Aquarium Controller, Apex Jr or Reefkeeper lite
- Thread starter lance1337
- Start date
Cloudburst2000
Active member
I have been looking at those two also. The RKL seems to be more user-friendly, IMHO, but Apex is supposed to have great CS.
Dave Thebrewguy
New member
I looked at both of them a few weeks ago. The RKL is very limited in how much it can be expanded, make sure it can meet all your needs. The Apex was closer to what I wanted but I would have needed a few extras to suit my needs and the price was just too high. I ended up getting the Reef Angel instead, it's been running for a couple weeks now on it's standard software but I'm sure I'll be personalizing it soon. I don't know if you've considered this option but it's like getting the RKE or Apex for the price of a RKL or Apex Jr.
kentuckyclowns
Member
The RKL is very limited in the modules. I love the unit and the module options but I am looking to get up to the RKE. You can start slow and add on as you go. The net module is what I'm looking to get to and it's just not enough space for all that I need. if your looking for just monitoring your system, digital aquatics just came out with something that watches pH, temp, and water levels and will send you email notices for $200
firebirdude
User and Abuser
Hello Lance from Central Florida! haha
The new Apex Jr is probably the best buy for the buck as of now. It doesn't have a display, but rather uses your PC to make any changes/view any data. Internet capability is included. So right out of the box, you'll be getting text alerts in the event of a problem with your tank.
The new Apex Jr is probably the best buy for the buck as of now. It doesn't have a display, but rather uses your PC to make any changes/view any data. Internet capability is included. So right out of the box, you'll be getting text alerts in the event of a problem with your tank.
lance1337
New member
Yeah, that's what I'm leaning towards. The reef angel looks nice also but not sure if its compatible with wireless bridges like the apex Jr is.
-Lance
firebirdude
User and Abuser
Not to mention Digital Aquatics can't make a salinity probe to save their lives.
....and that's coming from a RK owner.
....and that's coming from a RK owner.
I recently just purchased the full apex with a few other components. I have yet to set it up so my experience with the unit is nill. However, my research led me to buy apex over rkl, reef angel, and profilux. Imo profilux is top of the line, but it's very expensive. Apex is a close second. Its seems like there is a bit of a learning curve. It seems like the possibilities are endless and you can set up your system the way you want to as long as the logic and coding makes sense. Their also seems to be a lot of support with apex. Not as much with profilux and rkl and others. Imo i would go with the apex. If i were you i would make a list of what you want to accomplish with this controller and go from there. Find out what your needs are and fill your needs. For me i wanted to automate alot of functions and to be able to remotely access and control certain functions and aspects of my tank. I felt for my needs that it was either apex or profilux. I felt profilux would have cost double if not more for my needs than what apex would have cost me. So apex would be my choice.
James77
Team RC
Minimal learning curve, the basic programming of lights and heaters etc is simple pull down menus where you just enter times.
More complicated programming has a learning curve, but there is a very active forum here on RC, and emails to neptuine are answered quickly.
Having used them both, the ApexJr is better across the board. It attaches to your network with ethernet, and that allows control better than a head unit right off any smart phone. I do not miss having a display at all, it makes having one seem like some lighted thing sitting on the wall that only gets used a couple minutes a week.
ApexJR can have 5 modules added to it, RKL only 4. Apex has web interface email and interent/PC control built right in, to get that with RKL you'd have to spend $120 more and lose an add on limited module. The RKL also comes with a PC4, which has 2 oultets that are relays rated up to 8 amps, the other 2 triacs limited to 3 amps. The APexJr has 4 relayed outlets, all 8 amps....both strips limited to 15 amps. Relays are more reliable for switching low draw items like dosers or fans.
More complicated programming has a learning curve, but there is a very active forum here on RC, and emails to neptuine are answered quickly.
Having used them both, the ApexJr is better across the board. It attaches to your network with ethernet, and that allows control better than a head unit right off any smart phone. I do not miss having a display at all, it makes having one seem like some lighted thing sitting on the wall that only gets used a couple minutes a week.
ApexJR can have 5 modules added to it, RKL only 4. Apex has web interface email and interent/PC control built right in, to get that with RKL you'd have to spend $120 more and lose an add on limited module. The RKL also comes with a PC4, which has 2 oultets that are relays rated up to 8 amps, the other 2 triacs limited to 3 amps. The APexJr has 4 relayed outlets, all 8 amps....both strips limited to 15 amps. Relays are more reliable for switching low draw items like dosers or fans.
firebirdude
User and Abuser
Donkeykong
New member
I vote for the Apex jr, after days of research and going to peoples houses that had them to look at the interfaces and such I went with the Apex and am very happy with it. I am tech so programming the advanced stuff was pretty second nature for me. But I have helped others setup theres and most of the functions needed are really easy to get the hang of.
KCombs
They Call me "RifRaf"
hey Lance, there are a few similar threads here on RC asking for similar advice...I say that not to derail this thread but as a additional source of opinion
Me? many told me to go with the Apex, so I bought a Jr...but bang for the buck the Apex light is a better value (if you add everything up) if you can afford the intial cost and get the "package" deal from Premium Aquatics, TB Aquatics or ReefGeeks.....
I have both the Jr & Apex light... I don't see much value in the display, but thats just me...
Me? many told me to go with the Apex, so I bought a Jr...but bang for the buck the Apex light is a better value (if you add everything up) if you can afford the intial cost and get the "package" deal from Premium Aquatics, TB Aquatics or ReefGeeks.....
I have both the Jr & Apex light... I don't see much value in the display, but thats just me...
James77
Team RC
:lol: Im sure there are plenty more points, LEDs are just a hot debate topic right now.....
BowedFloor
Member
I've got an RKE.
System itself is stable. Very frustrating that I can't adjust timers or alarms from the NET module. Also there's some definite buggyness with setting up the controllable tunze pumps I got.
Don't think I'd buy another DA system.
System itself is stable. Very frustrating that I can't adjust timers or alarms from the NET module. Also there's some definite buggyness with setting up the controllable tunze pumps I got.
Don't think I'd buy another DA system.
Cloudburst2000
Active member
Does the Apex control Vortechs? I am planning on putting a controller on my 16g nano. I mostly just want to control temp (shut off heater if it gets stuck on) and control my lights. I have four LEDs (three above the tank and one on the fuge). I do have a vortech pump in the tank and am curious what the Apex can do for the pump considering the pump already comes with its own controller. I had been leaning towards the package deal for the RKL from marinedepot that comes with the main unit, four outlets, an SL1, SID, temp probe, and pH probe for $200. Other than possibly getting an expansion for two more outlets so I have the extra outlet for the fuge LED, I don't think I need anything more than this on my nano. I might not even get the expanded outlet and just use one of my old timers for the fuge light. I just don't like having multiple times at the moment for four lights.
kenghmoob
New member
The Apex unit can control Vortechs through the WXM module. With this, you can cycle through the different modes throughout the day. Without the WXM, you'll have to choose what mode you want and set it at that.
60Cubed
Premium Member
The pH probe connects directly to the unit. You can have either two pH probes, two orp probes or one of each on the main module. If additional probes are desired you would need to get an expansion module.
Get the Neptune product and you won't be disappointed. They are a great product with excellent customer service. I've had over the past years an ac jr an ac3 an ac3 pro. I just bought the apex and will be running my tank off it soon.
Once you have a controller you will not see how you ever got along without one!!!! The security and reliability is worth the investment. I'll never have a tank without a controller!!!!
Lance
