Recommended Controller

kaigoss69 · Sep 14, 2016

Hi guys,

just in the process of setting up my reef tank, with following equipment:

SCA 66g rimless
SCA 302 skimmer
Jebao DCS-7000 pump
Jebao PP-4
Kessil A360W-E
(2) 150W heaters
Smart ATO

I've been reading up on controllers but I am still confused and would like some advice on which one to choose. Ideally, I would like a controller that has "basic" functionality, at a reasonable initial cost, that can later be expanded with "advanced" controls and functions. I'd like as much of my equipment be controlled, or controllable in the future through additional modules. At the moment, the most important thing for me is control of the Kessil, and I am struggling to find much info, besides having to purchase an additional module for the Apex, which is probably not going to happen. I hope you guys can help guide me in the right direction!

RussM · Sep 14, 2016

At the moment, the most important thing for me is control of the Kessil, and I am struggling to find much info, besides having to purchase an additional module for the Apex

Kessils are controlled by 0-10v dimming outputs from a controller. Both the Apex (2016 model) and Apex Classic have (4) 0-10v channels built in. No additional module is needed. You'd only need the necessary cable from Kessil.

kaigoss69 · Sep 14, 2016

Thanks for your reply. The additional module was required with the Apex Jr., my bad. The regular Apex controllers are expensive...any other options?

ksfulk · Sep 14, 2016

kaigoss69 said:
Thanks for your reply. The additional module was required with the Apex Jr., my bad. The regular Apex controllers are expensive...any other options?

Not really. The "problem" with the entry level controllers (Apex Jr, RKL, etc) are just that - they are entry level, they only support a handful of upgrades and eventually you will outgrow them (look at your equipment right now - do you have more than four plugs you want to control?). Your best bet is to by the mid grade controller (Apex, RK, Vertex, etc) and upgrade components as you need them. I usually recommend watching the selling forums here and locally for someone looking to upgrade their controller and buy your first one used. You'll save money, and will likely end up with more components than you would have gotten for the same price elsewhere. Otherwise, you end up falling into the same trap we all have at one point or another in this hobby - buy the version you can get away with for a while, have to buy a replacement (bigger and better!) later, sell the first item, and spend more money than if you would have just waited in the first place

Thats my advice.

Salty1962 · Sep 14, 2016

I have a RKE for sale that can control almost anything. It comes with 2x PB4s, SL1, Temp and 3mth old PH probes, DP1 pump, float switch and the NET module. You can control the on/off schedule of your Kessils. It's expandable up to 240 modules.

pickupman66 · Sep 14, 2016

I have the same tank and skimmer. When I was using my reef keeper elite, it was perfect. I moved to the Archon for beta testing and love it. Check out my build thread.

kaigoss69 · Sep 14, 2016

Thanks Pickupman66. The Archon sounds interesting. It is modular, which I like, and the base unit seems to have some good basic controls. What exactly in the listed equipment list do you think the base unit can control? For the Kassil, I need both light intensity and color, so two separate 0-10 cables.

ngvu1 · Sep 15, 2016

I didn't notice Archon is the new product DA came out with, what a rookie

Anyway, beside the ideas and options a new product promises, for me being a spoiled American, it is also important to look at the customer service, support and the company's reputation.

Please let us know what you get and how it goes. Good luck!

kaigoss69 said:
Thanks Pickupman66. The Archon sounds interesting. It is modular, which I like, and the base unit seems to have some good basic controls. What exactly in the listed equipment list do you think the base unit can control? For the Kassil, I need both light intensity and color, so two separate 0-10 cables.

markfmvl · Sep 16, 2016

Salty1962 said:
I have a RKE for sale that can control almost anything. It comes with 2x PB4s, SL1, Temp and 3mth old PH probes, DP1 pump, float switch and the NET module. You can control the on/off schedule of your Kessils. It's expandable up to 240 modules.

what are you asking for it?

pickupman66 · Sep 16, 2016

Because the archon can control up to 4 different analog ports it will have no problem doing your kessil. You can also control both of your you can also control both of your jebo pumps. My system controls everything with an outlet which you will also be able to do. They are also just releasing a new module with four more analog or pwm ports. So there is no reason that it cannot control every single item on your tank mine already does. I use the 4 analog outputs to control 4 Separate channels on my light fixture. The pwm ports control the power relays to my light. I have a pump module for my three jebao wp pumps. The other 110v devices are controlled with the power bars. I know salinity and pH and temps. Also with a float switch It controls my ato.

kaigoss69 · Sep 17, 2016

So what would I need to get started with the Archon?

pickupman66 · Sep 17, 2016

The controller itself, and a pb8. Or two pb4. It should handle everything with that setup

kaigoss69 · Sep 18, 2016

What about probes? The online documentation is really crappy, I cannot find what exactly is included and what is not? If I have to add probes, I might as well just buy the new Neptune apex, no?

n2585722 · Sep 18, 2016

See manual has what is included with each kit. http://digitalaquatics.com/downloads/Archon/Archon_Rev3.pdf

pickupman66 · Sep 18, 2016

Sorry for not being clear. Kinda took it for granted. Should come with a pH and temp probe. If u want salinity monitoring you need a SL2 module and the salinity probe. But that can wait.

kaigoss69 · Oct 7, 2016

I still haven't bought one. The Archon is still interesting, but it seems it is not a very popular system, or at least I cannot find it for sale anywhere except the manufacturer's website, and eBay.

n2585722 · Oct 7, 2016

Digital Aquatics has not released it to any Dealers at this time. I have had one since December of 2014. It is a good solid system. Get the IOE module also. It is a breakout box for the 2 rj45 ports on the Archon. Thoes have the 4 switch input ports, 2 of the 0-10v ports and 2 PWM ports. They are also releasing a AVC module wich has 4 ports that are configurable as either 0-10v, 10v PWM or 5v PWM. They can be configured independently of each other.

The only one I could find on Ebay was a head unit only. Unless you have one of the older RKE/RKL systems you will need more that just that. You will need one of the systems with 2 PB4's or 1 PB8.