Bluelab Pro Controller
The Bluelab Pro Controller is positioned as a best-in-class solution for dosing systems because of its industrial-grade pH, conductivity and temperature monitoring with reliable analog control outputs for pumps and actuators, making it ideal where sensor accuracy and uptime matter. Compared with lighter, app-centric competitors like TrolMaster or budget-focused Titan Controls, Bluelab trades higher upfront cost for proven durability and simpler integration with commercial dosing pumps and PLCs, and it is less specialized for lighting-focused greenhouses than Gavita or as timer-centric as the Autopilot F90.
Precise pH control
Reliable probe readings
Precise pH control
Reliable probe readings
Review Summary
"Users praise its accurate, reliable pH/EC control and rugged build for long-term use. Common complaints are the high price and reliance on proprietary sensors and accessories."
Calibrates like a champ
Robust analog/digital control specifically built for precise pH and conductivity dosing
Calibrates like a champ
Robust analog/digital control specifically built for precise pH and conductivity dosing
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The Bluelab Pro Controller is positioned as a best-in-class solution for dosing systems because of its industrial-grade pH, conductivity and temperature monitoring with reliable analog control outputs for pumps and actuators, making it ideal where sensor accuracy and uptime matter. Compared with lighter, app-centric competitors like TrolMaster or budget-focused Titan Controls, Bluelab trades higher upfront cost for proven durability and simpler integration with commercial dosing pumps and PLCs, and it is less specialized for lighting-focused greenhouses than Gavita or as timer-centric as the Autopilot F90.
Precise pH control
Reliable probe readings
Calibrates like a champ
Robust analog/digital control specifically built for precise pH and conductivity dosing
Industry-grade probes and fail-safes for reliable continuous monitoring
Precise pH control
Reliable probe readings
Calibrates like a champ
Robust analog/digital control specifically built for precise pH and conductivity dosing
Industry-grade probes and fail-safes for reliable continuous monitoring
$600-900 CAD
Autopilot Eclipse F90
The Autopilot Eclipse F90 is a market-leading timer/controller for dosing systems thanks to its straightforward, affordable multi-timer architecture and easy-to-program scheduling that suits small to mid-size operations. It offers a lower-cost, lower-complexity alternative to feature-rich controllers like TrolMaster and Bluelab, delivering dependable pump switching without the need for advanced sensors or cloud connectivity, which makes it attractive where budget and simplicity outweigh remote automation and fine-grained process control.
Custom dosing schedules
Pump-friendly capacity
Custom dosing schedules
Pump-friendly capacity
Review Summary
"Owners report consistent, simple-to-program dosing and timer functions with long-term reliability. Some find the interface dated and the unit lacks the connectivity of newer smart controllers."
Schedules like a moon
Dedicated multi-event timer design ideal for scheduled nutrient and water cycles
Schedules like a moon
Dedicated multi-event timer design ideal for scheduled nutrient and water cycles
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The Autopilot Eclipse F90 is a market-leading timer/controller for dosing systems thanks to its straightforward, affordable multi-timer architecture and easy-to-program scheduling that suits small to mid-size operations. It offers a lower-cost, lower-complexity alternative to feature-rich controllers like TrolMaster and Bluelab, delivering dependable pump switching without the need for advanced sensors or cloud connectivity, which makes it attractive where budget and simplicity outweigh remote automation and fine-grained process control.
Custom dosing schedules
Pump-friendly capacity
Schedules like a moon
Dedicated multi-event timer design ideal for scheduled nutrient and water cycles
Straightforward interface for setting repeatable dosing and irrigation schedules
Custom dosing schedules
Pump-friendly capacity
Schedules like a moon
Dedicated multi-event timer design ideal for scheduled nutrient and water cycles
Straightforward interface for setting repeatable dosing and irrigation schedules
$300-500 CAD
TrolMaster Hydro-X Pro
TrolMaster Hydro-X Pro stands out for combining modular expansion, rich sensor integration and modern app/cloud connectivity to deliver highly programmable dosing sequences and remote monitoring—bridging the gap between hobby controllers and commercial systems. Technically it offers more automation flexibility and user-friendly remote tools than the Autopilot F90 and often better value and connectivity than the more rugged Bluelab, although it may not match Gavita's large-scale greenhouse controls or Bluelab's industrial reliability in harsh conditions.
App-based automation
Multi-zone control
App-based automation
Multi-zone control
Review Summary
"Reviewers like the Hydro-X Pro for its modern app, flexible scheduling, and broad integration with pumps and dosers, offering strong value. A minority note occasional firmware quirks and a learning curve for complex setups."
Sensor-savvy charm
Modular, network-capable system with app/cloud options for remote monitoring and automation
Sensor-savvy charm
Modular, network-capable system with app/cloud options for remote monitoring and automation
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
TrolMaster Hydro-X Pro stands out for combining modular expansion, rich sensor integration and modern app/cloud connectivity to deliver highly programmable dosing sequences and remote monitoring—bridging the gap between hobby controllers and commercial systems. Technically it offers more automation flexibility and user-friendly remote tools than the Autopilot F90 and often better value and connectivity than the more rugged Bluelab, although it may not match Gavita's large-scale greenhouse controls or Bluelab's industrial reliability in harsh conditions.
App-based automation
Multi-zone control
Sensor-savvy charm
Modular, network-capable system with app/cloud options for remote monitoring and automation
Multiple sensor inputs (pH, EC, TDS, temp, humidity) with programmable dosing logic
App-based automation
Multi-zone control
Sensor-savvy charm
Modular, network-capable system with app/cloud options for remote monitoring and automation
Multiple sensor inputs (pH, EC, TDS, temp, humidity) with programmable dosing logic
$800-1200 CAD
Gavita EL3 Master Controller
The Gavita EL3 Master Controller earns its place as a commercial-grade option for dosing integration by combining precise environmental and lighting control with scalable relay and analog outputs that can orchestrate large dosing systems in greenhouse operations. Financially and technically it is aimed at higher-tier customers: its strength is enterprise-level scalability and integration with lighting and climate systems, making it more expensive and complex than simpler dosing timers like Autopilot or Titan but unmatched for integrated commercial greenhouse installations.
Precise light scheduling
Smooth dimming control
Precise light scheduling
Smooth dimming control
Review Summary
"Commercial growers report rock-solid, precise control for lighting and dosing integrations and excellent reliability under heavy use. The controller is expensive and often overkill for small operations, and some users find programming less intuitive."
Makes lights whisper
High-capacity master controller engineered for commercial lighting arrays and schedules
Makes lights whisper
High-capacity master controller engineered for commercial lighting arrays and schedules
Time-Saving Convenience
Increased Safety & Security
The Gavita EL3 Master Controller earns its place as a commercial-grade option for dosing integration by combining precise environmental and lighting control with scalable relay and analog outputs that can orchestrate large dosing systems in greenhouse operations. Financially and technically it is aimed at higher-tier customers: its strength is enterprise-level scalability and integration with lighting and climate systems, making it more expensive and complex than simpler dosing timers like Autopilot or Titan but unmatched for integrated commercial greenhouse installations.
Precise light scheduling
Smooth dimming control
Makes lights whisper
High-capacity master controller engineered for commercial lighting arrays and schedules
Advanced dimming profiles, sunrise/sunset programming, and central management
Precise light scheduling
Smooth dimming control
Makes lights whisper
High-capacity master controller engineered for commercial lighting arrays and schedules
Advanced dimming profiles, sunrise/sunset programming, and central management
$2,000-4,000 CAD
Titan Controls Spartan Series
The Titan Controls Spartan Series targets growers who need precise, cost-effective dosing control with straightforward timers, pump outputs and modular expansion at a lower price point than Bluelab or Gavita. It provides a balanced technical and financial proposition: more functionality and pump-specific features than the basic Autopilot timers, but with less remote automation and sensor sophistication than TrolMaster, making it a strong value play for smaller commercial and advanced hobby dosing systems.
Modular expansion
User-friendly interface
Modular expansion
User-friendly interface
Review Summary
"Users appreciate the Spartan series for affordable, straightforward dosing and timer control with durable hardware. Criticisms focus on limited advanced features, a basic UI, and occasional inconsistency in customer support."
Thrifty powerhouse
Affordable multi-channel controller with simple timer and relay outputs for dosing pumps
Thrifty powerhouse
Affordable multi-channel controller with simple timer and relay outputs for dosing pumps
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The Titan Controls Spartan Series targets growers who need precise, cost-effective dosing control with straightforward timers, pump outputs and modular expansion at a lower price point than Bluelab or Gavita. It provides a balanced technical and financial proposition: more functionality and pump-specific features than the basic Autopilot timers, but with less remote automation and sensor sophistication than TrolMaster, making it a strong value play for smaller commercial and advanced hobby dosing systems.
Modular expansion
User-friendly interface
Thrifty powerhouse
Affordable multi-channel controller with simple timer and relay outputs for dosing pumps
Good entry-level features: multiple programmable events, manual overrides, and sturdy relays
Modular expansion
User-friendly interface
Thrifty powerhouse
Affordable multi-channel controller with simple timer and relay outputs for dosing pumps
Good entry-level features: multiple programmable events, manual overrides, and sturdy relays
$150-300 CAD