Which controller would you recommend for my setup?

[glb]

I'm finishing a 40g breeder build and am checking out controllers. Here's what I need one to control/monitor:

pH, temp and salinity
Auto topoff
Return pump
Skimmer
Lights (optional as I may buy some with a built-in controller
Dosing pump(s) for kalk or maybe 2-part
Heater


I don't need every bell and whistle and am on a budget. I've looked at apex and reefkeeper but know some others are out there too.

Based on my needs, what would you recommend?

 

[HiddenUser]

At this point I'd possibly wait until Interzoo wraps up. Looks like Tunze is coming out with a new controller and the Cerebra next month. I'm curious to see how these new controllers end up doing!

 

[n2585722]

Any of the named brand controllers are capable of what you want. Just be aware that the entey level controllers have limits on the number of modules or other limits. Doing what you want may run into that limit quickly.

 

[CodyRVA]

I'm all for Reef Keeper. I think Apex is sick, but absurdly expensive. +1 on the new controllers coming out! Personally, i'd put my money in my lights/skimmer/etc. long before a controller, but that's personal preference. One piece of advice I can give is select all of your other equipment first, then decide on your controller. The main reason i went with a Reef Keeper Lite is because my skimmer and return pump came with control panels, so i dont need a controller to manage them. I have a bubble magus doser, and a smart ATO; again no need for a controller. Not to say you still couldn't use those specific devices with a controller for enhanced function, i'm speaking to daily operation. Ultimately it comes down to what you need out of a controller.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I'm old school and don't want my tank nagging me on my cell phone....that's my wife's job! So I'm an old school ReefKeeper 2 user. Actually if I see them for sale, I'll buy it. No communications to cell phones or computers, but it controls everything on my tank.

With the newer controllers, and you on a budget, you might wish to look at ReefKeeper Lite with an expansion socket for your heaters.

 

[glb]

Thanks everyone. I'm leaning towards the reefkeeper top model, which is about half the price of apex gold and the new apex. But i do want to wait to see what the Tunze and the other brands have to offer. I've already bought or chosen all the other equipment. Skimmer is SCA-301, pump is jebao 6000, lights will be ati t5 with a controller. Auto-topoff will be tunze.

 

[hybridazn]

2nd hand apex full system is what I recommend.

 

[glb]

2nd hand apex full system is what I recommend.

Is the new one going to make the older ones obsolete quicker?

 

[hybridazn]

Is the new one going to make the older ones obsolete quicker?

I wouldn't worry about that at all. The new apex is essentially a refreshed apex gold with wireless built in and easier updates. The only thing that won't work with the classic is the new eb832, buy a regular eb8 and 1link and you have the same setup essentially.

 

[Salty1962]

RKL for a tank that size. I use one on my Nuvo 20 with everything but the salinity.

 

[n2585722]

You do know that the Reefkeeper top model now is the Archon.