Automation?

Will you have someone at home that can at least do things in case of emergency? IMO every one thing you automate provides potential for one more thing to go wrong. Do you currently have a controller? I think that would be a great first step if not. Newer systems can even alert your via email or cell phone if something seems amiss with your system. I have also read on RC where people se up automatic water changes. Some even do a daily 1-5%. That said, this is also something that I think most would recommend against if you are certain to not be around in case of failure.

 

The AquaController JR from Neptune system is an excellent starter controller that will do a ton of stuff but won't break the bank. You can get the entire setup with controller, probes and a power bar for under $300 (or a lot less if you buy used).

As your system grows and you add stuff like multiple lights, wavemakers, calc reactor, etc. you'll eventually want to step up to something like the ACIII or the new APEX controller, but the ACJR does a fantastic job for the money.

I highly recommend a good controller as they go a long way towards daily stability. But as Bela says, there is no substitute for someone at least checking on things every day or two.

-JB

 

I have an ACJR and love it, for the most part!

 

Yeah, I've had both the AC3 and the Apex and I fully endorse them. Very good for automating things. The Apex is easier, but both are fully functioned. The Apex has new modules and features a better upgrade path. The AC3 is a great controller that will do 90% of what the Apex will do. Decide what you want to do with your controller and between the requirements and your budget, that should lead you to a decision.

All that being said, you can do some automation without a controller. Outlet timers, and timer based outlet strips can do quite a bit. The main advantage that a controller has is that it's able to make intelligent decisions based on real time information.

--AJ

 

FYI, there is an iPhone app (and I believe an Android App) for the ACIII and APEX controllers.

-JB

 

I use the Android app...it's good...not great yet. I can control all outlets and see the basic params, but I can't see graphs and stuff. I'm confident that it will get there...just not there yet. The iPhone app is much further along. The good thing is that both are FREE!! Also, I know that the Android app works for both AC3 and Apex. Not sure about the iPhone app (but I would be *very* surprised if it did not also support both).

--AJ