RKElite or Apex - Thoughts...

Sikryd · Jun 1, 2009

Well since I decided to upgrade I figured I would ask here as to peoples thoughts on which one seems to be a little better as well as visually and intuitively better.
My wife won't even look at the ACIII since it is more DOS looking as far as programming is concerned. In other words - too much work to figure out the buttons! lol - she works with nuclear missles, I guess it needs to be as simple as possible at the house!

I am looking to mount it on the outside of my tank to give the tank a more "modern" look to it. I'll build a smooth looking case for it and all...

In the long run I want it to be online on my website and all that, controlleable from anywhere via a secure connection. I'm going to add a streaming webcam and all that fun stuff down the road too.....in the winter when I am bored

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Paul_N · Jun 1, 2009

I was going for the RKE but when i saw the Apex I changed my mind. They do the same thing but to get similar packages, your looking at the Apex being at least $100 cheaper. Also I like the fact that you can use Neptunes scripts for programming or just use the menu driven sytem. At one point I was looking at the RKE vs the ACII Pro, but the RKE was $200 cheaper for the same package. That was the reason I was looking at the RKE initially but then the Apex came along. I have a few months before I pull the trigger so I will wait and see what the initial reaction of the first Apex users is.

stunreefer · Jun 1, 2009

Same boat here...

I'll be following allow as I'm torn between the two...

I'm not a "techy" person by any means... so I want simple and easy to run. I'm needing few, simple things out of my controller:

1. Temp. monitoring and control
2. A.T.O. sensor (although I might just use a Tunze Osmolater)
3. Internet monitoring (and potentially control via internet)
4. "Standby" modes to shut down pumps/skimmer during feeding

It appears that the APEX would be about $100 less, as Paul mentioned, and I don't belive the RKE has the NET capability yet, but thats moot as I won't be buying for a couple months...

I know a few people who already own (and love) their RKEs, and I know a couple who are anxiously awaiting delivery of their APEX's... so I'll be waiting for more reviews and hands-on "previews" too

FWIW, I owned a Profilux Plus II and sold it as I have NOTHING good to say about it... :choler:

Sikryd · Jun 1, 2009

Thanks for the help.

I'm easy. I'm just going to go with the APEX and be happy with it....cheaper is king. Nowadays both controllers are pretty much neck and neck.
I have been happy with my other neptune controllers, so no reason to switch and pay more to do so....

Ldogg · Jun 1, 2009

I own an RKE with NET on my 120, and an RKL on my 3g pico at work, and I will be buying another RKL for my prop system. the NET is out, and allows you to get RSS feeds from your RKE. it doesn't allow you to control your RKE through its interface YET, but DA is planning to address that. I love my RKE, and RKL. it took 15 minutes to setup and configure them, and their custom service is amazing.

Ldogg · Jun 1, 2009

with the RSS feeds, you can setup a sig that polls the RSS feeds and generates a signature.

like this

ignore my PH, I need to re-calibrate the probe.

and their's an iPhone app out that lets you see the RSS feeds as well.

Sikryd · Jun 1, 2009

You can do that now with an ACIII

Ldogg said:
with the RSS feeds, you can setup a sig that polls the RSS feeds and generates a signature.

like this

ignore my PH, I need to re-calibrate the probe.

and their's an iPhone app out that lets you see the RSS feeds as well.

Ldogg · Jun 1, 2009

yes, you can. don't you need to buy their software, and connect it to a pc for those functions? will the apex have a built in web server that eliminates the need for a pc?

imcosmokramer · Jun 3, 2009

the Apex is said to have an embedded web server: (from the neptune sys site)
Connectivity

Ethernet Interface
Embedded Web Server
Only controller with web browser Monitoring, Control & Configuration.
Email Alarms

It looks like an awesome choice, but I might want others to go through the growing pains. I have a RK2 and it was really easy to setup/use.

lightsluvr · Jun 5, 2009

Simple question...

This is probably a rookie question, but I am now upgrading to a larger system (340G DT) and will add both a controller and a calcium reactor.
I have already pre-ordered the Apex package, which should be shipped within the next 6 weeks. I am also looking at the GEO 624 reactor.
My question: If I already have a controller, like the Apex, do I need a separate controller for the CA reactor? Or, will the Apex perform all the functions that a dedicated Pinpoint or Milwaukee controller does?
Thanks.
LL

Leishman · Jun 5, 2009

I use the RK2 and want to upgrade to the APEX or RKE also. I'm going to wait for reviews before making the choice.

The APEX has not been added to the review site yet.

http://www.aquariumcontrollers.com/aquarium-equipment-comparisons.php#controllercharthttp://www.aquariumcontrollers.com/file/controllers.xls

stunreefer · Jun 5, 2009

lightsluvr said:
My question: If I already have a controller, like the Apex, do I need a separate controller for the CA reactor? Or, will the Apex perform all the functions that a dedicated Pinpoint or Milwaukee controller does?

I assume you're reffering to the ability to control pH swings? If so, yes, you can utilize pH probes to acitvate/de-activate different things based on your settings.

lightsluvr · Jun 5, 2009

Yes.

stunreefer said:
I assume you're reffering to the ability to control pH swings? If so, yes, you can utilize pH probes to acitvate/de-activate different things based on your settings.

Yes I am referring to the function of those bare-bones dedicated controllers that are sold as packages with most CA reactors. My understanding is that the reactor just needs to have CO2 injection controlled by turning a solenoid on or off...
It seemed to me that a full featured controller like the Apex, RKE or ACIII can handle that task while also monitoring and controlling the PH on the tank, etc., etc.
It would just require the proper PH probe and programming the controller. Correct?
Thanks.

LL

zoous · Jun 5, 2009

I recently placed an order for the RKE. DA is having their 40th anniversary on the RKE. Worth considering since they pretty much went through a couple of revisions.

Paul_N · Jun 5, 2009

lightsluvr said:
Yes I am referring to the function of those bare-bones dedicated controllers that are sold as packages with most CA reactors. My understanding is that the reactor just needs to have CO2 injection controlled by turning a solenoid on or off...
It seemed to me that a full featured controller like the Apex, RKE or ACIII can handle that task while also monitoring and controlling the PH on the tank, etc., etc.
It would just require the proper PH probe and programming the controller. Correct?
Thanks.

LL

You can have two PH probes. One will operate as a controller for the Ca reactor and the CO2 and the other can then just monitor the tank PH.