I have not looked to hard into building a controller yet--got busy with other things. I did buy a used 55 tank to exchange my 60. I knew absolutely nothing about aquariums when I jumped in, and have learned that the original one I bought was built to those dimensions to fit into a tv stand, not the best dimensions for fish. The one I bought came with a Fluval 305 filter, and an Aqua Clear 300. I tried selling the 60 with those filters but had no luck. I decided if I had to discount it, I might as well keep which I think is a better filter--the 305, and try to sell it with the aqua clear 70 I am currently using, along with the 300. I am actually as I write this, waiting for stain to dry. I built a very nice box for the 305 to look as natural as possible beside the oak stand. It never ends but fortunately I love and am able to make things out of wood.