Aquarium automation is the hot trend that uses electronic devices to monitor and control key functions in the aquarium.
In the past, the best you could do is turn your aquarium light on and off with a timer. Now most LED aquarium lights have built-in timers. Today aquarium controllers are far more advanced than a simple light timer.
My recommended modular controller is the Neptune APEX, keep reading for more options!
The idea behind aquarium automation is to make keeping an aquarium easier by continuously monitoring and controlling important functions and parameters. Automation helps maintain a consistent aquatic environment for fish, aquatic plants, corals and other invertebrates.
There are different types and levels of automation based on the kind of controller. The control device can be a simple temperate controller that monitors and controls one or more aquarium heaters.
Modular aquarium control systems use a main “brain” unit that stores the programs, sending commands to assorted add-on modules that perform specialized control functions.
The level of complexity and automation can be very sophisticated and involve pH, ORP, water level, lighting control, water pumps and more. Some aquarium controllers even use apps and cloud-based devices to automate and monitor just about everything that happens in the aquarium.
Types of functions incorporated into an aquarium controller
How to choose an aquarium controller
The first step is to determine how many parameters you want to control.
Many freshwater aquarists that use carbon dioxide for their plants monitor the pH and control the CO2 dosing with a pH control device. The desired pH range is programmed into the controller.
The pH probe continuously monitors the pH. If the pH climbs too high, the controller opens the carbon dioxide solenoid valve. When the pH dips below the set point, the controller turns off the solenoid valve.
The carbon dioxide and pH level work hand in hand to stimulate plant growth and maintain a stable pH/CO2 balance.
Another single function controller is a temperature monitor and controller. Like the pH controller, a temperature controller uses a high and low set point.
If the water gets too warm, the heater is switched off and a cooling device is turned on. When the water cools, the reverse happens.
But most aquarists are interested in more advanced aquarium controllers.
These are modular devices that allow you add more control as you build the system. Many of these aquarium controllers record water quality parameters, send you alerts and allow you to control the aquarium from anywhere in the world with a smart device.
Aquarium Controllers Reviews
1. CoralVue Hydros
The CoralVue Hydros Controller system was designed to eliminate the need to use a separate control module on every piece of aquarium hardware.
Normally smart equipment like water pumps, lighting and ATOs require their own controller.
This creates a rat’s nest of power cords and cables under the aquarium. The Hydros system eliminates the need for modules, simplifying the set-up of your smart aquarium.
The control box contains all the standard connections, allowing you to connect Hydros equipment at one central location. There are sensor connections and drive ports for powering small pumps. Larger pumps and lighting are controlled through a wireless power strip.
With the Hydros app, you’ll be able to see the status of each component including voltage draw and internal temperature. The system uses the proprietary Hydrous Safety Net which ensures the control system won’t lose its programming and control. The Control Two has two sensor ports for equipment like a leak detector and water level sensor.
The Control 2 comes with a temperature sensor. It also has two Drive Ports, which power and control small devices like a fan or ATO pump.
The Control 4 is intended for reef and planted aquariums. It has connections for up to four sensors and includes a temperature and pH probe along with a Wi-Fi-enabled power strip.
Pros
- Easy to set up.
- Made in the US.
- Expandable to control multiple aquariums.
- Eliminates the need for multiple modules as you add devices.
Cons
- You can’t program lighting modes through the Hydros app.
2. Neptune Systems APEX
The Apex system combines purpose-built hardware coupled with Apex Fusion.
Apex Fusion is a cloud-based software that communicates with the hardware.
Apex Fusion monitors and controls the most important parameters in a reef aquarium.
The Apex system can be as simple or advanced as you want it to be.
You tell Apex what to do through the wired keypad, your computer, or smart device.
Apex obeys and will report back how your aquarium is doing. If the aquarium is getting too warm Apex Fusion will send a text message alert. The Apex Fusion software will record the pH levels and create a graph illustrating the pH level over time.
You can program the water pump to shut off while the automatic feeder adds food to the aquarium.
The Apex system is capable of customizable monitoring and control tasks.
Below is an overview of the basic tasks. Many of these specialized functions can be added to an Apex system as needed.
Different modules are simply plugged into the main Apex controller to add more features.
- Automatic water changes.
- Automatic feeding of liquid and dry foods.
- Wireless control of compatible LED lighting.
- Pump and lighting control.
- Wireless control of select pumps.
- Automatic monitoring of the light level at the coral surface.
- Automatic leak detection and notification.
- pH/ORP monitoring and logging.
- Salinity testing.
- Dissolved oxygen monitoring.
- LED lunar cycle simulation.
- Control of WAV powerheads.
The base system comes with an Apex base unit, Apex display, Energy Bar 8 power strip, temperature probe and lab grade pH probe. An upgraded Apex system is also available.
Pros
- Expandable monitoring and control system.
- Many APEX pumps, probes, feeding and dosing equipment available.
- Programming and control via computer or keypad.
- Compatible with a variety of LED lights and water pumps.
- Wi-Fi capability.
Cons
- Wi-Fi system is expensive.
- Must be tech-savvy to program advanced features.
- Designed primarily for reef aquariums but can be used in freshwater tanks.
3. Inkbird Aquarium Dual Stage Temperature Controller + NTC Sensor
The
The
The device works by automatically controlling a heater and cooling device, depending on the need.
If the aquarium water temperature starts to climb above the pre-set level, the
The cooling fan blows air across the surface of the aquarium, carrying heat from the aquarium light away from the aquarium.
The
Pros
- The temperature sensor is stainless steel and rated “waterproof IP68”.
- Has high and low temperature alarms.
- Digital high and low temperature set point readout.
Cons
- Requires hanging on a wall or under the aquarium to view the read-out.
4. Hydor Smart Level Controller, Automatic Top Off (ATO)
Water evaporation can be quite substantial, especially in reef aquariums using bright lighting.
In some cases, water has to be added every day to compensate for evaporation.
This is especially important for reef aquariums that use a filter sump.
Evaporation causes the water level to drop dramatically in the sump due to its relatively small size compared to the aquarium.
Add in evaporation caused by intense lighting and circulation pumps and you’ll understand why water needs to be added daily.
The Hydor Smart Level Controller has a sensor that detects low and high water levels. The sensor attaches to the
When the water level drops the controller switches on a power outlet.
Connect a small power head to the power outlet to pump water into the aquarium. You’ll have to provide the small power head and container of water from which to draw water.
If for some reason the water level is too high, an alarm will sound. This is helpful in you happen to be filling the aquarium from a hose connected to a sink.
Pros
- Simple plug and play operation.
- Small size.
- Works with any size aquarium.
Cons
- Sensor is slow to respond when filling the aquarium.
- Occasional false alarms when a fast water pump is used.
5. American Marine PINPOINT pH Controller
The Pinpoint pH Controller uses a high-quality pH probe to continuously monitor pH in freshwater and marine aquariums.
You select the high and low set points. When either set point is reached the corresponding power 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.
It turns off the CO2 system when the pH is in the desired range. If the pH is too acidic from excess CO2, the second outlet is turned on, typically powering an air pump to drive off carbon dioxide gas.
The Pinpoint pH Controller can also be used to control the addition of “Kalkwasser” based on pH level.
The Pinpoint controller is easy to set up and use. The controller uses high-quality materials for the case, buttons, and power outlets.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Quality build.
- Small size.
Cons
- Does not record pH levels.
- Does not have an alarm.
6. Milwaukee Instruments MC122 pH Controller
Milwaukee Instruments is known for their industrial-quality monitoring and control equipment.
The MC122 pH Controller is a rugged wall-mounted controller.
It has two pH set points. When the pH level drifts to either set point, the controller turns on a single power outlet.
When setting up the controller you select if the power outlet power is triggered by the high or low set point. The outlet will power a small dosing pump or solenoid valve.
The Milwaukee Instruments MC122 pH Controller has a visual LED alarm that indicates when either set point is exceeded. The calibration process is simple. Instructions are straight-forward and easy to follow.
Pros
- Industrial quality.
- Simple calibration.
- Reliable operation.
Cons
- Lacks audible alarm.
- Must be visible to see the LED alarm.
- Has only one power outlet.
7. GHL ProfiLux
GHL is a German manufacturer of high-tech aquarium automation equipment.
The company offers complete aquarium automation kits that contain everything you need to start monitoring and controlling your reef tank, planted aquarium or terrarium immediately.
The P4 Mega Set starts with the ProfiLux 4 controller. The “brains” behind the system is a powerful processor capable of managing aquarium lights, water pump control, flow measurement and water level management. The interface includes BNC ports for use with conductivity, pH, temperature and redox probes.
The ProfiLux 4 also has connections for water leak sensors along with 1 to 10-volt interfaces useful for controlling heaters, chillers and “smart” circulation pumps. ProfiLux Aquatic Bus (PAB) ports allow you to connect to an optional Powerbar 5.1. This smart power distribution strip has five switchable electrical sockets, one of which can also be dimmed for lighting. The 6th outlet has permanent power for ProfiLux, pumps or lights and other equipment.
But the ProfiLux 4 controller is more than just brain power. All this intelligence is contained in a compact, sleek, black box. The back-lit blue graphical display and touch-sensitive buttons are easy to use and very intuitive.
GHL Control Center software allows you to access and adjust all parameters wirelessly. Cloud servers store all your data and settings, so nothing can be lost. You can access GHL Control Center on any smart device, anywhere in the world.
The P4 Mega Set includes the controller and power supply, pH probe, conductivity probe, temperature sensor, redox probe, one Powerbar 5.1 unit with a PAB cable (6 ft) and a USB cable.
The kit also comes with two pH solutions for a two-point calibration, redox calibration solution and a 50 milliseimens conductivity calibration solution. It is important to periodically calibrate the pH, redox and conductivity probes to ensure accurate readings. Data from the temperature sensor is used for temperature compensation when calculating pH and conductivity.
The ProfiLux Ultimate Set includes all the hardware and capabilities of the ProfiLux mega Set but includes the ProfiLux Touch external display and operating unit.
The device is a touchscreen display that shows the status of:
- Temperature, pH, ORP, conductivity, oxygen and activity of the control loops.
- Light intensity and moon phase.
- States of pumps and power outlets.
- Alarm, feeding pause and maintenance.
- Reminder texts and time with date.
The ProfiLux Touch is customizable. You can set which information is displayed on the screen. You can also use the Touch unit to control certain functions such as pause pumps while feeding, start the automated water change, or trigger a thunderstorm lighting program. You’ll be able to see logs of water quality and temperature, control your ProfiLux base unit and have manual control of lighting.
Pros
- Components are true industrial and laboratory quality.
- The ProfiLux controller is very dependable in its network connectivity and system stability.
- Simple to use.
- Many add-ons available.
- Designed for reef, freshwater and terrarium automation.
Cons
- Kits and components are somewhat more expensive than other brands.
8. Seneye Home Aquarium Monitor
The Seneye Home Aquarium Monitor take a different approach to aquarium automation.
The Seneye module is designed to be submerged into the aquarium.
The module monitors water temperature, pH and ammonia (NH3) levels.
The Seneye system uses replaceable slides that measure pH and ammonia.
The slides work like conventional test kits but are embedded in a solid slide that is read by the
The slides must be replaced every 30 days.
The
You can access the monitoring information from the cloud with your mobile device.
If you cannot connect the module to a PC you’ll have to use the power adapter to keep the
Data will be recorded and stored every hour for up to 35 days.
You’ll be able to download the data later and see the results on the
There is also a reef version of the
Pros
- Simple drop-in system.
- Works in freshwater and saltwater aquariums.
Cons
- Does not control any devices.
- Expensive “slides” need to be replaced monthly.
- Poor customer service.
Aquarium Controller Recommendations
As our review demonstrates, aquarium controllers range from a single function device to Wi-Fi-enabled remote control capabilities. Like any tech device, the more you spend the more features you’ll have at your command.
The most important consideration is determining what level of control is really needed.
The
If you’re using a cooling
Likewise, simple fluorescent aquarium lights can be controlled by the most basic automatic timer or by the light fixture’s own timer. Fluorescent lights cannot be programmed to simulate sunrise or sunset like LED lighting. Linking continuous pH measurement with a pH-dependent dosing system makes sense.
The American Marine Pinpoint pH Controller is the ideal aquarium control device for regulating carbon dioxide fertilization in freshwater planted aquariums. Certain reef calcium additives can potentially raise the pH above recommended levels and can easily be regulated by the Pinpoint controller.
The Milwaukee Instruments MC122 pH Controller is also a dependable pH-based controller. The main difference is the Pinpoint provides two powered outlets while the Milwaukee only has one.
If you want to have complete control over water pumps, feeding, pH, dosing of additives and customized LED lighting, you’ll have to use a complex modular aquarium control system.
This is an all-in proposition because automation requires certain logic skills to lay out what device turns off, when and for how long while another device is turning on, for how long, etc. You’ll also have to calibrate the pH probe periodically to ensure accuracy.
There are a growing number of companies providing automated aquarium control systems.
The GHL ProfiLux system is very advanced and priced a bit higher than most aquarists’ budgets. The ProfiLux and the Neptune Systems both offer fully automated aquarium monitoring and control.
While both systems have many great features, side-by-side comparisons give Neptune System APEX controllers the upper hand, especially for someone just getting into the automation component of aquarium management.
- Apex has many of the same features and costs less.
- Apex has a comprehensive growing range of compatible probes, dosing pumps, wave makers
- Control of major brands of LED light fixtures and wave-making pumps.
- Ethernet and Wi-Fi capabilities.
- Easy to navigate website and customer support system.
The capabilities of these aquarium controllers
If you have any questions or comments, post them below!