Atmospheric Controller-- Growtronix, iPonic 600, or Agrowtek?

[redclayguerilla]

I am looking at either the Growtronix system, iPonic 600, or Agrowtek. Any thoughts/input?

Growtronix's price and software are appealing; however, it seems digital ballasts affect the CAT5, 1-wire cables so I may have to use magnetic ballasts (I'm willing to use magnetic ballasts if need be). The iPonic 600 seems OK as well. The Agrowtek system seems nice too; however, the core system, along with the needed accessories, can be over $2000!

So many choices; help me make one!

Thank you all for your input.

 

[overbudjet]

I am using GT for over 7 years now ,i.m.h.o. it's easy to add sensor or switch
Setup is easy .For ballast i use quantum (8x600)the trick if you wan use digi ballast is to shorten the lamp cord as short as you can.

On this pic the bulb is hard wired directly to ballast ,no lamp cord /no antenna
Ballast are sitting on reflector.

 

[Medicgray]

Nice setup overbudjet. My gavita's came this way. Although I'm not air-cooled, I love em. Props to u

 

[RespectGreen]

Honestly I run a agrowtech controller now, but if I was to get another simple/well simple high tech controller I'd get an iponic, from what I've seen from others they're cheap and reliable.... Also they're sold through regular suppliers so by chance if you did have a mess as long as your store had another one it'd be an easy swap out.....

I also do like my agrowtech I have the old gcc-pro..... Its cool, but a little more than the iponic in terms of price without some of iponics cooler features...


I like the agrowtech though, don't get me wrong..... I just think the pricing is a little absurd now unless its a big commercial grow.... But 14 lights or less I'd say iponic, unless u need the hydro control stuff like the auto dose and things

 

[redclayguerilla]

I am using GT for over 7 years now ,i.m.h.o. it's easy to add sensor or switch
Setup is easy .For ballast i use quantum (8x600)the trick if you wan use digi ballast is to shorten the lamp cord as short as you can.
https://www.icmag.com/ic/picture.php?albumid=39361&pictureid=970740View Image
On this pic the bulb is hard wired directly to ballast ,no lamp cord /no antenna
Ballast are sitting on reflector.
https://www.icmag.com/ic/picture.php?albumid=42986&pictureid=1012583View Image

Thanks overbudjet; that is some great ingenuity! In my situation I cannot shorten the lamp cords given that I will be using a flip box. With that being said, the iPonic 600 is beginning to look more and more like my controller.

 

[redclayguerilla]

Honestly I run a agrowtech controller now, but if I was to get another simple/well simple high tech controller I'd get an iponic, from what I've seen from others they're cheap and reliable.... Also they're sold through regular suppliers so by chance if you did have a mess as long as your store had another one it'd be an easy swap out.....

I also do like my agrowtech I have the old gcc-pro..... Its cool, but a little more than the iponic in terms of price without some of iponics cooler features...


I like the agrowtech though, don't get me wrong..... I just think the pricing is a little absurd now unless its a big commercial grow.... But 14 lights or less I'd say iponic, unless u need the hydro control stuff like the auto dose and things

Thanks RespectGreen! I will be using (2) 1000w lights with a flip box for a total of (4) HPS bulbs being lit with two different flower rooms.

I like the data logging and optional communication module for the iPonic 600, not to mention the iPonic 600 is U.L. and C.U.L. approved; however, now that I think about it, the iPonic controls only one room, correct? If this is the case, then I would need two controllers, thus a Agrowtek would make sense (though I'm not too thrilled with the price tag).


Thanks again!

 

[RespectGreen]

You should be able to dial a 2k without spending 2k

 

[redclayguerilla]

You should be able to dial a 2k without spending 2k

What exactly do you mean? BTW, I am brand new to indoor growing (I've grown outdoors for quite awhile), so please excuse my ignorance.

 

[RespectGreen]

I wouldn't even be worried about envoirmental controllers for a grow that size


Bascially you can set 2 separate 1k rooms up for cheap, and still do it the right way


For temp monitoring get your basic hygrometer

For cooling your hood buy a 6-8" fan, and suck the air from in your tent/closet, where ever your light located, then through your hoods to control temp.... Just make sure your outside room is always relatively cool, cuz that will be acting as your lung room so to say... and after after pulling through your hoods make sure that exhuasting air is going out a window or something like that.... At least a separate room if u can....


Then I wouldn't even worry about c02 or a controller until you expand a little and get the basics down of growing indoors comfortably

 

[redclayguerilla]

Thanks RespectGreen! I will be using (2) 1000w lights with a flip box for a total of (4) HPS bulbs being lit with two different flower rooms.

I like the data logging and optional communication module for the iPonic 600, not to mention the iPonic 600 is U.L. and C.U.L. approved; however, now that I think about it, the iPonic controls only one room, correct? If this is the case, then I would need two controllers, thus a Agrowtek would make sense (though I'm not too thrilled with the price tag).


Thanks again!

I meant to say that I will be using 2 ballasts and flipping between 2 bulbs with each ballast (for a total of four bulbs). Basically, 2 flower rooms with 2 bulbs in each room. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[RespectGreen]

Are they going to be full blown, sealed nice rooms? I run one for a 4k and love it, but couldn't see running one unless the room was 110%er quality..

I almost feel that either way you'll spend about the same either 2 iponics or a agrowtech dual zone.... My buddy just a iponic from the store for a little over a 1000$, and I do like the software...

But with agrowtech you will be able to monitor 2 rooms under one app, which is clutch... N there software is easy to use, yet thorough... Plus you have 24/7 support just about.... I dont know if the their mobile app is available yet....


Call them and chat with them, they are out of town at a expo this weekend I'd try tomorrow.... I know them personally they are good guys and will probably cut you a deal... Say you where rec'd to them

 

[overbudjet]

GT can run several room easy ,the only limit factor is the switch and sensor number 29 per system.You can also control system from any web base device phono,tab,laptop,etc.

 

[redclayguerilla]

Are they going to be full blown, sealed nice rooms? I run one for a 4k and love it, but couldn't see running one unless the room was 110%er quality..

I almost feel that either way you'll spend about the same either 2 iponics or a agrowtech dual zone.... My buddy just a iponic from the store for a little over a 1000$, and I do like the software...

But with agrowtech you will be able to monitor 2 rooms under one app, which is clutch... N there software is easy to use, yet thorough... Plus you have 24/7 support just about.... I dont know if the their mobile app is available yet....


Call them and chat with them, they are out of town at a expo this weekend I'd try tomorrow.... I know them personally they are good guys and will probably cut you a deal... Say you where rec'd to them

Thank you Respect! I will call them this week. Is there a specific person to talk to at Agrowtek?

 

[redclayguerilla]

GT can run several room easy ,the only limit factor is the switch and sensor number 29 per system.You can also control system from any web base device phono,tab,laptop,etc.

Thank you Overbudjet for your input. It is very appreciated.

 

[redclayguerilla]

Respect,

I just saw your private comment to me. Thank you!