Apex or RK Controller ?

[Budman's Corals]

Ok Im to lazy to keep searching..What should i get ..
the Apex or Reef Keeper Controller,
I really just need it for temp,PH and wouldnt mind kicking fan on /off
Should i just buy the best one now so i wont have to upgrade or should i get the smaller one(lite or Jr)

Any suggestions

Thanks
Its been driving me crazy all day trying to figure out which one

 

[lakeviewink]

If you plan to expand go with the apex,apex lite,or RKE. They are all expandable beyond 4 modules.

I have the RKE/NET and am happy with it, but their support and customer service leave much to be desired. I've heard Neptune has great support. I can't say so from experience.

For super simple application at a low price the RKL can do everything you stated in the OP.

 

[KoleTang]

If you are tired from internet searching about which one to get, then you are in for something with all the internet searching you will be doing to figure out how to program the RK, let alone the APEX.

The APEX is more complicated, but gives you much more flexibility with programming and they have great customer service. The RK is very easy to control, but less flexibility in programming and their customer service and directions STINK.

When I was looking at RKL vs. RKE, I noticed that you save a lot with the RKL and once you get to the RKE, the price is the same as the APEX so why not just get the APEX?

The only difference between APEX and APEX Lite is a pH probe.

I have an RKL and it does its job. It's great.

I am also working with an APEX on a different tank and it is more challenging to program, but you can program a lot more.

So if your into programming and want to have complete and utter flexibility and control, then go APEX. If you want to just get it set up relatively quick and are OK sacrificing that amount of control, then go RK.

When I talk about control I mean the RK can do all the things you would imagine (run dosing pumps, shut off for feeding, monitor pH, etc.), but the APEX can do things you would have never thought of (Like creating an imaginary outlet to bounce information off of to make another outlet perform a task).

 

[EL BOTAS BLANCAS]

I used Reef keeper , its ok but i much prefer the apex light for sure !

 

[EL BOTAS BLANCAS]

I used Reef keeper , its ok but i much prefer the apex light for sure !

I meant Apex lite:nerd:

 

[o2manyfish]

I have an Apex which monitors temp, pH, Orp, Salinity, Kalk Mixer pH, Calc Rx pH, outside temp, tank water level, sump water level, surge tank water level -- Picking up the programming takes a bit of reading. But there is lots of help from other users and the customer support from Neptune has been great.

Dave B

 

[FishScale]

Apex. Customer service is awesome.

 

[BuzzWrasse]

subscribed

 

[Eynonreefer]

Apex Apex Apex...ReefKeeper is garbage. I waited almost a year to get a replacement SL2 and never got it. Had to get the BBB involved to get a refund and customer service is terrible. I just got a Apex this past weekend, sure it's a little harder to setup, but well worth it.

 

[Letoan]

I started out with RKL, good cheap little controller if you have no desire to expand or run complicated system.

After 6 months I upgraded the head to Elite and module after module until DA support hit my head with the brick. One of the outlet on the PC4 died... Support want me to send it in, I asked for cross shipment with full deposit, they said NO. I didn't want to take the risk running the tank without the controller.

I'm a proud Apex customer now, this controller is wayyyy faster and more flexible compare to RK.

 

[BuzzWrasse]

Thank you all for your input.... i'm picking up my first controller today, an Apex Lite.

 

[WillKatt]

I have an RKE on my nano right now but if I had it to do over I would go Apex. IMPO if money is not an option GHL Profilux 3 is the way to go.