Need to know if a controller would really benefit me

[Onebaldman]

I called BRS and asked some questions and it seems that I would need the Apex standard controller plus a breakout box and some switches to control an ATO pump and switch off the skimmer if the collection container reaches a certain point. The cheapest option is always ruled out in this hobby!

Has anyone here used the Reefkeeper Net module? I was told it was hard to program. He also said that it would send alerts but that I couldn't control anything remotely with a RK.

In the end, things are plug in play. You won't need to buy everything at once, but you would need to determine what your starting point is. In the end, the Apex Jr. and RKL is meant for those who want a basic starting point for the lowest price point. I researched what it would cost to get the Apex Jr and RKL up to the next level. It would cost more (including shipping) to upgrade everything vs buying the next level up. I went with the Apex Lite, but now I wish I had bought the full Apex instead.

Something I try to live by, you will always wish you had bought the other item that you were considering.

 

[TrishW]

I can personally vouch for the reef angel. It does all you need it to do and fits in your budget a bit better than apex.

The greatest thing my reefangel does for me is allow me to dial my vinegar dosing down to the drop each hour. I can keep my nitrates at the perfect level where everything is happy. Love it.

I have just spent about an hour on the reefangel forum and even though the price seems right I am not sure I am up to programming the thing. The wi-fi attachment info says "The preloaded code will not communicate with this attachment without code modification."

What code modification did you have to make?

It also scares me that people use the forum for advice but if no one answers or answers correctly you are kinda screwed. Have you had good experience with the forum and getting the answers you needed quickly?

 

[JSB]

I can vouch for the service/support from Apex. They have remotely logged into my controller before and made fixes for me, which certainly beats having to send something back. And the user community over on ReefCentral is super. The current Apex manual was developed, in a large part, from the documents created by one of the very active users. Not to say that is better or worse than any other controller, just my experience. As for Onebaldman's comment, you are gonna want more, so go ahead and bite the bullet.

 

[markkazdad]

I have just spent about an hour on the reefangel forum and even though the price seems right I am not sure I am up to programming the thing. The wi-fi attachment info says "The preloaded code will not communicate with this attachment without code modification."

That message is no more helpful than "The NET has lost communication with the system and is taking all appropriate action to reestablish the connection."

It also scares me that people use the forum for advice but if no one answers or answers correctly you are kinda screwed. Have you had good experience with the forum and getting the answers you needed quickly?

I suppose at that point you can either experiment or buy a similar set up for a geeky friend who is willing to experiment on your behalf.


The thing that annoys me about all of the controller options I've seen is how expensive the power bars are.

 

[kutcha]

controllers scare me a little. Granted i know the automation is amazing but the risk of something messing up and frying the tank scares me if my tank blows up i would rather be the one that blows it up instead of a controller

 

[HiddenUser]

I can't imagine going back to life without my Apex. Having everything automated, simplicity of turning off pumps and accessories to do maintenance, and notifications / fail safes.

Best investment I've made.

 

[TrishW]

Hmm, I wonder what geeky friend I have that would be willing to take a free controller to experiment for me.......

 

[Fishlee]

If you do purchase an apex make sure to purchase the modules such as leak detector and break out box. With out them the apex is just a fancy outlet timer controlled via the internet

 

[TrishW]

Fishlee what controller do you have?

 

[Fishlee]

I have apex with leak detector and break out box and auto feeder

 

[Mason Dixon]

I have just spent about an hour on the reefangel forum and even though the price seems right I am not sure I am up to programming the thing. The wi-fi attachment info says "The preloaded code will not communicate with this attachment without code modification."

What code modification did you have to make?

It also scares me that people use the forum for advice but if no one answers or answers correctly you are kinda screwed. Have you had good experience with the forum and getting the answers you needed quickly?

They have a great wizard that guides you through setting up the most used functions so no coding necessary there. For any custom code, I just start a thread on the forum there and state what I need it to do, somebody(usually Roberto), will write the little snippet of code I need and then I just upload that into the reef angel. The code is easy to understand since it has an explanation after each line.