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?

[gregzz4]

Reefkeeper Lite

Ranco dual stage temp controller

If you want dirt cheap, can wire it yourself and don't plan on needing expandability;
Ranco single stage temp controller (not pre-wired)

[mkj]

throw your money away then, advertising got you guys. statistically controllers error/brake more often than heaters do.

I agree for large expensive tanks but someone who just wants temp control and nothing else doesn't have a large expensive tank or they would get all the bells and whistles. If they spent thousands of dollars on a tank they would get a proper controller if concerned with crash. Every heater I have ever owned has lasted more than a decade "my experience only". I cant say the same about my controllers. I do use one though because I also have thousands in my tank but it controllers many things not just temps. I don't own a cooler because I have air-conditioning.

To each as their own, that is why I recommended a controller even though I think for his situation it sounds like he doesn't need one. Not knowing more information though I'll just leave it at that. Reefkeeper suck by the way and don't get me started about their customer service. Well known to be not up to par right now.

[gregzz4]

Originally Posted by mkj

Reefkeeper suck by the way and don't get me started about their customer service

Don't know what problems you've had, but my only customer service experience with them was good.
And I've been running my controller for coming up on 3 years without issues