Environmental controllers

jjng5

Well-Known Member
Hello all--

What environmental controllers does everyone like? SWIM would like to select a controller with the option of CO2 control for room to upgrade later on. Maybe something with a built-in PPM meter maybe. I've looked at HTGsupply website (all super expensive or too low end). I also saw the Titan 6. What do you guys think? The priority (after it's ability to function) is price point!

Thanks guys!
 

Apalchen

Well-Known Member
Trolmaster Argo products look nice and that’s the route I will prob go. Check out Miami mango on Instagram he sells them and has good support.
 

kratos015

Well-Known Member
Hello all--

What environmental controllers does everyone like? SWIM would like to select a controller with the option of CO2 control for room to upgrade later on. Maybe something with a built-in PPM meter maybe. I've looked at HTGsupply website (all super expensive or too low end). I also saw the Titan 6. What do you guys think? The priority (after it's ability to function) is price point!

Thanks guys!
https://www.amazon.com/Day-Night-Monitor-Controller-Greenhouses/dp/B017847K76/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=co2+controller&qid=1550865816&s=gateway&sr=8-5

I've used this CO2 controller for the last 2 years and it's absolutely amazing. Any other CO2 controller will cost you double what this one does, if not more. For $200 I simply cannot recommend this product enough.
 

kratos015

Well-Known Member
Thanks @kratos015 ! I checked out the link you posted, does it do regular environmental controls as well or co2 only?

Also wondering if I can ask a local welding shop to fill this o2 tank up with Co2 or at least swap out for a co2 tank? Take a peek...
View attachment 4289106
Unfortunately, it does not to regular environmental controls. If you want an all-in-one controller that's going to set you back $500+ unless things have changed. What is it you're trying to control exactly? Humidity and temps I'm guessing?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KEYDNKK/ref=crt_ewc_title_dp_20?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2EFSDTWMPHWEA

That'll control your temps, whether heating or cooling. It's good enough for people that brew beer and age meat at home so it's certainly good enough for me! Plug your inline fan/evap cooler (if you're in the right climate) in and you're set. If you're using A/C, the thermostat on the A/C will do the job just fine. IMO, you don't need to spend money on a controller for a heater/air conditioner because any heater/AC unit worth it's salt will have a thermostat that will do that for you.

The only thing that leaves left to control is the humidity. Humidifiers with built-in humidistats are cheap enough, I got one for $50 that was plenty good enough for a 4x8 tent. De-humidifiers with humidistats are a tad more costly, $80-$100.

Not sure how large your grow is or if you're even running more than one light at a time, but if you are this is the light controller I use.

https://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MLC-4X-4-Light-HID-Controller/dp/B008NP7HNM/ref=sr_1_15?keywords=light+controller&qid=1551070198&s=gateway&sr=8-15

30A @ 120v will run 4 600w lights, 1 1000w and 3 600w lights, 4 315w CMH, or 3 1000w lights. You don't even have to wire it into a breaker, assuming you know enough about wiring to not start a fire of course! I have an RV pedestal on my property that I'm using to power my light controller. Just cut the female end of an RV cable off, stripped the wires and wired it into the controller and it works just fine for me. You could do the exact same thing with a dryer outlet as well.

I've had all of the aforementioned equipment for the last 2 years, zero issues and I still use them all to this day.

As for your CO2 tank, unfortunately I can't help with where to fill that up as I use a propane CO2 generator I bought on eBay that has worked just fine in the last 2 years. A propane generator will heat up your grow space, but only while it's on and if your CO2 generator is on constantly then you likely have too small of a generator for your space. I like propane for CO2 because it's more user friendly in terms of plug and play, but the main reason I like propane is because no one bats an eye when I'm refilling a couple of propane tanks every month. Sadly I can't say the same about a tank.
 

rob333

Well-Known Member
Hello all--

What environmental controllers does everyone like? SWIM would like to select a controller with the option of CO2 control for room to upgrade later on. Maybe something with a built-in PPM meter maybe. I've looked at HTGsupply website (all super expensive or too low end). I also saw the Titan 6. What do you guys think? The priority (after it's ability to function) is price point!

Thanks guys!
lol swim we aint on blue lite buddy
 

TintEastwood

Well-Known Member
My favorite is Autopilot. Their APCECOTH Greenhouse Master Controller is what I use in both of my flowering rooms. Day night settings for temp and humidity, it will do CO2 enrichment, either from a tank or a generator.
Happy with the same. Used for CO2, heat, and mist humidifier.

My 6k window shaker AC and dehuey run independently with their own thermostat control. Which requires me to manually make adjustments for day/night settings.
The Autopilot temperature controls are better for controlling fans....unsealed room.
 

Renfro

Well-Known Member
Happy with the same. Used for CO2, heat, and mist humidifier.

My 6k window shaker AC and dehuey run independently with their own thermostat control. Which requires me to manually make adjustments for day/night settings.
The Autopilot temperature controls are better for controlling fans....unsealed room.
Yeah I have my 4 ton AC units set to control room temps and they flip with my lights so they don't run when lights are off. I use the autopilot daytime temp setting to run a large intake blower as a backup cooling if the AC were to die. I also use the night temperature setting to run the blower to cool the room after lights out, this brings in fresh air and pushes out ethylene gas.
 

TintEastwood

Well-Known Member
Yeah I have my 4 ton AC units set to control room temps and they flip with my lights so they don't run when lights are off. I use the autopilot daytime temp setting to run a large intake blower as a backup cooling if the AC were to die. I also use the night temperature setting to run the blower to cool the room after lights out, this brings in fresh air and pushes out ethylene gas.
Sounds like a great setup. Zero experience myself, but I understand some feel the need to purge the ethylene a couple times during lights on cycle.
 

Renfro

Well-Known Member
Sounds like a great setup. Zero experience myself, but I understand some feel the need to purge the ethylene a couple times during lights on cycle.
I personally think a purge once a day, right when the lights go out is plenty. I figure since the equipment is in place may as well, can't hurt.
 

Jaybodankly

Well-Known Member
Do you need one? Temp is controlled at AC or fan speed controller, Humidity is controlled by humidifier. CO2 is controlled by its own regulator. Plus you have all these loads plugged into one device. Seems like complicating what you already mostly control.
 

jjng5

Well-Known Member
Thanks everyone! Just purchased a 20 lb CO2 tank. An area welding shop refills them for $20 so that's not bad. I need one more tank though and then will need two controllers for each flower room. Is the Autopilot APCECOTH Greenhouse Master Controller better than the Saturn 6 I wonder? They seem similar.
 

SoMe_EfFin_MasS_HoLe

Well-Known Member
Thanks everyone! Just purchased a 20 lb CO2 tank. An area welding shop refills them for $20 so that's not bad. I need one more tank though and then will need two controllers for each flower room. Is the Autopilot APCECOTH Greenhouse Master Controller better than the Saturn 6 I wonder? They seem similar.

20 bucks wow. If you have a dive shop near you they might be able to help you. For me to fill one of my 80cf dive tanks it's only 6 bucks. The tank you have will probably last you a week. Over the grow that's going to be damn near 800 bucks. Shit spend a lil more and get a compressor for your self.

P.s. sorry I've not taken the pictures yet. I've been extremely busy. I did clean the tent last night though. Let me know if you still want them?
 

TintEastwood

Well-Known Member
I like the (optional) computer connectivity of the Autopilot.
It's a serial-2-usb CABLE connection. Nothing wireless.

18 to 20 for tank exchange is typical in my hood. They last over a month in my 4x8x8 "room".


0404181429.jpg
0404181513.jpg
 
Last edited:

jjng5

Well-Known Member
$6?! $20 per tank was the cheapest around me. Some were $35-40 + taxes/fees Unfortunately there are no big dive shops around me. I called a few 30 minutes away, but I'm not near any significant body of water to be a big thing around here. Why would a 20 lb CO2 tank only last a week? Most things I've read online say if you can control your heat and humidity in a sealed tent that it can last the entire grow?
 

jjng5

Well-Known Member
I like the (optional) computer connectivity of the Autopilot.
It's a serial-2-usb CABLE connection. Nothing wireless.

18 to 20 for tank exchange is typical in my hood. They last over a month in my 4x8x8 "room".


View attachment 4295440
That's what I thought. Picked up 30 pint mini compressor dehumidifier to take care of that and have air cooled HPS tubes on separate ventilation to care of heat (also have some HLG LED boards with intention to mount the driver external to tent). I would think that if one could properly seal their tent and search for pin holes, etc that it could be possible for the CO2 to only need refilled inside the tent every couple hours during lights on.

Also the third CO2 tank is on the way (one to keep as a back up) -- I'm hoping that getting three filled might knock a few bucks off things. Worst asking.

Also a CO2 burner doesn't really help in this case since they are tents and I've yet to see anyone successfully put a burner inside of a tent. Even if you gas your entire basement with enough CO2 to be meaningful I would think that in addition to wasting a lot of fuel that you would also be generating so much heat outside of your tent space that you'd likely need to purchase an additional air-conditioner unit as well and have it installed -- not much savings there in my opinion.
 

TintEastwood

Well-Known Member
No idea about C02 besides my room. 4x8x8. (4x4 tray)
I used rigid foam. Seams 100% taped and sealed, but still gas permeable material.
Started out as a drying room for outdoor. :peace:
0330182206a_HDR.jpg

C02 burners introduce many other variables.
 
Last edited:

Mr_Manny_D

Active Member
I've heard they are discontinuing Autopilot master controller, as well as Titans Saturn 6...which pretty much sucks bc I had narrowed my decision to one of them for my two flower rooms. Yea, I've been looking at TrolMaster too but do drinking expensive...for two complete units. Has anyone looked at or used LTL controller?
 

Renfro

Well-Known Member
I've heard they are discontinuing Autopilot master controller, as well as Titans Saturn 6...which pretty much sucks bc I had narrowed my decision to one of them for my two flower rooms. Yea, I've been looking at TrolMaster too but do drinking expensive...for two complete units. Has anyone looked at or used LTL controller?
They are replaced by newer versions. Both the Autopilot and Titan ones are good. All the same features with an easier interface, multiple readouts so you don't have to wait for the autopilot to scroll thru the various #'s.
 
Top