AI Sol: AI's Controller or ?

[ReefObsessor805]

Hey everyone,

I'm going to purchase the AI Sol for my current reef build and I'm wondering if I should get the AI Controller along with it. The thing is, is that I have an Aqua Controller Jr. that I will be using from my last tank.

Will I miss out on anything if I just stick with my current Neptune controller? I understand intensity can be adjusted with the AI controller, but I'm wondering if this is worth the extra $80?

Thanks.

 

[SoLiD]

The AI controller is real easy to learn. It makes adjustments a snap. I still have yet to set up my APEX to my AI SOL LED's because it's much more difficult to achieve the same ramp up & ramp down timing. I'd buy it just to have a back up if I were you. It's worth the money.

 

[Mark Bianco]

Of all the funtions I use for my Apex (not the JR) for the AI lights were the easiest. I am not saying the AI controller is not easy as well. Do you already have the VDM module for your JR? Besides having a backup source is not a bad idea if you have the extra cash.

 

[38bill]

I run an AI Sol controller and I also just use an ACjr as I am not that interested in all the web functions of the newer controllers. I like my AI controller. Easy to read and very easy to set up. It will adjust color, intensity, ramp up/down times, lunar schedules and even simulate thunderstorms.

PS: If you buy a new controller later used AI Sol controllers have been selling for around $50-$60 here on RC.

 

[wyattroa]

I have the AI sol with the controller and just got the apex..I find the controller for the AI so easy that I left the setup for that. Maybe in the future I will switch over, but for now the controller for the AI is for me.
Robert

 

[ReefObsessor805]

Awesome, thank you for all of the feedback. I think I'll go with the AI controller, too.

- Alan

 

[u4ick]

The AI controller is fairly easy to use. Just wish they had a "back button". I'm referring to when your setting up which LEDs and the intensity. If you mess up or the controller decides to do a "double click" on you, you have to go back through that whole time period just to get where you want to be. And if you have lets call it -finicky- controller....well then it can get pretty frustraiting.
I have come across quite a few of these systems, and so far about 50% of the controllers have issues with them. The scrolling bounces back and forth from where you are and wanting to go or the previous #, the clock doesn't keep time, the puch button does a double select on you passing up the next choice in line.
Just not very good quality control on that portion of their system.

 

[s4chico]

I would have to say that I have one of the 'finicky' controllers. I agree that a back feature would be a great option to have also as my button double clicks at least 30% of the time.

 

[Donkeykong]

Do you like gadgets? do you like all your gadgets to talk? do you like playing with all your gadgets? If you answer yes then get an apex and have fun. If you just need to set it up and be done then the AI controller gets the job done, yes it is a little twitchy and it could definitely use a back button.

 

[s4chico]

I like gadgets and am planning on getting an Apex soon. I like that you can set it up to control your lights and pumps and that it works with AI and Vortechs. I hope to switch out my tunze wavebox for some vortechs, but will get the Apex first.

 

[Donkeykong]

Make sure you know that even with the full apex you need the VDM box and the cable to the AI's, also the Vortechs needs the WMX (i think that is what it is called).