Controller and outlets

[andylee]

Considering buying a controller (really wanted to win that Reefkeeper at the raffle!). What do those who use these plug in to the four outlets? I have a very small setup, but I've got 3 lights (white, blue, chaeto) , heater, chiller (not in use now), return pump, skimmer pump, motion pumps. That's just off the top of my head. I'm sure there are a few others.

 

[thirty5]

You can buy a larger strip
I am going with an APEX when I finally make my purchase.

 

[Josh]

I would not plug your return pump into a controller. Keep it running all the time or unplug it, but don't leave your tank at risk for a complete failure with a controller issue.

 

[TRIGGERMAN]

I would not plug your return pump into a controller. Keep it running all the time or unplug it, but don't leave your tank at risk for a complete failure with a controller issue.

+100 The only thing I have my controller control is lights and filtration.

 

[beerfish]

+100 The only thing I have my controller control is lights and filtration.

Why filtration?

My controller only has things I need to control. Lights, heater and chiller / fan. If you set it up right, the lights work on a timer and they can also be shut off by the controller if the tank gets too hot.

Hot and cold should always be controlled by a controller. Never trust built in temp controls.

If you get more advanced, you can use a controller with things like a calcium reactor and a pH probe, but generally lights and temp are a good start.

 

[TRIGGERMAN]

I just put my filtration on there because there is 8 outlets lol My skimmer and reactor..like josh mentioned if there is a controller issue your pump is the most important I have it on a sep gfi strip.

 

[Custom05Taco]

Ph probe had to be plugged into an outlet?

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk

 

[regal]

Considering buying a controller (really wanted to win that Reefkeeper at the raffle!). What do those who use these plug in to the four outlets? I have a very small setup, but I've got 3 lights (white, blue, chaeto) , heater, chiller (not in use now), return pump, skimmer pump, motion pumps. That's just off the top of my head. I'm sure there are a few others.

I would vote for the APEX also. With the build-in ethernet, you can monitor your tank even when you are not at home or on vacation. I bought the AC3 before the APEX came out. If you are going the LED route in the future, the APEX gives you the ability for dimming.

 

[NL146]

Ph probe had to be plugged into an outlet?

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk

No. It gets plugged into a port on the controller which then records the levels and can control an outlet that runs dosing equipment.

 

[PHILYD1]

I run my return & skimmer on my controller for feeding, when i feed tank my controller shuts my return and skimmer down and then 5 min later turns return back on then 2 min later the skimmer starts back up

 

[Widdy]

I run my return & skimmer on my controller for feeding, when i feed tank my controller shuts my return and skimmer down and then 5 min later turns return back on then 2 min later the skimmer starts back up

+1 as well as maintenance mode for me.

 

[jschottenfeld]

I have 3 of the PC-4's fully used with everything BUT my return pump. That is plugged into a non GFI 3 way outlet directly. I had an electrician wire a switch right next to my tank (pump is in the basement) so that I can shut it down from my tank during feeding.

I feel the most critical use for my RKE is controlling my lights (shutting them down if it gets too hot) and as redundancy for a stuck heater or chiller. I've heard too many stories of a cheaper heater getting stuck on. It also controls my calc reactor (based on pH), and various fans to help cool my tank.