Anyone have experience with reef controllers?

E

EWilly

New member
I'm in the market to get a controller for my 75G. Not sure what to get, all I know is I'll probably end up going with the high end of any of the systems, as I want network connectivity (prefer wireless) and want to have all the options available in the future. I am computer savvy, and not scared of a bit of programming (I'm a network engineer by day), so anything being too 'techy' shouldn't be an issue.

I already have an ATO system, one of the JBJ ATOs and an AquaLifter pump. Would it be feasible to snag the float switches from that for the controller, or is there a better setup out there? I'd like to setup 3 switches - 1 in the topoff tank so it can alarm me when it goes dry, and 2 in the sump as redundant shut offs.

I was looking at an Apex setup, but I've been reading it is complicated to setup. I'm assuming this one is the most versatile setup. I'm not discounting the Reef Angel or Digital Aquatics offerings yet, but I am looking for anyone that might have used one or more of these systems and has an opinion on which one is best. Money is not really a big concern here, as I want to purchase only ONE of these, and not be replacing it when the time comes to upgrade the tank and such!
 
We had this discussion recently on this forum. Unfortunately anytime someone suggested a controller based on their experience others would jump in and start bashing it. We even had people from outside our local forum join in just to bash a certain brand. It was not a very productive discussion. But here's hoping it goes better this time, if it does I will gladly tell you what controller I have and about my great experience.
 
I was reading about Apex more, and reading reviews after posting, on BRS and other sites. Seems the consensus for a control freak is Apex. I'm mainly concerned with how much of a PITA it is to setup, and if anyone with an Android tablet/phone has used the app. I'm 95% sure I'm going with Apex at this point, but I'm open to suggestions.

Here's to hoping it isn't going to be a ****ing match thread. :eek:
 
If you're looking for a proprietary machine with all the functionality and expandability you would want, then Apex should be good for you. If you enjoy programming and want near infinite expandability/possibilities, the Reef Angel might be worth looking into (or building your own via Arduino for the ultimate challenge :P), but I've heard it's a bit of a hassle setting up. Personally, I like my RKL, but my need/goals for the controller are much more limited than yours.

JMO
 
I have friends with both the Apex and RK and and they love them. For me it was about versatility and endless possibilities so I went with the Reef Angel and its awesome.

Now lets keep an eye out for the haters :uzi:
 
I can say I've only had a few issues with my RKE. Me personally have had no issues with support, although the forums tend to say the opposite. Its very easy to program also. Hopefully someday soon they get the long awaited SL2 finished to fix the crazy pH and salinity issues. If I were to start over I would probably go with Apex just from a stability standpoint. I'm sure Apex also has its issues I just cant speak for that controller. As far as an iPhone app, DA does have a 3rd party app that works pretty good. It gives you some basic control over the controller but nothing crazy.
 
If you have the money get an apex with ph, temp and orp. Get a breakout box and you can do a water detecting sensor for emergencies. Get three float switches. One for low sump. High sump and high tank.
 
I have had a lot of hands on time with the DA stuff. It's easy to use, though sometimes limiting when trying to do more complex logic. The net interface works, though it is really slow and does not allow for more than monitoring via phone (technically there is a controlling iphone app, but it's a hack/workaround). I do like that it easy to make my own cables. Cabling is not shielded, and can/does pick up noise from halides. Stability is good on smaller systems. I had 16 modules and over 75 feet of bus cabling - system didn't always like that.

I'm going to try the apex on the new tank. The programming is a bit more complicated, with that comes options. They do have a "basic mode" which is closer to the da interface. Web access looks great for the iPhone, not sure if android is covered as well. Bus cabling is USB which is shielded, though much more expensive than the DA style and it is harder to make your own cables.

If you decide to go DA drop me a line, I'm putting my rke head unit, pc4, and sl1 up for sale in the next few days. Have some other modules too.
 
Yep, the tough part about this question is that most people have only used one of the controllers on the market.... it really sometimes come down to a android vs IOS type discussion. I have hands on with 3, Apex, RK and Profilux and they all have pluses and minuses. That being said it really comes down to budget vs. features, I would really list your top desires on paper and match up which controller offers those specific features. If its a close score between two of them then based on your budget decide between the 2. Or if you are a computer programmer, DIY type guy pick pick the one that is more open source (I really want to play with a reef Angel at some point).

With all of that being said I personally use the Apex line and have found they are usually the best middle ground choice, pretty straight forward to program, they have most modules or attachments you would want, and they usually fall in the middle ground in terms of overall cost and they have a pretty good online support forum.

Again, I could see where any 1 feature would make one system heads and shoulders above the others.... and the real answer is that any controller is better than no controller in my opinion.
 
always good to see you post here, Dave

always good to see you post here, Dave

on the other foot :wavehand: there's ME.

I'll admit right up front I was slow to get into controllers and I don't follow their developments. I know what I need an aquarium controller to do and mine does it.
I'm no tekkie. I need help!
I'm not sure what android vs. IOS means. (Android vs. iphone? Some type of communication?)

I've been running my Neptune ACjr. for several years now. I don't access it remote... I don't even know if that's possible... but I know it's not necessary (for me).

Nobody mentions Neptune anymore. Why?
 
Gary,

Apex = Neptune

Yep IOS = Apple

There is actually a hack to allow your AC Jr to be accessed remotely but its a project and requires your Jr to be connected to a computer full time.

I guess thats what I mean, everyone has a different list of needs for their controller, for myself, remote access is at the top of the list. It's not a necessary feature until you are away on vacation in the middle of February and your controller sends you a text message saying that your tank is only 74 degrees and you can check in on it and see the temp has been dropping all day. This happened to me and allowed me to call a friend to check on things, turned out the wife tried to save a couple bucks and turned the heat down to 55 in the house, that text message without a doubt saved my tank.
The Apex controllers from Neptune still use the same basic logic statements, so if you wanted to upgrade to a newer model that does have internet access, you would not have to learn all new logic statements...Gary

Dave
 
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