Controllers

[Hungriee]

I dont want to start a controller debate but wanted some honest opinion on adding automation to my future tank. I don't really need anything too Hi-Tech as it'll be my first controller and would like to keep it simple, just for temp, ph, salinity and controlling my heaters/chiller and powerheads.

I looked into the ReefKeeper Lite, for the price it seems like its a good deal. Anyone have problems with this controller? ease of use, etc?

 

[AZDesertRat]

I love my RKL. I don't measure salinity though, I am not convinced there is a decent salinity probe available yet. Other than that it monitors and controls my calcium reactor via pH, lights, fans, heaters, pumps, Koralia Evolutions on the wavemaker function and moonlights on the MLC module programmed in the lunar cycle mode.
I have no experience with other controllers but the price and functionality on the RKL was right for me.

 

[Hungriee]

I love my RKL. I don't measure salinity though, I am not convinced there is a decent salinity probe available yet. Other than that it monitors and controls my calcium reactor via pH, lights, fans, heaters, pumps, Koralia Evolutions on the wavemaker function and moonlights on the MLC module programmed in the lunar cycle mode.
I have no experience with other controllers but the price and functionality on the RKL was right for me.

how do you like the wavemaker function? Do you notice your corals liking it more compared to just plugging the koralias in normally?

I've heard that the new koralias are smaller and more powerful but tends to backspin when on wavemakers, is this true

 

[AZDesertRat]

The new Koralia Evolutions are designed specifically with controllers in mind so do not have problems like the old K series did. There were a few that shipped with a bad bushing at first but Hydor replaced the bushings free of charge.
I have always had wave action and random flows. I still use a Oceans Motions Squirt two way on a closed loop in addition to my Evos and RKL so my corals have always had random flows, now they get more!

 

[Hungriee]

Thanks for the great opinion.. Now you got me thinking on these pheads. They seem like a solid buy with the RKL.

 

[AZDesertRat]

I stuck mine on my Kill A Watt meter and they draw an honest 6 watts of power apiece. Pretty amazing for moving 1400 GPH. In my reviews I posted pictures comparing them to older Koralias and others and they are like half to two thirds the size and with a better vibration damping mount. I have been very happy and intend to increase the switching to every 30 seconds next time I remember to do it. I have heard of people switching at 10 second intervals with no problems too.

 

[Hungriee]

each time it switches does it make any clicking noise? I use to own the old K3 and K4's each time i shut down the power and repowered up, it makes a click and shoots bubbles in the tank for a second then everything is normalized. does this happen w/ the new evos?

 

[AZDesertRat]

Nope absolutely silent. I have to be standing in front of the tank visibly watching them to tell when they switch.

 

[greg 45]

If you are going to make a purchase .Get one you can trust and a unit that you can always upgrade.
I have purchased a few lower grade controllers and they dont last long or read well.
I purchased a profilux PII and up graded it to a PIII .
Wished I purchased this controller from the begining.
JUST MY OPINION

 

[Bugzme]

I love my apex But if you need help with it on reef central you need to kiss but! otherwise they just refer you to a book. I would go with the reefkeeper because of that.

 

[gilmour01]

reefkeeper lite or you can find used reefkeeper 2's around pretty cheap. i think i picked up both my used controllers for around $80.

 

[cody6766]

I love my RKL. I have no experience with any of the others though. It's really easy to use and comes out of the box with enough to do what I needed from it. I use it as a wavemaker and to run my heater and fan. I'll eventually expand it to run lights and a few other things, but I'm in no rush for that right now.

 

[jaytizzle]

Bugz, I never had a problem getting help with my AC Jr on that other site. That was before I was banned though... I guess it's a good thing that the guy who wrote the user's guide for the Apex lives right around the corner from me!

For any of you who aren't aware of it, you can find a full guide here:
Reef Tank Automation - AquaController Apex

I love my apex But if you need help with it on reef central you need to kiss but! otherwise they just refer you to a book. I would go with the reefkeeper because of that.