CHEAP Reef controller? No Apex Jr/ Reefkeeper :-(

[CurtnStac]

So Digital Aquatics is no longer, which was a great cheap controller, and now I just found out that Neptune discontinued their cheaper controllers. This is ridiculous!! Are the any other good cheap controllers out there just to control temp, ph, lights, etc?? Or do i need to sell a kidney just to get the big Apex, which i can't even really use because I don't have internet... yes there are still some people who live in the backwood boons that don't have internet access.
Btw is super stupid that Neptune would discontinue their cheaper models when Digital Aquatics closes! You know that people with reefkeepers would now be on the market to buy a new cheap controller so wouldn't it be smart to ramp up on those jr models?? Just saying lol

 

[scurvy dawg]

So Digital Aquatics is no longer, which was a great cheap controller, and now I just found out that Neptune discontinued their cheaper controllers. This is ridiculous!! Are the any other good cheap controllers out there just to control temp, ph, lights, etc?? Or do i need to sell a kidney just to get the big Apex, which i can't even really use because I don't have internet... yes there are still some people who live in the backwood boons that don't have internet access.
Btw is super stupid that Neptune would discontinue their cheaper models when Digital Aquatics closes! You know that people with reefkeepers would now be on the market to buy a new cheap controller so wouldn't it be smart to ramp up on those jr models?? Just saying lol

Keep an eye on the marketplace here. Apex classics and reef keepers pop up on there all the time. You can pick up a used Apex classic for less than 300 bucks. Reef keepers are cheaper than that. I bought the last Apex classic from BRS when they were 399. Still a few out there but not at that price

 

[JayBABQ]

That's why monopolies are so dangerous. Once Digital Aquatics left the checks and balances are gone so why not drive the market to make more money. I don't like it either and I don't have the time to play with the DIY PI systems that people are talking about on this forum. We really need a simple reasonably priced controller on the market.

 

[TheHarold]

That's why monopolies are so dangerous. Once Digital Aquatics left the checks and balances are gone so why not drive the market to make more money. I don't like it either and I don't have the time to play with the DIY PI systems that people are talking about on this forum. We really need a simple reasonably priced controller on the market.

Depends on your definition of reasonably priced. Reef equipment can be expensive. LED fixtures can be $800. Powerheads $350. Skimmers $400. A complete computerized system that monitors your tank, starting at $250 for the Apex JR doesn’t seem like a “monopoly” to me. If you are apple to replicate the performance, customer service, and user interface at a lower cost, by all means go ahead. Apex controllers also last virtually forever; I’m using an 8 year old LITE on one of my reefs. 8 years, initial cost $250 (used), I can’t complain.

 

[Pbh-reef]

Look into this new controller

https://reefbuilders.com/2018/11/07/teffo-by-aquamutant-is-a-great-simple-aquarium-controller/

 

[madweazl]

The Reef Angel is every bit as capable as any controller available. The new RA Star is $400 and will everything you want, reliably.

 

[JayBABQ]

Depends on your definition of reasonably priced. Reef equipment can be expensive. LED fixtures can be $800. Powerheads $350. Skimmers $400. A complete computerized system that monitors your tank, starting at $250 for the Apex JR doesn’t seem like a “monopoly” to me. If you are apple to replicate the performance, customer service, and user interface at a lower cost, by all means go ahead. Apex controllers also last virtually forever; I’m using an 8 year old LITE on one of my reefs. 8 years, initial cost $250 (used), I can’t complain.

We were talking new systems on the market, going forward. The JR was a good option but that is now discontinued. Last I checked the new models are $800 and $500 now, no real replacement for the JR. CurtnStac was mentioning that the JR was discontinued as soon as DA went out of business. I was just agreeing that it is suspicious. I'm very glad you have had good success with your Apex. I realize they are good. I actually really like my little ReefKeepers too. Just a real shame they closed up shop like they did. I run 3 of them and have had no issues with them. They just work. With that said I will probably get an APEX for my large Reef since I am outgrowing the reefkeeper on that system. We'll see.
I still think there is a real need for a cheap solution for tanks that really don't need all the bells and whistles. I really don't need a $500 controller on my QT but would like to have something to do a little bit of automation and alerting. But that is just my opinion.
Cheers

 

[Breadman03]

The Apex doesn't need Internet access for anything except software/firmware updates. Fusion is simply an interface that polls your Apex. That said, there are a few options out there. Inkbird is popular for temps. Tunze makes a basic controller, and ReefPI is a popular DIY option.

I use my Apex to monitor my QT temp with my main temp probe since I use my PM2 module on my main display, and my WXM controls the lighting. Don't think that you need an Apex for each system.