Best bang for buck CO2 controller

R

rollupreader

Well-Known Member
I'm in the market for a controller and have done some research. I'd like to keep it under 250. Looking at the different units, it looks like they use pretty much the same sensor technology and what you pay for is name recognition, support and what interface you like best. I'm really considering an inkbird or autopilot. Inkbird has one feature that sets it apart. Dual outlets-one for solenoid and one to turn off exhaust fans. Before you comment on sealing the grow room, please don't. I understand that if the room's not sealed, you are wasting CO2. Don't care, small space and this is the route I'm going. I'll probably supplement with an exhale bag to try and conserve the bottle some. Has anyone owned both of these units? Do you own either and if so, do you like them? If so, your feedback would be appreciated
 
I appreciate the reply. I've already got the fan control covered but figured what the heck if it frees up a plug. I notice I put inkbird lol. Rainbird. The rainbird rep had some 1/2 off deal if you review the item on amazon. I could get an amazing deal on one if I can trust what he says. They're 30 percent off on amazon now and another 50 percent would put me sub 100 bucks. I did look at the interfaces on youtube. Autopilot spanks the rainbird as far as that goes.
 
Yea I run separate controllers for my fan, temp and humidity. I just picked up the Inkbird CO2 controller, I really liked the features too, the programming is a bit clumsy but not impossible. I still have yet to use it - flipping to flower soon tho, looking forward to it.
One quick thing tho - the separate receptacles on the controller are for 1. Turning on regulator; 2. Turn ON an exhaust fan in the even that the CO2 levels happen to get too high.
 
lakesidegrower said:
Yea I run separate controllers for my fan, temp and humidity. I just picked up the Inkbird CO2 controller, I really liked the features too, the programming is a bit clumsy but not impossible. I still have yet to use it - flipping to flower soon tho, looking forward to it.
One quick thing tho - the separate receptacles on the controller are for 1. Turning on regulator; 2. Turn ON an exhaust fan in the even that the CO2 levels happen to get too high.
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Interesting. I thought I saw a youtube video that showed one on and one off at the same time and the reasoning was to shut fan off. But I can't even get the name straight lol.
 
TintEastwood said:
Considering warranty and functionality.....My preference would be the 8200 Autopilot.

Prefer separate fan controller.
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I second this... price is the bonus. It's a great controller, nice options, love the remote sensor and bonus is it's price noticeably cheaper than other brand controllers with the same options.
 
Cheapest controller I found when I wanted to break into co2 was the gro zone USCO2. It just uses set points and calibrates to altitude. I’m on my second run with it and it’s been flawless. Single outlet, they make better ones as well but $300 cad was enough, no regrets. You would require a wall plug in the room for this controller.
 
the controller lets you set a high limit PPM setting that will trigger the exhaust fan port (plug) to turn on until the measured PPM is less than the high limit setting - honestly I don’t see myself using that at all, at this point I can’t see PPMs getting higher than my set point which will be somewhere between 1000-1200. My temp and humidity controllers are inkbird as well, figured I’d just complete the set lol. I’ve heard great things about more expensive controllers as well, but for the $220ish cad that I paid for it, the price seems right for what you get.
 
lakesidegrower said:
the controller lets you set a high limit PPM setting that will trigger the exhaust fan port (plug) to turn on until the measured PPM is less than the high limit setting - honestly I don’t see myself using that at all, at this point I can’t see PPMs getting higher than my set point which will be somewhere between 1000-1200. My temp and humidity controllers are inkbird as well, figured I’d just complete the set lol. I’ve heard great things about more expensive controllers as well, but for the $220ish cad that I paid for it, the price seems right for what you get.
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So no issues with any inkbird products? Ever deal with their support?
 
rollupreader said:
So no issues with any inkbird products? Ever deal with their support?
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None, I really like them. They seem well built to last. I did deal with inkbird support on an issue I (thought) I had with their reptile digger that I use as a humidifier (it’s also great btw lol) and their response was pretty damn quick, it ended up being something I missed tho, didn’t need to be escalated.
 
Well guys, I re-watched the setup videos on the inkbird and the autopilot and it's autopilot for the win. Inkbird setup is a wreck and most folks say their documentation sucks. The best inkbird video had a white board and looked complicated for what it was. And looking at a weeks data on autopilot looks like a breeze.

Since I know I'm fighting a losing battle with my current ventilation, I want to be able to interpret the data and decide whether or not I can live with having to buy a little extra CO2 in a timely manner. If I can live with it, I can talk myself out of a mini split in a 100 dollar tent... I'm new at this and have been researching all I can in hopes I don't make too many mistakes and blow money on diminishing returns. I really need to slow down on buying stuff haha.
 
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