Neptune Apex vs ReefKeeper

[Greybeard]

I think the apex is out of reach for mid-level hobbyist. I think if they lowered the price to $499 or $399 with a monitoring subscription of $39 - $59 a month more ppl would go for it.

I think have a subscription model to their equipment is a smart thing to put in for long time viability (profit) as there will be lower cost competitors eventually.

I wonder why they couldn't come up with a budget model... oh, yeah...

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/apex-jr-controller-neptune-systems.html

 

[AlexStinson]

Unless my memory is wonky, There was a time when reefkeeper was the top dog and apex was the newcomer. I ran a reefkeeper lite for several years and loved it. Back then DA was super responsive and helpful. Now its hard to even find info on the Archon, I expect their days may be numbered. My new system will probably be Apex. Having the larger userbase to fall back on is really the main reason, plus the upcoming trident is very interesting.

 

[chargingxray]

Hello all, I ran into this old forum and also cannot justify spending $800 for a controller. How did the Archon turn out? It has been over a year and just would like to get some feedback.

I bought a RKE about 6 weeks ago and hooked it up for about a week and was just looking into things for the RKE and I ran into a lot of things that were easier to hook up and program on apex and it just felt like there were more things on the market that were more apex focused. There are even a lot more tutorials online that people have made for apex.

I bought a cord from Digital Aquatics and realized I didn't need it like 20 min after I bought it and emailed them to tell them I didn't need it and to stop payment what do you know I received it a week later anyways lol so there support must not be very good. After getting my apex 2016 Im so glad I did just setting it up is so easy and programming everything with fusion is just easier and more user friendly. Cost is why I went with the RKE at first, but Im so glad I switched to apex spend the extra you will be glad you did or wish you did later on down the road.

 

[ReefWithCare]

Digital Aquatics ceased their customer support - which tells me you shouldt even bother with them anymore. Reef Angel is really the only lower priced competitor around now aside from DIY and Tunze

 

[ReefWithCare]

I wonder why they couldn't come up with a budget model... oh, yeah...

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/apex-jr-controller-neptune-systems.html

I thought the JR isn't compatible with the Classic and can't be upgraded to the 2016 version.

 

[ReefingwithO]

When I started the hobby 6 years ago, I had a tank crash from a heater. At the price for 4 timers and a good heater controller I wasn't too far off a used Apex.

That's how I got hooked.

A lot of the features of an Apex I learned about after i bought it BUT the Apex makes my family get more involved with the tank because it isn't as scary. They hit one button to feed and walk away, one button to clean something and walk away - the apex turns them back on in the correct order - something is wrong, turn it off - tell dad and he'll take care of it later.

I know its a long video but I had a friendly discussion with a few guys over controller or no controller and i think we determined that a lot of it is down to personality.

 

[tastyfish]

Digital Aquatics ceased their customer support - which tells me you shouldt even bother with them anymore. Reef Angel is really the only lower priced competitor around now aside from DIY and Tunze

GHL is the more than competent competitor to Neptune really. They fell behind a little when I bought my Apex, but have now moved ahead again, especially if looking at capabilities outside the US, where Neptune offer a lower spec version of the 2016 with no EB832 (no power sensing or 1LINK) and only 6 sockets.

They’re probably just in line with Neptune unless you look at dosing and KH control, in which case they work out significantly cheaper and have a working and well tested KH solution (Ca soon).

If I were looking now, it would be at the Apex, the GHL and perhaps either the eKoral or, if I was feeling like DIY, the Reef Pii

 

[ReefingwithO]

GHL is the more than competent competitor to Neptune really. They fell behind a little when I bought my Apex, but have now moved ahead again, especially if looking at capabilities outside the US, where Neptune offer a lower spec version of the 2016 with no EB832 (no power sensing or 1LINK) and only 6 sockets.

They’re probably just in line with Neptune unless you look at dosing and KH control, in which case they work out significantly cheaper and have a working and well tested KH solution (Ca soon).

If I were looking now, it would be at the Apex, the GHL and perhaps either the eKoral or, if I was feeling like DIY, the Reef Pii

Outside the US - I agree that the Apex is less valuable.

I have some GHL equipment - it takes too much work to setup, the software looks like its from windows 98 - I use Macs and had to buy a copy of windows to setup a controller and doser. The Apex is a lot easier to setup, my wife can do it.

I'm very handy with technology and I'm not the best person for ease of use - I use my wife, in that regard it seems like the eKoral has a lot of potential, I really want to get my hands on one to test it.

 

[tastyfish]

Outside the US - I agree that the Apex is less valuable.

I have some GHL equipment - it takes too much work to setup, the software looks like its from windows 98 - I use Macs and had to buy a copy of windows to setup a controller and doser. The Apex is a lot easier to setup, my wife can do it.

I'm very handy with technology and I'm not the best person for ease of use - I use my wife, in that regard it seems like the eKoral has a lot of potential, I really want to get my hands on one to test it.

I have a Profilux II+ also, and TBH couldn’t get on with the terrible software. Howeve the new P4 looks awesome and the cloud control looks great also.

Unfortunately, you still need windows software for some functions and initial set up.

The dosing and KH controller is apparently also cloud controlled and doesn’t require the profilux controller if I understood right.

 

[ReefingwithO]

I have a Profilux II+ also, and TBH couldn’t get on with the terrible software. Howeve the new P4 looks awesome and the cloud control looks great also.

Unfortunately, you still need windows software for some functions and initial set up.

The dosing and KH controller is apparently also cloud controlled and doesn’t require the profilux controller if I understood right.

You still need to set it up with Windows and the cloud control is miles behind Apex.
Luckily I'm mostly working with dosers that require only periodic adjustments.

I'm hopeful for the future though

 

[manilaboy1vic]

i have not tried the reefkeeper, but i love my apex.. i just added their PMK (par monitoring kit) and a new AP700.. i wanna do alot of sps.. the PMK is so helpful.. theres no guesswork.. loving it.