Reef Controller Recommendations?

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Hey guys! I'm looking at taking the plunge on buying a controller. Anybody got any recommendations? I'm looking at one of the following (I think).


- Apex
- Reef Keeper
- Reef Angel


Can someone weigh in on the pros and cons of these? I'm controller illiterate and trying to figure out which way to go.

 

[cdness]

I can only speak for the Neptune and Reef Angel products as those were the two I looked at before buying the Neptune Apex...

Apex Pros: Web accessible, easy to program, controls anything I need it to control, can handle the LED dimming of my future LED build, great service, mainstream controller talked about on many large and small reef sites and clubs
Apex Cons: Proprietary programming and hookups, not easy to repair yourself if an issue arises, modules can get pricey if you need additional add-ons

Reef Angel Pros: Flexible platform and programming language, constant R&D improving the device and addition of modules, modules are inexpensive to add, PWM and 10V dimming available, end user serviceable with electronics knowledge, non-proprietary hardware which opens the doors to expansion if you learn the platform.
Reef Angel Cons: Not as popular on the reef forums, specialized support for the specific controller, Language can take longer to learn due to it's complexity and available options

The reason why I went with the APEX was price alone. I ended up getting one used from a friend when he bought two on Ebay from a guy tearing his tank down. I personally was leaning towards the Reef Angel but I am an IT guy by trade so technology does not scare me, no matter how complex... I really liked the RA because of it's flexibility and consistent R&D paving the way for different options and expand-ability.

In the end, they both would be great controllers to have on the tank and you will not be disappointed.

 

[RuRoo]

Apex Pros: Web accessible, easy to program, controls anything I need it to control, can handle the LED dimming of my future LED build, great service, mainstream controller talked about on many large and small reef sites and clubs
Apex Cons: Proprietary programming and hookups, not easy to repair yourself if an issue arises, modules can get pricey if you need additional add-ons

Agreed. I will be purchasing an Apex controller in a few days.

 

[Arkaeus]

I had the full DA RKL setup. After posting on the DA website and finding out I wasn't able to program it like I needed. I sold it for a loss and got my first Apex. I can honestly say get an Apex. It has performed far above my expectations, once you understand the coding. Support for the apex is also pro. You can copy, paste, tweak, others code. If you go to Reeftronics, pick a user and go to apex program, or RC search.

 

[Arkaeus]

***R2R Search... Srry about that.. I hate not being able to edit posts =(

 

[moreef]

Not overly impressed with apex so far. Just got last week and now I need to send ph probe back because it won't calibrate or stay calibrated. I thought I was having a tank crash because ph was going from high 8.5-8.6 to 5.6 in the morning. Tested ph and it was 8.0 not 5.6 and of course the fish were still alive. This is my first controller so I have nothing to compare it to and my confuser skills are lacking so I probably shouldnt have got it. I still don't have the internet stuff figured out. It is connected to my home network but I can't access it outside of network yet. You would think for $500 you just plug it in and it connects everything for you. Port forwarding? The only port I know of is in a glass.  I'm also not impressed by the "detailed" instructions. It seems that apex wants everyone to get the info needed from rc and other websites instead of easy to follow step by step instructions. Again I'm not the person to comment on this due to my lack of computer skills but these controllers need to come with warning labels. Why should I pay to ship something that was faulty to begin with? They should send me a new probe along with prepaid box for return imo.

 

[cdness]

Why should I pay to ship something that was faulty to begin with? They should send me a new probe along with prepaid box for return imo.

Agreed on that part...

No matter if you have an internet accessible DVR, Media Center, PC, Home Security, or Aquarium Controller there is a little bit of setup you must do to get it to work. The in-box instructions aren't all that good, but there is an official comprehensive guide to the Apex that covers pretty much everything you need to know about setup, programming, and even troubleshooting. Check it out here: Comprehensive Reference Manual v.2 .

 

[moreef]

I guess it will just take some time to get everything configured correctly. I think anyone with basic understanding of routers,ip address etc will have no problems and have it up and running very quickly. Thanks for the link. I will need to go over this again very slowly and maybe it will sink in. LOL.

 

[ReeferBob]

Reefkeeper Elite is having a good sale right now. You get a free moonlight controller and 2 moon pods (2 LEDs each pod - it will take up to 6 pods which are $10 for 2). The controller is $70 normally. If you look at what you get, I think the RKE is the best buy. Also can get a NET module for it for full remote monitoring/programming/control, etc.