Timers or Reef controller? Need input

[DesktopReefer]

I have a biocube 14 set up currently and other than my top off everything is manual including lights. I run both the actinic and white bulbs along with the moonlight. I would like to get it automated for consistency meaning I'd need at least 3 timers. I was wondering if anyone had an input on what they used for such a task. With the price of timers I'm also looking at possibly getting a controller. I have looked into the RKL but am still confused on exactly what I would be getting. How many extra things would I have to buy for salinity and online monitoring? Any other controllers worth looking at?

Sorry for the long winded post just looking to upgrade this area of my system.

[bnumair]

i honestly would spend money in a controller than several timers. it will serve u more in long run than just timers and nowadays prices have come down alot than when i started.
RKL basic package is at DA website for $119.
it will come with a main unit a temp probe and pc4 (which has 4 controlable 110v outlets.) so u can control 4 electrical devices.
for 119 is a better deal than 3-4 timers that dont do nothing but turn deviced on off. while RKL will give u temp and sence of security with alamrs and timers and tons more add on features.

[DesktopReefer]

Would it be a good idea to sell off my current ATO and just use the RKLs ability? This would drastically cut down on the original cost.

[aandfsoccr04]

I personally wouldn't put the auto top off on the controller. The auto top off that I use has it's own controller and I just like as many fail safes as possible. If the controller failed, I wouldn't want my ATO to fail too. Just my .02

[Kasper00]

Apex controller is the best.

[benjc]

+1 for the controller. If you have an ATO already though, don't sell it...the cost for the float switches and needed modules for the controller mean you may not save that much money. I've got a RKL setup with 2 float switches on a SW5 module; if I had to do it over, I probably wouldn't have gone with Digital Aquatics.

[Dexters Reef]

I know everyones going to say get a controller. They are cool things, and make life easier. But, for a biocube 14 (I have one, and a nanocube 28) I just dont think its needed. I plan to buy one for my 75 reef, so Im not against them at all, but just dont think its absolutely needed for a 14g tank. If you want to spend the 120 to get a basic one, go for it, I'm not against them at all.

If you want to save a few bucks, you can get this. Its 50 + 22 sh, 6 outlet strip, 5 independant programable digital timers with multiple on/offs per day, battery backup, manual override on the system also. I'm using this on my 75 now, and down the line when I can afford a controller, this is moving to my biocube.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2205533

[sslak]

Originally Posted by Kasper00

Apex controller is the best.

Seriously? An Apex for a 14g cube when he's contemplating timers? Don't go crazy. Save your money, look at the RKL. You can always go Apex later on.

The RKL is worth every penny and will pay for itself as you buy more and more timers for things you add later. (I still run an old ReefKeeper2) I use my JBJ ATO to control topoff - not my RK2.

Biggest advantage - you can use it to control heaters. This means you never have to worry about a heater thermostat getting stuck on and cooking your tank. The RKL will cut power to the heater when the temp rises.

You can also put a temp cutoff on the lights, etc.

[Dave Thebrewguy]

In this case, the RKL is simply a waste of money. The basic $119 unit will do the same thing as three $10 timers from home depot and a $70 temp controller to back up your heater. Most would agree that a Rancho, or similar temp controller is a more reliable choice, and with the timers it's still cheaper than the RKL.
Yes, the RKL has the ability to do more, but the you'll be out out of recepticles and will need to purchase additional modules if you want to use it for anything else. I'm not against controllers, but in the case of the RKL, you don't get much for the money. If you want a controller, spend a little more for an Apex Jr or Reef Angel that can do a lot more.
The Apex Jr will add online monitoring for just a few bucks more than the RKL. The basic RA includes 8 outlets, 2 PWM channels, ATO, temp and pH for about $100 more than the RKL's 4 outlets and a temp probe. RA plus the net module is around $325 shipped. Figure out what you'd have to the RKL and what it would cost to match the RA. Next, notice that the RKL will be up to its 4 module limit, and it's easy to rule out the RKL.