APEX Full vs Reefkeeper Elite

[n2585722]

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?

The NET module is email but you can send it as a text to your phone if you know the correct way for you phone carrier. There was a list somewhere that had the information. I can remembe where. I will have to hunt for it. Will you buddy help you get it going if you buy it from them?

 

[n2585722]

OK, I found the list. It is from 2008 so I don't know if the info has changed since then. http://www.forum.digitalaquatics.com/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=78

 

[shakinghorizons]

The NET module is email but you can send it as a text to your phone if you know the correct way for you phone carrier. There was a list somewhere that had the information. I can remembe where. I will have to hunt for it. Will you buddy help you get it going if you buy it from them?

Thanks for the link. He said he would come over and hook it up for me and help with programming. He's going to show me how to set up email and SMS as well.

 

[radiata]

I've used both the DA and the Neptune. The difference, not counting cost, is flexibility, and I've replaced my DA a with Neptune for just that added flexibility. If you're going to use a controller for their most common uses (turning lights on and off, temperature control, on/off wave control, simple alarms, etc.) it doesn't make much difference which controller you use. If you want more sophisticated tasks (I'm currently automating my RO/DI collection using optical infrared water level sensors) I don't think that DA cuts the mustard. That added sophistication, however, has a cost - you need to already be "one of the sharper knives in the drawer" to utilize the additional capabilities. If you're not all that technically sharp, a Neptune will just cause you with a lot of headaches...

 

[n2585722]

I've used both the DA and the Neptune. The difference, not counting cost, is flexibility, and I've replaced my DA a with Neptune for just that added flexibility. If you're going to use a controller for their most common uses (turning lights on and off, temperature control, on/off wave control, simple alarms, etc.) it doesn't make much difference which controller you use. If you want more sophisticated tasks (I'm currently automating my RO/DI collection using optical infrared water level sensors) I don't think that DA cuts the mustard. That added sophistication, however, has a cost - you need to already be "one of the sharper knives in the drawer" to utilize the additional capabilities. If you're not all that technically sharp, a Neptune will just cause you with a lot of headaches...

I have the Archon from Digital Aquatics. I have it controlling my RODI tank. when it gets low it turns on the RODI unit and turns it off when it gets full. It also controls my auto water change and ATO.

 

[Areseebee]

Thanks for the link. He said he would come over and hook it up for me and help with programming. He's going to show me how to set up email and SMS as well.

In principle, the RKL can do email/text with the net module but it doesn't really work in the end. You have to set up an email account with a webmail server that doesn't use certain kinds of authentication which doesn't seem to exist anymore. You'll Google search and find suggestions and find those don't work.

This is basically what dealing with reefkeeper is like, it's all fragile work around a with no real documentation. Apex is worth every penny. I chose the cheapest option whenever possible in setting up my 180 but I ended up selling the rkl less than a month in.

 

[n2585722]

In principle, the RKL can do email/text with the net module but it doesn't really work in the end. You have to set up an email account with a webmail server that doesn't use certain kinds of authentication which doesn't seem to exist anymore. You'll Google search and find suggestions and find those don't work.

This is basically what dealing with reefkeeper is like, it's all fragile work around a with no real documentation. Apex is worth every penny. I chose the cheapest option whenever possible in setting up my 180 but I ended up selling the rkl less than a month in.

It still works you just have to know the correct port to use. By the way that system came out before 2008. I don't think SSL was that popular back then. They have a new head unit that does send emails without this issue. It is called an Archon.

 

[Areseebee]

It still works you just have to know the correct port to use. By the way that system came out before 2008. I don't think SSL was that popular back then. They have a new head unit that does send emails without this issue. It is called an Archon.

Maybe. I spent two days trying ports and fiddling with settings. I created threads here, tried contacting DA, emailed and called the webmail service. Nothing worked. Even if you manage to solve that by guessing at parameters, I think you still can't check status from off your local network right?

But honestly this is kind of my point. It feels almost abandoned, there's no support and you are left blindly trying things on message boards through a really bad interface. If you are going to be away from your tank and want a nicely logged history of measurements I feel like apex does it well.

The archon exists, sure. I've never used it but weren't we discussing the rke?

 

[n2585722]

Maybe. I spent two days trying ports and fiddling with settings. I created threads here, tried contacting DA, emailed and called the webmail service. Nothing worked. Even if you manage to solve that by guessing at parameters, I think you still can't check status from off your local network right?

But honestly this is kind of my point. It feels almost abandoned, there's no support and you are left blindly trying things on message boards through a really bad interface. If you are going to be away from your tank and want a nicely logged history of measurements I feel like apex does it well.

The archon exists, sure. I've never used it but weren't we discussing the rke?

You can get to the NET webpages from the internet once it is setup and your router is setup. You can program outputs and look at inputs. You cannot change timers or alarms via the NET module so it is limited. It still works good for technology that is over 10 years old. Yes, we were discussing the RKE. If the OP ever decides to it can be upgraded to the Archon. Just get the Archon head unit and replace the RKE head unit.

 

[mkj]

Sense you stated you have no plans dosing then get a used basic Apex Junior. It will cost you around $200 and do what you stated "lights, temp, ph". Forget about salinity, 99.9% of us don't use a controller for that, although you can get it for the Junior. Salinity is way too easy to check and isn't something that needs to be checked all the time with a monitor. I check mine maybe once a month and it's always good. Added cost for salinity doesn't equate for the normal reefer.

FYI: I use a ReefAngel Plus. $270 brand new and comes with everything I need and I've been happy with it for 5 years without incident. For my needs I haven't seen a reason to get anything else. If a Mazda is what you need, why by a Phantom, unless money is meaningless. Although a Phantom would be nice.

 

[shakinghorizons]

Thank you for everyone's replies!

Some things that would be nice to automate (or have second backups) are ATO,

 

[mkj]

Thank you for everyone's replies!

Some things that would be nice to automate (or have second backups) are ATO,

Most have that I think. I know my ReefAngel Plus includes two ATO water monitors in basic package. Other systems probably need to buy modules but I haven't checked the new apex.

 

[n2585722]

ATO just needs a switch input to control. Multiple switch inputs would be better. Have one for overfull and one for low level. I use the overfull as a alarm that shuts off the ATO, auto water change and skimmer. The low level is used for a alarm. On mine it turns off the Return pump, skimmer, heaters, ATO, auto water change and calcium reactor. The return pump off alarm is used to turn off the other devices. If it is off the other items need to be off since they are located in the sump. I also use the salinity to shut down ATO and auto water chànge if it gets out of bounds.

 

[Servillius]

Thank you for everyone's replies!

Some things that would be nice to automate (or have second backups) are ATO,

Get an RKL. It's cheap, works, and is not overwhelming. If you like it, consider moving up either to DA or Neptune (or Profilux or Reef Angel).

 

[n2585722]

Get an RKL. It's cheap, works, and is not overwhelming. If you like it, consider moving up either to DA or Neptune (or Profilux or Reef Angel).

The RKL is DA along with the RKE and Archon. Most modules are compatible between the three systems. So you can upgrade to either the RKE or Archon from the RKL.

 

[Js.Aqua.Project]

Last summer I found myself in your same position, I was debating between the Archon and the Apex (2016).

Here is what made the difference to me:

-Apex has a much bigger user base that uses forums making it much easier to get support from user experience
-Apex has more modules available
-Apex can be expanded to control upwards of 240 modules from one unit
-Apex UI more user friendly aka tidier
-Apex has a better online presence and seem to try to keep up with their fan base's needs

The Archon was/is cheaper...

Needless to say, I went Apex...

 

[n2585722]

Last summer I found myself in your same position, I was debating between the Archon and the Apex (2016).

Here is what made the difference to me:

-Apex has a much bigger user base that uses forums making it much easier to get support from user experience
-Apex has more modules available
-Apex can be expanded to control upwards of 240 modules from one unit
-Apex UI more user friendly aka tidier
-Apex has a better online presence and seem to try to keep up with their fan base's needs

The Archon was/is cheaper...

Needless to say, I went Apex...

This is between the used RKE and a new in the box Apex to be purchased from fellow refers. The RKE has more stuff with it and is $450. The Archon can control up to 255 modules. Not that anyone is likely to get near that amount or the Apex module count of 240 on a single system. So you have used both the Archon and Apex to know which one has the more user frendly UI?

 

[Js.Aqua.Project]

I have a local club member who had an Archon and another who was running the now Apex Classic. Between the two I much prefer the Apex UI.

 

[n2585722]

Have you seen the Archon UI recently? It has change quite a bit recently.