The aquarium controller is a new must have?

[goldenclove77]

Deb, can u share your exact programming codes fir this switch set up please.

[DLBerlin]

It's pretty simple-program an alarm for each switch, then set the channel for the pump to be turned off if the associated alarm is triggered. You have an RK Elite with the SW5?

[goldenclove77]

No RKL, MLC, SL1 and soon to add another PC4.

[DLBerlin]

The programming would be a little different, but should be close. You would be using the switches on the SL1 to trigger an alarm, and have your pump on the PC4 set to turn off if the alarm is triggered.

[ddcotter]

I would love a controller for my system!

Anyone want to explain their choice of controller over another? I'm thinking ReefKeeper Elite (w/net) or Apex. Why did you pick your controller? Wish you got the other?

[SeaStarStiletto]

Never used a controler. Probably never will unless the Elos Fairy leaves me one on my doorstep. Just be involved and learn to read your tank. The animals will show signs faster than problem levels show up in tests.

[ddcotter]

Originally Posted by SeaStarStiletto

The animals will show signs faster than problem levels show up in tests.

not quite sure of that statement or you're misunderstanding what a controller does...

[SeaStarStiletto]

Animals show signs of change very quickly. Behavior patterns are very distinctive You just know when someone is not right.

[SeaStarStiletto]

In other words... technology fails. The power of observation doesn't.

[ddcotter]

Like when a heater gets stuck on. Your temperature rises a few degrees, your controller alerts you, turns off power to heater, turns on fans, turns off metal halides...you're exactly right

[ddcotter]

I do agree with what you're saying about watching your tank, but what about when you're at work or away on vacation or sleeping or...for what most of us have in our tank it is worth the peace of mind. I'm sure everyone who has a controller watches their tank and inhabitants when they are in front of their tank.

[SeaStarStiletto]

You can feel that, and see your corals and fish not acting right.

[SeaStarStiletto]

I just think we rely on something else telling us about our tanks too much. They can help if there is a problem when you're gone sure I'll give you that. That's why if I can get an Elos controller I would. But I just don't trust them.

[DLBerlin]

Originally Posted by SeaStarStiletto

You can feel that, and see your corals and fish not acting right.

Yes I can take one quick look at my tank and tell if something is wrong. I've been doing this a long time. Some haven't gotten to that point yet.

My controller tells me about a problem BEFORE my fish and corals are stressed enough me to see it.

I know what my pH has been 24hrs a day, every day for weeks on end. I know on the night I added my big clam and several other corals I had a strange dip in pH .20 below the normal night time drop. Not sure what caused it, but if it had caused a problem with livestock I would never had known the cause without the controller. A little baking soda added the next day kept it from happening again since. A quick look at the temp graph told me I needed another heater to keep late night temps up where I wanted them.

The shut off switch on the skimmer keeps the collection cup from overflowing back into the tank if I am busy and dont notice its full, or if the skimmer goes nuts and fills it quick. I just loved it when a days worth of nasty skimmate went pouring back into the tank

And the 3-4 times the cube tank overflowed all over the floor? Wish I would have had the controller to shut down the pump back then!

Gives me more time for testing, water changes, feeding, cleaning, and just watching and enjoying the tank.

They are very helpful, especially with a large system that requires alot of maintenance. Anything I can do to make this beast more manageable I am all for!

[blix70]

Apex on the way, got a good price plus free shipping. at least i'll have 2 weeks to get familiar with it.