another thread about controllers

supertech99

supertech99

New member
So I have been looking into a controller and weighing my options trying to decide what works best for me but I know several of you guys have experience and are very tech savy so I wanted to ask for some personalized help. I want to be able to control wavemakers and tempature and top off and monitor PH (I don't run a Ca reactor so controlling PH is not necessary....how would you even do this?) I really like the fit and finish of the Reefkeeper Lite, but I would have to get a SL1 to get to monitor PH. The DA price seems good untill you add the SL1 and probe which puts it at $200 with probe. I thought I saw the Neptune RK jr. for sale for 150 which sounds like the better deal but when I went to the website it says 175 and their ph probes are outrageous! I think I can get a BRS probe for a good price but It looks like either way is gonna cost me $200! So all things being equal in price for the same functionality (I don't plan on needing to expand too much more) what are the major pros and cons between the two?

Ding, Ding, Team Neptune and Team DA...Ready, ....Fight HAHAHA!:blown:
 
Apex lite
Don't have one but looking to find one for my new 180setup. I seen all good reviews.
 
Apex lite is 369.95...that is not happening! Or were you guys just saying that the aqua controller JR is the better choice? I already have light timers and a ATO so starting to wonder if I should just get a pinpoint PH monitor for 100 bucks and leave the fan on all the time?
 
Controller

Controller

supertech99 said:
Apex lite is 369.95...that is not happening! Or were you guys just saying that the aqua controller JR is the better choice? I already have light timers and a ATO so starting to wonder if I should just get a pinpoint PH monitor for 100 bucks and leave the fan on all the time?
Click to expand...

If that's all you want it for just keep using test kits, And a fan on a timer.
Bill:beer:
 
I am starting to think I may just get a meter for PH, Kinda wanted to really lock down my temp swings too though. Any suggestions on ph meters?
 
Never had a lot of experience with the DA controllers before. However playing around with a RKE / RKL and MyReef 2.0 gave me a whole new level of disdain for the programmers over at DA. They can't even get a simple program out of beta, and if you have a larger setup, flashing each individual piece to the new firmware is kind of a pain, especially when ladders are involved, and you have to haul a laptop around in a fish room. Kind of ridiculous you can't program the controller over the net module as well, you have to hook a PC up via USB / SID to view or change programming. Really awesome design. I just couldn't think of anything better:spin2:
 
Apex or Apex Lite here for me all the way if you want a real controller. Accept no substitutes. :uzi: DA
 
Zach always rants..his opinion only. Mine of Neptune has similar disdain, especially using older technology as it does. Truth is contollers have gotten more feature rich because ofbthe competition and thatvworks for us all.

You want bang for your buck, then I suggest DA.

Anotny, Neptune is not an original...:)
 
RKL is probably the best bang for your buck and will do exactly what you want for a good price, Sean.

Apex is where its at overall for me personally. I still have and enjoy my RKE, and I don't plan on getting rid of it, but the lack of web support and the fact you have to flash every module individually when new firmware comes out drives me up the wall. And this, to me, would be older technology than that of Neptune. Would you agree, Andy? ;)

At the same time, myReef is pretty nice. I installed it and configured it on Thursday and I'm enjoying it so far.

Brandon
 
Well it looks like I may be getting a great deal on a used RKL, thanks everyone for all the input. Fun to see how polarized we all are about the controllers issue! Reminds me of politics.
 
andywe said:
Zach always rants..his opinion only. Mine of Neptune has similar disdain, especially using older technology as it does. Truth is contollers have gotten more feature rich because ofbthe competition and thatvworks for us all.

You want bang for your buck, then I suggest DA.

Anotny, Neptune is not an original...:)
Click to expand...

My opinion only? I rant? Hmm.

Must be why so many people I've seen have picked up an Apex or have switched. I'm actually surprised that as a tech guy you would pick the RKE over the Apex.

Damn. Sorry I chimed in here. Just my opinion, and my opinion only.

I'm through with this forum and club as a whole.
 
Cant speak to the Apex - I have an RKE with quite a few add-ons. It's a nice system, looks good and works well.

The transition to MyReef is nothing short of disastrous. Modules are being released that require the purchaser to upgrade to Beta SW.

My opinion of DA has tanked. I used to support and push their products, now, not so much.

with that said I do believe the RKE to be a bit easier to use and more polished (assuming you stay away from 2.0). The Apex is more complex, but from what I have read more stable.
 
If your a computer guy the Neptune is by far superior, If not the DA is at least programmable by people that are not so computer savvy. They both work for the intended use and just buy what you like, Simple.
Bill
 
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