Controller questions.....

What are you planning on testing? I think the ph is the only real test it will save and that is the easy test.

 

I dont have one yet either so I guess I am tagging along.

 

There's not a lot that you can test with a controller. If you're getting one to test parameters, look at something else. Now, if you're getting it to make the things that it can test on actionable, then you're doing the right thing to look into a controller.

The latest generation of controllers can test pH, temp, ORP and salinity (conductivity). Now, using it to schedule things like lights is key. Using them to control devices like calcium reactors are good as well as doing things like acting on a high temp condition (i.e. turn off lights, turn on fans, etc) Automation and remote control are additional key features. I can go into more detail, but first decide what you want to do, then that will tell you what you use to do what you want to do.

--AJ

 

Posted By AJ on 04/08/2010 02:23 AM
 I can go into more detail, but first decide what you want to do, then that will tell you what you use to do what you want to do.
--AJ
Sorry about highjacking your post.
I can't tell you what I want it to do cause I really don't know what they are capable of.

 

For me, a controller is about automation, remote control and peace of mind. Here's some things that I eventually want to address with my controller...

Light schedule - halides on/off on schedule, actinics on/off on schedule, moonlights on/off on schedule
Auto Top Off - use float valves to determine level and top off...but use a second float to detect a broken float to prevent you from topping off too much, or a critter from forcing the switch to the on position when it should not be. Also, You could make decisions to top off with straight RO water or kalkwasser depending on how things are configured
Control things like CO2 regulator on calcium reactor
Power on schedule - power on some devices before other devices after loss of power - (i.e. power on return pump for one minutes before skimmer powers on so that skimmer collection cup does not overflow)
Fail safe - if a heater thermostat broke, you could cook your tank. With a controller, if your temp probe broke, theoretically you would still have your heater thermostat to fall back on to prevent you from a heater malfunction that cooks your tank.
Remote control - things break when you're gone. This way, you have at least a certain degree of control via Internet while you're away.
Feed mode - turn your powerheads off/down for a pre-determined amount of time to allow your fish/corals to get the food before your skimmer does.
Alerts - Receive alerts to your mobile device
Safety mode - put all devices into a "safety" mode (a minimal operations mode where most automation is disabled until you can inspect things) if your parameters don't look right
Manual control - manually over-ride certain devices so that you can work on them

Now some people say, well, my lights have built in control or I use a float valve for that...but it's really powerful when you can take all of the inputs into consideration and act on them when needed.

--AJ

There are really a lot of options on what can be done. Some people even automate their water changes (I would love to do this!). Anyway, lots of options. You limited by how much trust you place in the controller, how much money you have to spend on probes, expansion modules

 

To send a message to your mobile it would have to be routed through a computer that would have to be on and connected to the internet?
I think personally I would like to graph PH and have a fail safe on temp controller.
I am sure the lighting timers are better than what I have now but mine work.

 

Most of the more modern controllers have ethernet ports either built in or as a purchasable addon. These would plug right into your router where the data can be sent in various manners.