powerhead controllers

I've seen now in the random stores I've surfed online that there are aquarium controllers - I'm assuming these control everything from the powerheads to create waves to the lights... I'm interested in this because I would like to be able to turn the powerheads off while feeding without having to unplug / plug them.

Mark - 

Thanks for the input guys!  I have been looking into these and they are pretty expensive - not really in my budget as of yet... but will keep an eye out once I'm ready for it. :)

mikenmandymoo wrote: Thanks for the input guys!  I have been looking into these and they are pretty expensive - not really in my budget as of yet... but will keep an eye out once I'm ready for it. :)

Mandy it was nice meeting you guys the other day - hope the 'nem is doing well in your tank. Small world - can't believe you know my Grandma!

When you are ready, I'll be selling my Wavemaster Pro. It's the one I showed you when you were at my house. Here's a DFS link.

It works really well, controlling up to 4 pumps or powerheads, including the main pump. It runs several modes, but I prefer the random reef mode. It also automatically switches to a calmer mode at night and is perfect for feeding - just press a button, and all but one powerhead shuts off. I have 2 on the back bottom sides facing forward and up, one in the top center facing forward and my main pump all connected. All but the center one switches off when I press the feed button. I squirt my food in the front center and the powerhead pushes it out to both sides and down to my bottom feeders perfectly every time.

New they are $150, I'd sell mine for $85. My controller would do almost the same thing (with some careful programming ) if I bought another power module. They cost $85 so it'd be perfect, if and when you are ready, just let me know.

She is a cool old cat for sure! I helped her get her first Mac last year, and she is loving it. No tech support needed there...

I am in no hurry, and will gladly show you all about it when and if you decide you want it. I won't list it in the meantime, and funds are always tight with me, so I wouldn't even be buying another module for my controller to replace this until I sell it, so it'd be an nice even trade if it ends up working out for you.

Yeah post up (or text) some pics and I'll give you my $0.02 on placement - I think its critical to have an uneven, broken water surface - after all the gas exchange takes place up there and it makes for a nice shimmer effect as well. If you think about it, the ocean is never a glass-like surface like a lake is - even in it's calmest state. I point my powerheads up from the bottom to increase circulation, help with dead spots and exchange oxygen.

Having the powerheads alternate also helps and seems to better distribute food for corals and fish.