Apex vs. Reefkeeper

[Paul C.]

So, as you are all aware, in this hobby as time passes and knowledge grows, we look to equipment to help monitor our tanks. Im at the point now where i believe i could start to use one these systems to my benefit. Question is which one and what makes one better than the other.

My system is a 75 gallon w/ a 20 gallon sump / refuge. Tank is mostly LPS chalices and Zoas / palys. I run Radions and vortecs. A reactor with GFO/carbon. I do not dose at this point, seems the tank requirements are fulfilled with my bi-weekly WC's.

Your personal experiences and suggestions would be appreciated.

Paul C

 

[ReeferEric]

Apex all day. It runs circles on the Reef Keeper and I've had both.

 

[Catra2030]

I have the RKL, I do like it, but lately its been getting skiddish on me and I'm losing faith, I should have gone with the Apex from the beginning. I'm looking at switching very soon, go Apex, you won't regret it compared to the Reef Keeper.

 

[mc-cro]

The APEX is best choice because of its capabilities. When I first bought an RKL, all I wanted was a glorified timer. I dont even think I got it out of the box before I realized how cool the APEX was becuase it can do so much right out of the box that the RKL cant, or cost too much to do. I returned it and got the Apex light. My latest toy for it was the WXM module to control my MP40's. very cool

 

[Paul C.]

Thank you all for the input. Apex looked to be the best choice imo. But u know how u can get lured by the name or image something has. Tell me what ur controlling with ur systems and how hard or easy they are to program.

 

[mc-cro]

As cool as they are, I dont trust them to control anything that could be lethal to my tank.

The Apex controls my lights, cooling fans, my vortechs,various power heads, pumps, but they just monitors ph and temp.

I still use a dedicated Ranco controller for my heaters, and a Milwaukee controller for my calcium reactor.

 

[Paul C.]

They do have the ability to run say a reactor for gfo that could be timed for "ON" for 10 mins every hour- right?

 

[mc-cro]

oh yeah, thats easy. It can do way more complicated things.

 

[Paul C.]

im all ears....

 

[mc-cro]

thats a wide open question. basically, if you can think of it, there is probably a way to do it. It is a very powerful piece of gear.

 

[Paul C.]

Nice thanks for the input.....On the Santa list.....

 

[logansreef]

yup im asking for one for xmas too, from myself I have been debating on them for a while and im about ready to buy one! It would be nice to get rid of all my seperate timers.