APEX Controller vs Reef Keeper

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zemuss

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I am thinking about getting a Controller for the tank and wanted to know which you would pick.

APEX w/ Lab grade probe setup

Reef Keep w/Net

Please let me know.
 
Net on the reefkeeper is useless...I would get an apex or go all out on the archon
 
what is a archon?

New controller by Digital aquatics..
It is pretty new so you may want to wait. Good news it is full compatible with RK components.
I have always liked the reefkeeper but they fell behind for a while..
I just purchased a brand new apex but now I dont know what to do the Archon seems real nice.
The two companies used to leap frog each other but DA missed a product cycle.
 
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Cool I might have to wait a while though.. More time to fix up the boat.

Glad you can program it because that interface is needed of a CSS3 update lol
 
apex all the way. Web based Fusion is great and their online community forum is outstanding...their tech support is also great from what I've heard but haven't had to use it.
 
Jimbo662

which controller do you have? JR or Regular?

Why would I need a Gaming adapter if I have a router?
 
i've got the regular. you would only need the adapter if the controler isn't near your router.
 
Honestly I would wait a few months and look at the archon reviews. From what I can tell its going to be amazing!
 
Net on the reefkeeper is useless...I would get an apex or go all out on the archon

I disagree on the NET module and completely agree on the Archon. The Archon has built in WiFi so no gaming adaptor or anything like that needed. Programming and access from any web-enabled device. Many other built in features as well. I've been beta testing an Archon for a few months.

I use the NET on my RKE system and it works great. I use it to control channels and to supply probe data to Reeftronics.net. No issues at all.
 
I disagree on the NET module and completely agree on the Archon. The Archon has built in WiFi so no gaming adaptor or anything like that needed. Programming and access from any web-enabled device. Many other built in features as well. I've been beta testing an Archon for a few months.

I use the NET on my RKE system and it works great. I use it to control channels and to supply probe data to Reeftronics.net. No issues at all.
Ive heard lots of problems with port forwarding .... no issues there? What steered me away from the net module was the lack of camera support, lack of a mobile app and that it counted against my module limit "rkl user here". I knew they fixed the moduel count issue but im unsure of the other 2. But honestly if you want an rke just wait 3 months im sure there will be a significant proce drop and or an influx of used rke's on the market.
 
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Apex. I have one on each tank and have had no issues. What was that? Just heard my chiller power up - activated by my apex. Feeder activated at 7. Co2 solenoid clicked on a few minutes ago for the cal reactor. Looking at history through my iPad right now for the past month.
 
Ive heard lots of problems with port forwarding .... no issues there? What steered me away from the net module was the lack of camera support, lack of a mobile app and that it counted against my module limit "rkl user here". I knew they fixed the moduel count issue but im unsure of the other 2. But honestly if you want an rke just wait 3 months im sure there will be a significant proce drop and or an influx of used rke's on the market.

Port forwarding has nothing to do with the NET module itself. That is all about your router/IP setup. They do not have something to make it as smooth as I have heard it is to connect an Apex through Fusion. The Archon, however, is truly seamless to get connected. You input your home SSID info and boom, you're in. Mine worked great from the get go. The software on it is getting sorted out to make it even more bulletproof.

Oh and I'm looking at my Archon with my iPad right now as well. ;)
 
The problem with threads like this is you get allot of people going you should buy one because they own one. You dont get a lot of informative replys or replys from people who actually own both systems.

Like I said DA fell behind for a while.. Both companies used too leap frog each other in the past. DA missed a product cycle because they made that monitoring system.. I think if you can wait a bit it will get very interesting in about 6 months, the Archon may put DA back in the game and be the better system.

If you need a system now Apex is the way to go plus they have more modules. Problem is apex is getting to be a older system too and I wonder what they have around the corner. You need to look at what you need too.. You may only need a reef keeper light which is a awsume system but if you are looking at internet connectivity the apex might be a better choice if you need a system right now.
I have a brand new apex but it is not used, I bought it for my new setup that ended up with a leak. I am now trying to decide if I want to keep the apex or wait a little bit for the Archon. I have always liked how easy it is to program a Digital aquatics controller. Fusion has helped but still feels a little clunky to me.

What worries me about the Archon really is how many resources DA has now to throw behind it. I dont like the fact it was released in so limited numbers and only from DA and no retailers. Makes it feel like the first people too buy are still really beta testers. It makes it feel like the DA does not have the resources to produce enough systems or they are afraid of having to many out there and there is a problem with them. I mean there should have been allot more hype but it was released quietly on their website.

That said the Archron does look like a true next gen controller and could be very successful..

As far as wireless I like to run my controllers hardwired anyway. Just far more reliable.
 

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

  • Yes!

    Votes: 32 45.7%
  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

    Votes: 9 12.9%
  • No.

    Votes: 26 37.1%
  • Other (please explain).

    Votes: 3 4.3%

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