Today here we have provided a detailed guide about the Best Aquarium Monitoring System Controllers. Running your aquarium automatically is a dream for many aquarium owners. Everyone wants a device that can automate many of the mandatory maintenance tasks for fish and corals. What if I told you that those devices exist today? In fact, they exist, and many do an excellent job of making your aquarium’s life easier than ever. They are called aquarium controllers and the technology is now over 10 years old and mature in our industry. But what is the best aquarium controller? There are several on the market now and they require a lot of research and development to create a sustainable product.
It is not easy to monitor everything that happens in your aquarium all day long. With regular care and maintenance, you’re likely to notice problems if they arise, but what if you’re late?
Comparison Table
Custom | SiteStripe Image | Title | Review | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|
TopBest Pick | AutoAqua Smart ATO Micro Automatic Top Off System | 4.0/5.0 | Check Price | |
Top Performance | Glass CO2 Drop Checker | 4.6/5.0 | Check Price | |
cheapest | Hydor Smart Wave Circulation Pump Controller | 4.5/5.0 | Check Price |
What if the pH is dangerously high or low or the temperature has dropped to a level that has caused damage to your coral?
The best way to combat these unexpected problems is to use the Best Aquarium Monitoring System Controllers available. They can detect and often correct problems before they get out of hand.
In today’s posts, I look at the best of the best and tell you which one to buy today. So let’s get started and see what the market has to offer. You’ll be excited to see what these things can do now!
The Best Aquarium Monitoring System Controllers
Aquarium Controller & Monitoring System Reviews
1. AutoAqua Smart ATO Micro Automatic Top Off System
An ATO system replenishes water throughout the day, resulting in extremely stable salinity. This ATO system can be mounted on most clear, stained or painted surfaces.
It is easy to install and has no moving parts to break. It is also one of the smallest units on the market.
Check Price On Amazon2. Glass CO2 Drop Checker
This Glass CO2 Drop Tester is a simple and effective way to monitor carbon dioxide levels in a planted tank to keep your plants and fish happy and healthy.
It comes with everything you need, including a high-quality drip control, suction cup for containers and a 60 ml bottle of reagent solution.
Reading the results is easy. If the solution turns dark blue, the carbon dioxide content is low. Green to light green is optimal and yellow is too high. An indicator chart is also included.
Check Price On Amazon3. Hydor Smart Wave Circulation Pump Controller
If you want to create a realistic environment for your fish, this wave circulator is a great place to start.
This controller works with one or more pumps and mimics the natural flow that your fish would find in their natural environment.
There are two different exercise programs, alternating and synchronized. Changeover times range from five seconds to six hours.
Check Price On Amazon4. Current USA eFlux Wave Pump Kit
This wave pump set is an easy way to make your aquarium feel more natural to the fish that call it home.
Provides adequate circulation and improves water quality so that your coral grows strong and your fish stay healthy.
This kit comes with everything that goes with it: a magnetic swivel mount, foam cover, a pump hub, LED display, remote control, micro USB and IR sensor cables, cable protector, mounting clips and a power transformer.
Check Price On Amazon5. Salinity Refractometer for Seawater and Marine Fishkeeping Aquarium
This is an excellent salinity meter ideal for saltwater aquariums and marine monitoring.
It gives results on two different scales, specific gravity and parts per thousand. The metal probe is made of chrome which is extremely durable and will not rust.
It measures salinity in a range of 0 to 100 parts per thousand and a specific gravity of 1,000 to 1,070 g/cm3.
Check Price On Amazon6. Hygger Titanium Aquarium Heater with External IC Thermostat Controller
This is an ideal automatic heater made for aquariums from 5 to 45 gallons.
Long power cables make installation easy and there are even mounting holes for hanging the controller on the wall.
A wide temperature range allows you to choose a setting between 32 and 104 degrees F in one degree increments.
Check Price On Amazon7. Malida Water Pressure Gauge Stainless For Aquarium Meter
This meter has quick connectors for a ¼†water line and is an excellent choice for use with reverse osmosis and marine systems.
Using a pressure gauge with your setting to maintain proper water pressure can prevent many problems before they occur.
Check Price On Amazon8. Inkbird Aquarium Dual Stage Temperature Controller + NTC Sensor
This temperature controller from Inkbird supports both Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature settings and the dual-display window lets you see the current temperature and change the settings at the same time. The plug and play design are easy to set up and simple to use.
An audible alarm lets you know when the water temperature is too hot or there are any sensor errors. Low-temperature alarms are available as well. You can set the temperature for a wide range: -58 to 210 F/ -50 to 90 C.
9. American Marine PINPOINT pH Controller
The Pinpoint pH controller uses a high quality pH probe to continuously monitor the pH in marine and freshwater aquariums.
You select the high and low setpoints. When one of the set points is reached, the corresponding outlet is switched on.
This is ideal for controlling a carbon dioxide system. When the pH is high, the controller turns on the carbon dioxide system.
Turn off the CO2 system when the pH is in the desired range. If the pH is too acidic due to excess CO2, the second output is turned on, usually activating an air pump to expel the carbon dioxide gas.
The Pinpoint pH controller can also be used to control the addition of “Kalkwasser” based on the pH value.
The Pinpoint controller is easy to set up and use. The controller uses high-quality materials for the housing, buttons and sockets.
Check Price On Amazon10. Milwaukee Instruments MC122 pH Controller
Milwaukee Instruments is known for its industrial quality control and monitoring equipment.
The MC122 pH controller is a robust wall controller.
It has two pH set points. When the pH level drifts to a set point, the controller turns on only one outlet.
When configuring the controller, select whether the power output is activated by the high or low setpoint. The outlet feeds a small metering pump or solenoid valve.
The Milwaukee Instruments MC122 pH controller has a visual LED alarm that indicates when one of the setpoints is exceeded. The calibration process is simple.
Check Price On Amazon
Benefits of Best Aquarium Controller and Monitoring System
Depending on the type of controller you use, its biggest advantage is that it can detect a problem as soon as it boots up. It also helps maintain a more uniform environment and allows you to have a little more interference between cleanings and tests.
One of the best things about these devices is that there are different types of controllers and monitors available.
You can even find products that monitor and control all of the following:
- To turn on
- Temperature, both heating and cooling
- pH
- Salinity
- water movement
The first thing to decide is what to check. That usually depends on the type of tank you have.
For example, if you have a small 5-gallon aquarium with a few small fish, you could take advantage of something that turns the light on and off automatically.
Water motion controllers are also great for larger tanks because they are designed to mimic the natural underwater environment and can help keep your aquarium as healthy and natural as possible.
That said, if you have a larger, more delicate reef tank, you might want to consider something that can monitor salinity and pH to maintain a balance between regular cleaning or testing. For heavily planted tanks, it may also be helpful to use a controller that regulates pH and corrects with carbon dioxide.
One thing to be careful of when installing any appliance in your tank is what happens if there is a power outage. While your tank can survive if the lights don’t come on at a preset time, if you’re relying on a controller to adjust pH or salinity, the power issues can be a bit more urgent.
It is also important to note that while these machines can alert you and help you solve some problems, they are not a substitute for proper maintenance. You should always be actively involved with your tank, so you still need to monitor all parameters that these machines don’t have.
Second, there is always the possibility that controllers and monitoring systems are not working properly, so you should regularly check that they are working properly. It is also helpful to use a product with good technical support personnel who can help you solve problems.
Aquarium Controller FAQs
What is an aquarium controller?
An aquarium controller is a computing device that works on your aquarium monitoring equipment. It also automates various maintenance tasks and is highly customizable to your tank configuration and needs. They usually send alerts and text messages to your phone if a problem is detected and can also shut down your computer in an emergency.
What happened to Digital Aquatics?
Digital water sports closed its doors in 2018 and ceased all activities. They were known for creating entry-level aquarium controllers. The new Hydros Control 2 is considered a successor to the Digital Aquatics ReefKeeper as it has a similar price and updated technology.
Do I need an aquarium controller?
You don’t need an aquarium controller to be successful in the hobby. Before the innovation of controller technology, there were and still are many new configurations that are successful without a controller. A controller offers a lot of automation and monitoring, so that you have to do less maintenance on the aquarium. It also gives you peace of mind when you are away from the tank. Considering the price of livestock these days, the investment is worth it if you have thousands invested in your tank.
What does an apex controller do?
An Apex controller can do many things in your aquarium, but it’s best to focus on the core functionality to see what makes them so great. They can turn off your heater if it isn’t working properly, preventing you from having a tank crash. They can detect leaks, monitor the water level, and shut down any equipment or tank before your home is damaged by a tank water flood. You can monitor your tank while on vacation. You can set automatic dosing to keep your aquarium stable for your precious corals.
One of the biggest benefits of being willing to go through an installation is the automated water change. With the right settings, a controller can fully automate the water change function, making your tank work almost automatically.
Conclusion
Using the Best Aquarium Monitoring System Controllers system is a great way to make sure everything is taken care of between cleanings and when you are away from home. Since there are so many options to choose from, you can pick the one that best suits your schedule and setup.
Whether you want a simple timer that can turn your aquarium light on and off or something that can maintain proper pH levels, there’s a system for you. The important thing to note is that these systems are not a substitute for practical maintenance and care.
When these products are used to facilitate tank maintenance, they can save you a lot of time and keep everything in order when you are away.