail notification and web access of the top controllers and there is no end to managing your tank from any where. Very much worth the investment.

 

After you get a controller, you are going to wonder why you waited so long.

It takes away most of the chores and lets you focus on the quality of water and fish/coral etc.

There are 2 major brands Digital Aquatics and Neptune systems.
In my personal experience Neptune systems controllers are much more reliable and their customer service is awesome. There are other brands aswell but not as popular as these two.

Digital Aquatics controllers are little buggy and their customer service is non existent. All i ever got from them was "we will look in to it". It has been 12 months. No response. I like their ReefKeeper Elite. Looks awesome and great deal for the price.

This controller is very expandable and has every toy that you could want.






From neuptune systems there is the

Aqua Controller Jr



AquaController III



AquaController Pro.


Netptune Systems Aquacontroller Apex (kick a$$ controller



You can get info and control through a webserver on your pc or phone

 

No doubt they are worth every penny. I run a ACIII Pro and love how easy it is to program.

 

I've got the Aquacontroller 3 from Neptune. It's worth it if only for the ability to remotely view/control it over the internet. A lot of tank disasters could be avoided if the person had a controller that could send them a message when some parameter went out of whack I think. It makes running a system so much easier and more reliable, there are lots of safety measures and backup systems that are just not possible any other way.

 

Agreed now that i have been running one i could never imagine being without. I use the Reefkeeper personally.