LF basic Controller - Temp. GVRD

[maron6977]

Hi, I'm new to controllers . Just want one to run my temp. Gets too cold runs heater (poss. 2) & too hot will run fan or chiller. Don't want to spend a ton & don't need all the whistles & bells . Just something accurate & works .
Open to suggestions if anyone reads this & has input .
Thanks Mark

[mkj]

no controller needed if only for heaters and chiller. They have built in temp control.

But, if you really must have a controller then a simple Apex Junior will suffice for what you want.. Controller is a waste of money for just keeping temps.

[CM125]

http://www.aqualogicinc.com/products/temp_controllers/

Comes in dual stage, good for running heaters and fans with no temp sensor. Should be under $200.

[davej]

Originally Posted by mkj

Controller is a waste of money for just keeping temps.

I completely disagree.
If you have a fair sum of money invested in your tank inhabitants, be it fish, plants or corals. A controller is a fantastic investment.
I have more than one and would recommend a reefkeeper lite, you can usually pick one up used for around $100. I has a four outlet powerbar, the power on all four are switchable and controlled by the parameters you choose. You can have your heater plugged into one and it will come on when your temp drops below the set point. You can have a fan in another that will come on if tank temp gets above your set point as well. Still leaving two outlets for lighting control or whatever you choose.The programming is dead simple.
Good luck

[CM125]

Originally Posted by davej

I completely disagree.
If you have a fair sum of money invested in your tank inhabitants, be it fish, plants or corals. A controller is a fantastic investment.
I have more than one and would recommend a reefkeeper lite, you can usually pick one up used for around $100. I has a four outlet powerbar, the power on all four are switchable and controlled by the parameters you choose. You can have your heater plugged into one and it will come on when your temp drops below the set point. You can have a fan in another that will come on if tank temp gets above your set point as well. Still leaving two outlets for lighting control or whatever you choose.The programming is dead simple.
Good luck

Are you talking about the Apex Junior?

[Ryanerickson]

Controller is totally not a waste of money for just heating cooling, heaters break and get stuck in the on position often. without controller your tank becomes a hot tub. also reefkeeper is I think 120 new, lot cheaper then apex jr.

[CM125]

Originally Posted by Ryanerickson

Controller is totally not a waste of money for just heating cooling, heaters break and get stuck in the on position often. without controller your tank becomes a hot tub. also reefkeeper is I think 120 new, lot cheaper then apex jr.

Do you have a link to reefkeeper?

[davej]

MKJ
Have you ever owned a reef keeper? Or just because you have read it on the internet it must be true? I have one for what seems like ten years now. Still going strong no issues.. In fact I own five of them, one on each tank. In my opinion a great starter controller. Apex is the cats meow but price prohibitive. No way will I trust the bi metallic strip on a heater to control the temps on the thousands of dollars in fish in my tanks. Just my opinion

[maron6977]

Thanks for the input !
Reason I want one : forget to turn fan off at night , after hot summer day . I've had the temp swing 6-8 degrees.
I think I'll give the reefkeeper lite a try !!!
Anyone have a used one for sale ???

[maron6977]

Also can I plug 2 heaters in & have them come on at seperate temps ?