Budget controller

Zer0. · 07/23/2014, 12:22 PM

Hello all,
So, I would like something to control my two heaters (2x 250watt), something to monitor ph. and something to control my led lights (both time and ability to have them dim on/off) I already have a "smart" ATO unit so no break-out-box required. The lights are 3 modules that have 2 power cords each. one for moonlights, one for the main lights- this means six plugs, however I imagine I could probably just combine all the moonlight power channels on to one outlet/strip and all the regular lights on to one outlet/strip?

Let me know what you guys think, I would really appreciate it.

P.S. really cant afford the $500 apex system everyone raves about

kurt_n · 07/23/2014, 01:20 PM

You should probably define what you mean by "budget" controller.

Once you add in pH monitoring and the ability to dim LEDs, you're probably looking at something at least in the $300 to $500 range minimum.

What LEDs/driver are you controlling? Is is 0-10V control or PWM control for dimming? That answer will also help narrow down your choices.

Zer0. · 07/23/2014, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kurt_n

What LEDs/driver are you controlling? Is is 0-10V control or PWM control for dimming? That answer will also help narrow down your choices.

hmmm, good question...... these are the lights I have. http://www.amazon.com/AQUAMANA-Spect...l+spectrum+led

not sure how to figure that out

alton · 07/23/2014, 02:14 PM

Manual dimming looking at one of the pictures. $130 for a Reef Keeper lite

Zer0. · 07/23/2014, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alton

Manual dimming looking at one of the pictures. $130 for a Reef Keeper lite

Can you not ramp up manually dimmed LED's like these? with out sitting there and slowly turning the dimm knob of course

alton · 07/23/2014, 03:26 PM

Unless they have a 0-10v control I don't think so. You can use your different channels to do a sunrise to sunset

kurt_n · 07/23/2014, 03:29 PM

"Manually dimmeable" means just that... manual!

Agree with Alton looking at those pictures - I see two manual knobs for dimming. Have to say that the description is a little misleading as it sounds like you can simulate sunrise/sunset, which I suppose you can if you stand there and slowly turn the knob!

So as far as dimming your LEDs with a controller, that ain't gonna happen. Several options out there for cheap controllers - RK Lite and Apex Jr come to mind. But adding in pH monitoring is going to pump the price up a bit.

07/23/2014, 12:22 PM	#1
Zer0. Registered Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 479	Budget controller Hello all, So, I would like something to control my two heaters (2x 250watt), something to monitor ph. and something to control my led lights (both time and ability to have them dim on/off) I already have a "smart" ATO unit so no break-out-box required. The lights are 3 modules that have 2 power cords each. one for moonlights, one for the main lights- this means six plugs, however I imagine I could probably just combine all the moonlight power channels on to one outlet/strip and all the regular lights on to one outlet/strip? Let me know what you guys think, I would really appreciate it. P.S. really cant afford the $500 apex system everyone raves about

07/23/2014, 01:20 PM	#2
kurt_n Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: WA Posts: 2,592	You should probably define what you mean by "budget" controller. Once you add in pH monitoring and the ability to dim LEDs, you're probably looking at something at least in the $300 to $500 range minimum. What LEDs/driver are you controlling? Is is 0-10V control or PWM control for dimming? That answer will also help narrow down your choices.

07/23/2014, 02:14 PM	#4
alton Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Zuehl, Texas Posts: 4,460	Manual dimming looking at one of the pictures. $130 for a Reef Keeper lite

07/23/2014, 03:26 PM	#6
alton Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Zuehl, Texas Posts: 4,460	Unless they have a 0-10v control I don't think so. You can use your different channels to do a sunrise to sunset

07/23/2014, 03:29 PM	#7
kurt_n Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: WA Posts: 2,592	"Manually dimmeable" means just that... manual! Agree with Alton looking at those pictures - I see two manual knobs for dimming. Have to say that the description is a little misleading as it sounds like you can simulate sunrise/sunset, which I suppose you can if you stand there and slowly turn the knob! So as far as dimming your LEDs with a controller, that ain't gonna happen. Several options out there for cheap controllers - RK Lite and Apex Jr come to mind. But adding in pH monitoring is going to pump the price up a bit.