Bicyclebill Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 Well, I've officially pulled the plug on controllers and am going old school on my tank. My Reefkeeper Elite bit the dust at only 16 months old. It was doing some wanky things, so I couldn't tell whether it was the head unit, PC4 strip, or a combination of several things. This is after a couple of my PC4s started acting up a couple months ago. Anyhoo, I'm literally using digital timers for my lights and my ATO system, and a good old fashioned Milwaukie PH controller "just in case" on my calcium reactor. I'm back to following my own normal work ethic of KISS (keep it simple stupid). I can't justify the cost of a new controller based on what I've learned through the years using them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icepikbiker Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 What you doing with it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 That's to bad. I love my apex and probably will never get rid of it!!! sent from a Samsung note 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Exodus Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 To be honest I have seen on other forums several people ditching their ReefKeepers over the last year, I thought it had to be comparable to apex (I've never used one) but I would never go without my Apex. Though I would never rely on my Apex to act as an ATO either after reading all the bad reviews of people flooding their floors, I just find that to be way to risky. I have found controlling my lights, reactor, power to my ATO, and powerheads has become soooo much easier that I would never consider getting rid of it. I'm sure you will be fine without a controller though, we certainly didn't have them 20 years ago and were doing ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saltwater newbie Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 I got rid of my RKE also got the apex and love it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexinverts Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 Sorry to hear Bill. I still haven't gotten a controller, but if I do I will avoid the RKE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danlu_gt Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 Start a DIY controller prj.. Half the fun of reefing is the DIY part. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gil&Fin Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 Start a DIY controller prj.. Half the fun of reefing is the DIY part. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk Where is the "not like" button. [emoji6] 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheClark Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 Haha, I am with Daniel, so fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bicyclebill Posted September 25, 2015 Author Share Posted September 25, 2015 Start a DIY controller prj.. Half the fun of reefing is the DIY part. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk You know, that would be a fun winter time project. I do have to say the simplicity of just digital timers right now is pretty nice though. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Z Reef Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 Just out of curiosity, did you talk to Eric at DA yet? He is really good about helping out with tech support and could help you narrow things down and get things fixed again. I ran my RKL head unit for 3 years before buying archon upgrade with no issues. Only problem I've had with any of my DA equipment is one plug on one PC4 sticks on occasionally. I use my Swabbie on this channel so it's not an issue. If your done with your DA stuff....first bid $10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jadams7 Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 I am with ya Bill! I am keeping my setup as simple as possible. I have ran controllers in the past, but am pretty archaic and old school these days. Digital timers for lights, pressure fed ATO on a float valve, and a milwaukee PH controller on the calcium reactor. After a kinda rough year equipment wise, I am very much in 'control your disasters' mode. With the travel I have been having to do for work, I have to keep things as simple as possible for the wife. I did pick up one of these a while back and HIGHLY recommend it. Controlling heater temp is a battle I have fought too many times, this thing was a great $35 spent, kicks on a fan (or other cooling device) if the temp goes higher, kicks on the heater if it goes lower than desired. Simple, kinda fool proof, but pretty necessary as I dont trust the heater knob on most heaters these days. http://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-Itc-308-Temperature-Controller-Thermostat/dp/B011296704/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443208937&sr=8-1&keywords=inkbird+digital+temperature 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexinverts Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 I am with ya Bill! I am keeping my setup as simple as possible. I have ran controllers in the past, but am pretty archaic and old school these days. Digital timers for lights, pressure fed ATO on a float valve, and a milwaukee PH controller on the calcium reactor. After a kinda rough year equipment wise, I am very much in 'control your disasters' mode. With the travel I have been having to do for work, I have to keep things as simple as possible for the wife. I did pick up one of these a while back and HIGHLY recommend it. Controlling heater temp is a battle I have fought too many times, this thing was a great $35 spent, kicks on a fan (or other cooling device) if the temp goes higher, kicks on the heater if it goes lower than desired. Simple, kinda fool proof, but pretty necessary as I dont trust the heater knob on most heaters these days. http://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-Itc-308-Temperature-Controller-Thermostat/dp/B011296704/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443208937&sr=8-1&keywords=inkbird+digital+temperature So, the probe does ok in salt water, then? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jadams7 Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 So, the probe does ok in salt water, then? Yep, so far so good. Its only been a couple months, but it seems to be holding up well so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bicyclebill Posted September 26, 2015 Author Share Posted September 26, 2015 (edited) Yep, so far so good. Its only been a couple months, but it seems to be holding up well so far.I'm literally looking at these online right now! I might even do one of the din mount digital temp controllers and get a project box and make a weekend diy project out of it. I agree on the heater concern.It appears these temperature controllers are big for beer makers and some sort of chef cooking stuff. At least that's what I'm gathering reading up on them. Edited September 26, 2015 by Bicyclebill 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jadams7 Posted September 26, 2015 Share Posted September 26, 2015 I'm literally looking at these online right now! I might even do one of the din mount digital temp controllers and get a project box and make a weekend diy project out of it. I agree on the heater concern. It appears these temperature controllers are big for beer makers and some sort of chef cooking stuff. At least that's what I'm gathering reading up on them. There ya go! Sounds like a fun project. Yea they appear to be pretty versatile. Someone on here posted it up a few months back, I just don't recall who it was. If they read this...thank you, it's been a tank saver when I had a heater go rogue on me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.