Changing Controllers, Would Like Help

Squishie89 · Jul 2, 2013

I currently have a Reef Angel controller. I have decided I want to change controllers. I am between the Apex and ReefKeeper.
I made a list of things I would like to do with the controller to help narrow it down.
Monitor: temp, pH and salinity, dim LEDs and do sunrise/sunset with the LEDs, minimum of 8 plug ports, control: heater, skimmer, 2 powerheads, return pump, Use of an ATO (most likely from AVAST but if the controller has one I would be open to it. Already have an ATO pump), water on floor alarm, WIFI with alerts/alarms/notifications, Android app, cable extensions for probes if the primary cables are not long enough, minimal programming (this is kind of a big thing as I am sick of having to write code for every little thing), ease of use, quality products/probes.
I don't want to spend 1,000 dollars on a controller, but I am willing to spend what is needed.

Flatbrook · Jul 2, 2013

I have a reef keeper elite and love it. Get it with the net module, and it will do everything you listed!

Reefing is like a box of chocolates, you never know whatcha gonna get!

o2manyfish · Jul 2, 2013

Apex will do everything you have listed. But by the time you add the probes, modules, extension cables and wifi adapter you might be hiking up towards $1000.

Flatbrook · Jul 2, 2013

Reef keeper elite with net adapter and a float switch under $500 from BRS.

Reefing is like a box of chocolates, you never know whatcha gonna get!

Squishie89 · Jul 3, 2013

Any idea what the real difference is between the RK elite and the RK titanium? Maybe I am just not seeing it, unless it is just the different head unit.

Flatbrook · Jul 3, 2013

They are the exact same thing accept on the titanium edition (anniversary edition) the back lit display can be back lit in white. That's the only difference other than it also being $50 cheaper.

Reefing is like a box of chocolates, you never know whatcha gonna get!

deboy69 · Jul 3, 2013

I've had a reef keeper and apex and I would chose an apex any day. Customer service is awesome. Forums are great. Not so much for reef keeper. Reef keeper hasn't had an update in years. And probably won't be around much longer. Rk doesn't have a salinity probe been working on that for two years I have read. Get an apex you will be glad you did

sent from your home

Squishie89 · Jul 3, 2013

Is the NET module for the RK wireless to the router? As in, does it need to be connected to the router to work?

Flatbrook · Jul 3, 2013

Not sure why you would need customer support, I haven't. if you get to the point that you can compare customer support between brands it kinda leads me to believe its not a product problem. I can't put the apex unit down because I have never had the opportunity to use one. As for RK not having a salinity probe, if that's the biggest problem with the unit, then I would gladly spend less money on IMO a great controller. As for updates, what needs to be updated?

Reefing is like a box of chocolates, you never know whatcha gonna get!

Flatbrook · Jul 3, 2013

I do believe RKE has to be connected to your router through Ethernet. I don't have the net module yet, possibly in the future. As for having to hard wire the net module, I believe it's the same for RKE and apex. Maybe someone with the apex can answer that?

Reefing is like a box of chocolates, you never know whatcha gonna get!

Squishie89 · Jul 3, 2013

Thank you so much for your help, Flatbrook.

lakeviewink · Jul 4, 2013

RKE does not have an app that is worth a darn. I just sold my RKE for an apex lite and actually saved money. Apex has much better net capabilities period. I still have an RKL for my frag tank and it's great but I don't have net on it. The apex is my main unit on my display and it's awesome. Very easy to setup and program outlets, network, ATO, probes etc. just make sure you get a breakout box if you want to control ATO

deboy69 · Jul 4, 2013

Flatbrook said:
Not sure why you would need customer support, I haven't. if you get to the point that you can compare customer support between brands it kinda leads me to believe its not a product problem. I can't put the apex unit down because I have never had the opportunity to use one. As for RK not having a salinity probe, if that's the biggest problem with the unit, then I would gladly spend less money on IMO a great controller. As for updates, what needs to be updated?

Reefing is like a box of chocolates, you never know whatcha gonna get!

I guess if you spend that type of money and have a problem you would like to to know you can get your problem solved in a quick phone call. Rk did not like my halides at all and kept shutting down my system which Rk says was due to interference with the cords. Had to leave messages for Rk to call back which took a couple days. Which isn't good when your system shuts down and reboots a couple times a day. I've called apex about my system just to add more modules and got someone right away. I have yet to have a problem with my apex. If I have a question on compatibility I can email apex and get an answer usually within a day. People have sent their salinity probe back to Rk and have never gotten it back that's just not the probe either. As for upgrade if you want your stuff to do basic on off than get a reef keeper but if you want more control to your system get an apex. The apex phone app is great and can be programed by your phone. While a third party app for Rk only allows viewing and on off. There is so much potential with apex such as leak detection, salinity, modules to program your leds and control mp40s. You can program lights to run with the seasons and sun rise and sun set and it automatically adjust every day. Basically I look at the Rk as an expensive timer and that's it. The dashboard on a Rk looks like early 2000s while the apex looks updated and sleek. I have Web cams programed to my apex. I use a gaming adapter for Internet for my apex. If you want a controller that is last year's model 2 years ago or do you want one that is up to date. Ask anyone that's had both they will tell you to go apex.
I run dosing pumps, lights, reactors, pumps, orp and pH with mine. And can adjust programing with just my phone from anywhere.

Forgot to add apex comes net ready via ethernet while the Rk has to have a net module sold separately.

sent from your home

lakeviewink · Jul 4, 2013

deboy69 said:
I guess if you spend that type of money and have a problem you would like to to know you can get your problem solved in a quick phone call. Rk did not like my halides at all and kept shutting down my system which Rk says was due to interference with the cords. I have yet to have a problem with my apex. If I have a question on compatibility I can email apex and get an answer usually within a day. People have sent their salinity probe back to Rk and have never gotten it back that's just not the probe either. As for upgrade if you want your stuff to do basic on off than get a reef keeper but if you want more control to your system get an apex. The apex phone app is great and can be programed by your phone. While a third party app for Rk only allows viewing and on off. There is so much potential with apex such as leak detection, salinity, modules to program your leds and control mp40s. You can program lights to run with the seasons and sun rise and sun set and it automatically adjust every day. Basically I look at the Rk as an expensive timer and that's it. The dashboard on a Rk looks like early 2000s while the apex looks updated and sleek. I have Web cams programed to my apex. I use a gaming adapter for Internet for my apex. If you want a controller that is last year's model 2 years ago or do you want one that is up to date. Ask anyone that's had both they will tell you to go apex.
I run dosing pumps, lights, reactors, pumps, orp and pH with mine. And can adjust programing with just my phone from anywhere.

sent from your home

Well said.

joeogio · Jul 4, 2013

Apex all the way. You can control ecotech products wirelessly when reef keeper specifically said that they have no intentions of making a product do that. You can interpret that how you want but it seems to me a company who refuses keep up with the game will fall behind

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Flatbrook · Jul 4, 2013

What model RK did you have deboy? My RKE does everything you are describing your apex does. Like I said earlier, I'm not putting the apex unit down, I just don't know anything first hand about it. I have "read" that everything you need for the apex is sold separately and adds up quickly. I would love to purchase an apex in the future for another tank just to compare.