Here's another advantage of having a controller...
This graph displays the pH and ORP reading on this tank for the preceding 7 days. You can see the impact adding the corals to the tank has on pH. The increased photosynthesis (Co2 uptake) increases pH during the daylight hours, whereas coral respiration produces Co2 and depresses overnight pH.
I joke with my kids, I can tell when they have friends over as CO2 levels in living room where the tank resides, increase and lower pH![]()