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#1
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![]() So I have been hitting my head all throughout the day to see whether or not I should get a controller for my tank. Here are my thoughts:
Apex: Too darn expensive for my taste and for what I will get. A jr costs $305 with which I will need to add another $127 for VDM to be able to control the kessil. Alongside, I will have to buy an ATO separately ($130). So, for light control, temperature control and ATO, I am in $562. Reefkeeper lite: A basic unit will cost me $170 and the LED control unit will be $100. The ATO switch will cost me $50 and the expansion unit to connect the ATO will cost $120. So all in, its $440. Reefangel: This is probably the only controller that includes all the units that I need (ATO, 1-10v dimming, 8 outlets, etc.) but with the crazy conversion rate right now, the total is coming out to $550. Still a deal when considering Apex but this is too much. For me, there are two main reasons for looking into a controller: 1. Heater control (the MOST important reason) 2. LED control (a luxury I don't need but why not!) So I have decided to go to a very elementary approach. Here are the equipment that I will have and how they will be controlled: 1. Skimmer: it is going to be on 24-7 so I will have this connected to an outlet 24-7. 2. Pump in the return compartment: it is going to be on 24-7 too so direct connection to an outlet 24-7. 3. Wavemaker: RW-04 will be connected through a timer outlet; I don't want to rely on the night mode sensor. 4. ATO: I will be getting tunzi nano. Will be around $130 and includes pump. Thought about getting hydor but the 1cm difference between the two probes might not be great for such a small tank. The ATO will be connected to power outlet directly and for 24-7 5. Light: I will get a spectra controller ($130) for the kessil. 6. Heater: Will get a jager 50W and connect it to Jonson Tempeature controller. This is an industrial controller and not hobby grade so much more reliable. And cheap. Around $70. So with the required controls, I am spending $330. Not getting all the fancy stuffs but I am also leaving more money in my pocket ![]()
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You wouldn't want to see my tank. I don't use fancy equipment and I am a noob ![]() |
#2
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![]() Quote:
I haven't seen an AI Prime turned on either, but of all the LEDs I've had experience, I like the AI Hydras the best (over Radion and Hydra even), and the Prime is similar. |
#3
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![]() Quote:
Last edited by Ram3500; 12-11-2015 at 03:50 AM. |
#4
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![]() Quote:
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![]() Yes frosted optics and lens helps diffuse the beams thus mixing the colour better. You should have contacted acted earlier and contacted those manufacturers to get the frosted optics/lens going ![]() Quote:
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You wouldn't want to see my tank. I don't use fancy equipment and I am a noob ![]() |
#5
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![]() Quote:
![]() But seriously, no disco like my last 2 LEDs... The Maxspect Razor had disco until I put a single layer of ziploc baggy over them... and same with the Evergrow until I put half pong pong balls over each LED. The Prime has needed no mods. It appears they've began to realize what I figured out a couple years ago that LEDs need to be slightly diffused (no clear lenses) so the Prime has slightly cloudy lenses. I can only speak for these 2 though as I haven't owned a Radion or Kessil... |