APEX Full vs Reefkeeper Elite

[shakinghorizons]

Why would you choose one over the other? I have been looking for a couple weeks and can't see much of a difference in them other than a label.

Can you fill me in? This would be my first time using a controller in 15 years.

 

[n2585722]

I am not sure what you mean by Apex full, but the Reefkeeper Elite first came out around 2007. The Archon is the latest Reefkeeper system. I used a Elite for several years without issue. I now use the Archon.

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

The Apex has a very large installed base, FWIW.

 

[p7willm]

Neptune makes more stuff for the Apex, the programming on the Apex is more flexible, the Apex as a cloud interface that will run in any browser, I think the Apex is a bit more flexible. My apex runs the tank in the living room and some other stuff, ato water change rodi, in the basement. I am not sure the Reefkeeper can spread out over several rooms. When I was looking into a controller I thought I could use either one but the Apex offered more head room. The way my system is now I am not sure the Reefkeeper could do it.

That said. The Reefkeeper is much cheaper. Look at what you want the controller to do and what you might want it to do in the future. If the Reefkeeper can do it save the money. If the reefkeeper will not do it now or it will not do it in the future get the Apex now.

 

[justingraham]

Ghl

 

[shakinghorizons]

I am not sure what you mean by Apex full, but the Reefkeeper Elite first came out around 2007. The Archon is the latest Reefkeeper system. I used a Elite for several years without issue. I now use the Archon.

I've never used a controller before.

For sake of argument, let's say the full apex is with pH probes.

I'm not one to be on the front line of innovation, I prefer the tried and true method.

The Apex has a very large installed base, FWIW.

Not sure what this means

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

I've never used a controller before.

For sake of argument, let's say the full apex is with pH probes.

I'm not one to be on the front line of innovation, I prefer the tried and true method.



Not sure what this means

It means that there a lot of users out there, so parts and support are readily available.

 

[shakinghorizons]

Neptune makes more stuff for the Apex, the programming on the Apex is more flexible, the Apex as a cloud interface that will run in any browser, I think the Apex is a bit more flexible. My apex runs the tank in the living room and some other stuff, ato water change rodi, in the basement. I am not sure the Reefkeeper can spread out over several rooms. When I was looking into a controller I thought I could use either one but the Apex offered more head room. The way my system is now I am not sure the Reefkeeper could do it.

That said. The Reefkeeper is much cheaper. Look at what you want the controller to do and what you might want it to do in the future. If the Reefkeeper can do it save the money. If the reefkeeper will not do it now or it will not do it in the future get the Apex now.

Thank you got the detailed response! I don't need to monitor or be in separate rooms, so I should be in the clear there.

As stated above, I've never run a controller before, so right now I'm looking for something to turn on my lights, control my heaters, and monitor salinity and temperature. I've never been one to dose, so I don't need that aspect.

 

[n2585722]

I've never used a controller before.

For sake of argument, let's say the full apex is with pH probes.

I'm not one to be on the front line of innovation, I prefer the tried and true method.

I have had my Archon since December 2014. So it has been out for a little over 2 years.

 

[ThaBeast]

I've been tempted to try a profilux but my apex functions well. Haven't used customer support for my apex/Neptune for a few years but it was awesome when I did. Reef keeper on the other hand, let's just say I contemplated using mine for target practice due to lack of customer service

 

[Ty Hamatake]

The salinity probe was the kicker for me. With the new APEX it comes standard. To get a Reef Keeper with salinity monitoring and WiFi you're looking at roughly the same price anyway... when you're spending that much money.

 

[shakinghorizons]

RKE Elite
-Head unit
-PC4 power bars x 5 (one is still new in box)
-SL1
-SL2
-NET modue
-Netgear small wifi adapter
-ORP probe x 2, One is new in package
-Salinity Probe
-pH probe
-Temp probe x 3
-SID V2 x 2
-RKM-SW5
-RKM-HUB
-API Advance prob
$450


Apex with all pH probes (brand new) - the one with WiFi built in.
$650

 

[shakinghorizons]

Not sure why I keep typing "pH" probes. It should read LAB GRADE probes.

 

[Ty Hamatake]

RKE Elite
-Head unit
-PC4 power bars x 5 (one is still new in box)
-SL1
-SL2
-NET modue
-Netgear small wifi adapter
-ORP probe x 2, One is new in package
-Salinity Probe
-pH probe
-Temp probe x 3
-SID V2 x 2
-RKM-SW5
-RKM-HUB
-API Advance prob
$450


Apex with all pH probes (brand new) - the one with WiFi built in.
$650

Do you have access to discounted prices? If so... how!? Ha ha, I'd definitely want to get in on that.

 

[shakinghorizons]

Would be purchasing from fellow reefers.

 

[MaddyP]

I have three different Apex systems running currently and love the versatility and adaptability the system offers. Mine does everything from water change, to ph control through skimmer and CO2 media, and everything in between. It really depends on what you want in a reef controller. If you only want to turn things on and off without much effort, with ph and temp monitoring, the Reefkeeper will do exactly that. But if you are planning to expand and use a controller for more advanced features, I don't think the Apex can be beat due to it's "programming" layout. It isn't hard to learn with examples galore online, but it does take some getting used to.

I find this video from BRS does a great job at describing the pros and cons of both units, without bias.

 

[n2585722]

That appears to be a good deal on the RKE. FYI the RKE can control multiple tanks in multiple locations. You can always upgrade with the Archon head unit at a later time. The only module in that will not work with the Archon is the NET. It is not needed.

 

[shakinghorizons]

I'm getting conflicting information searching online.

With the items listed for the RKE, am I able to set either text or email (or both) alerts?

 

[Servillius]

I had two full Apex systems. They're great systems when they work. I had my tank freak out one too many times because the Apex and my internet didn't want to play well or some setting went crazy or whatever and their customer service was simultaneously useless and condescending.

I bought Reefkeepers. Not the web based Archon, just the regular Elite. Once you get the elements of programming them they consistently keep doing what you tell them to.Definitely not as stylish, but my tank always behaves and when a part doesn't work I have a live person to talk to within 30 seconds.

 

[tony rad]

I had two full Apex systems. They're great systems when they work. I had my tank freak out one too many times because the Apex and my internet didn't want to play well or some setting went crazy or whatever and their customer service was simultaneously useless and condescending.

I bought Reefkeepers. Not the web based Archon, just the regular Elite. Once you get the elements of programming them they consistently keep doing what you tell them to.Definitely not as stylish, but my tank always behaves and when a part doesn't work I have a live person to talk to within 30 seconds.

I think customer service is worth everything,it really ticks me off when you spend a small fortune on a product and then you can't even get someone to give you the time of day.