Aquarium Controller Profile. Which one is right for me?

[allyourfish]

Hey guys, I am new to tank automation and am looking for some advice on my first controller, here are some details on the system I hope to install this controller on to. This is still in the process of being built.

• - 75g Deep Blue Pacific
• - Vertex 1.5L Zeovit Reactor / Or the Bubble Magus. It's a toss up...
• - 2 Part Dosing w/ BRS Peristaltic Dosers x 2
• - ATI 6x54w Sunpower
• - Tunze Osmolator ATO
• - Jebao RW-8 x 2
• - Jebao DC12000 Return Pump
• - Coral Box DC700 Skimmer

Things I want my controller to do for me.

• - Keep my Cobalt Aquatics Neotherm heaters in check... This is a must. Monitor Temp
• - Run BRS 2 Part Peristaltic Dosing Pumps, may possibly add a third for my Magnesium
• - Control my ATI lights for basic ON/OFF function
• - Monitor my PH
• - Monitor my Salinity
• - Control my Zeovit reactor's pump ON/OFF
• - Redundancy for my ATO ----> This is NOT a must, I have heard good things about the redundancy of the osmolator
• - Redundancy in my Dosing Pumps ---> This is NOT a must
• - I do not have the need for email / text message alerts, nor WIFI
• I am budget minded on this purchase and do not want to break the bank on features NOT needed

So far It is a toss up between the Reefkeeper, Apex or Reef Angel, I do not know of any other brands, if there are any others out there let me know!

This controller will be mounting to a side instrument panel on my stand that I am building. So it will look all "fancy".. Thanks in advance for the help! :bigsmile:

 

[cdness]

After walking the exhibit hall of MACNA recently, you have so many options it is just crazy.

APEX - many new peripherals out to make life simpler

DA Archon - the next evolution to the reefkeeper.

ReefAI - New controller at the Kickstarter level but ready to run with production at higher quantities

 

[DaveMorris]

If you purchase a Reefkeeper Lite you will be able to upgrade it to the new Archon system when that comes out later in the year. It will be backwards compatible with the current RKL and RKE hardware. And honestly for what you listed as your needs, the RKL may just be enough. You would need two PC4's and an SL1 or SLX. The SLX should be shipping within a month.

 

[SaltwaterAq Verified Sponsor]

I know it's pricey but the Neptune Systems Apex Gold is truely the best option at this point. With their new DOS Dosing system coming out, WAV pumps, modules, cloud based access/settings they are #1 in the controller game right now miles ahead of everyone else. There are other options but Neptune Apex is the way to go in my opinion - Refractometers - Water Testing - Controllers & Testing