aquarium controlers which one to get?

C

coralcruze

New member
I've been looking into "digital aquatics" and "neptune systems"... anyone out there have any suggestions, advice? any other controler that I should be looking at? I basicaly want a controler that I can automate a calcium reactor, pumps, temperature, salinity, ph, and perhaps ORP. any dvice would be helpful...

thanks
 
If you want endless expandability, and a product that will never be obsoleted by the next new model - look at Profilux. They have base systems that are in the price range of the two brands you mentioned.
T
 
teesquare said:
If you want endless expandability, and a product that will never be obsoleted by the next new model - look at Profilux. They have base systems that are in the price range of the two brands you mentioned.
T
Click to expand...


I will agree that Profilux is great, but adding on to those base systems can get expensive fast.
 
I just ordered a Reef Angel. It's an open-source controller that is very inexpensive for what you are getting.

If you are familiar with aftermarket ECUs for cars, it's the Megasquirt of the aquarium controller industry.
 
James77 said:
I will agree that Profilux is great, but adding on to those base systems can get expensive fast.
Click to expand...

Yep kinda like all of them. But, no one else offers the "no obsoletion" policy.
THAT makes it MUCH cheaper, as your system, or needs grow over the next few years.
 
Neptune always seems to be ahead of DA in features. They have had web interface features long before before DA. Neptune has had control for Tunze for years, and now EcoTech Vortech as well. DA, neither one.
 
Last edited:
teesquare said:
Yep kinda like all of them. But, no one else offers the "no obsoletion" policy.
THAT makes it MUCH cheaper, as your system, or needs grow over the next few years.
Click to expand...


Not either RK or Neptune are quite as expensive as Profilux. A 6 way Power bar on Profilux is about $125 more than the Neptune EB8, and the Neptune has 2 extra outlets. Base kits on RKE Elite and Apex already include ORP and both have 2 more outlets.

As for the no-obsoletion policy, these newer modular controllers shy away from that. Neptune hardware- such as the Aquasurf, DC8, breakout,etc- can still be used with the Apex.
 
Yes - I know - but we are talking INITIAL price. Most of us think further than that, don't we?
And - yes, some of the accessories are more - but there are no break out boxes neded - so it seems to me that on the one hand -you pay less for teh others. but in the long run....Profilux is less.

Just my opinion - and to each his own!

T
 
Much of this depends on brand loyalty and the needs of the individual aquarist. I have had excellent experience with Neptune controllers. I have an ACJr in my office and and ACIII at home. The ACJr is limited with no webserver, but at the time I bought it (3 years ago) that was not a big deal. It also can only controll 12 devices, but for my 45gal office clown tank, that is fine. It has never needed service and has always functioned reliably. Once in 3 years I needed to replace the temp probe.

I think the ACIII is now discontinued due to the APEX being on the market. Still you can buy plenty of used ones around for a very reasonable price. I never thought the additional features of the ACIII Pro were worth the price differential.

Profilux seems like a great system with expandability....but I have never met a person who had one in this country. They are significantly more expensive.
 
I just bought a Reef Angel because it's basically limitless. I don't have it yet so I can't say how nice it is, but it's cheap and looks like fun. Might be worth looking into.
 
For what you're looking for, the Apex will fit the bill and seems to be a better controller than the Elite. I went with a Profilux for other options such as ability to add in a doser.
 
I do most of the things you mention with my Apex, and a lot more. I did a lot of research before I bought mine, but as someone who travels at least 4-5 weeks out of the year, having a totally automated system is...as Visa says...priceless.

Poke around in the Neptune Systems forum here on Reef Central. I get great new ideas for my system all the time from reading the posts.
 
chem-e said:
I went with a Profilux for other options such as ability to add in a doser.
Click to expand...


Just to clarify this a bit, both the Apex and Elite can control dosers as well via their switched outlets. The Apex(and Elite IIRC) use an oscillating program that can dose for any amount of minutes as many times per day as you'd like.

The Profilux can control its own line of dosers via bus cable(or whatever connecting cable they use) without taking up any switched sockets.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

T
Reef octopus Varios 4 0-10V connection to Hydros controllers
Replies
2
Views
256
tmann51
T
U
Goniopora
Replies
3
Views
170
Uncle99
Uncle99
A
Aquarium Temperature Control: How I Hacked My Air Conditioner to control my tanks temperatures
Replies
6
Views
2K
Naso180
N
griss
Talk to me about Hydros
2 3
Replies
42
Views
5K
wvned
wvned
Perth_reefer
Temperature fluctuations for SPS
Replies
3
Views
294
Perth_reefer
Perth_reefer
Back
Top