Aquarium controller?

[rad1687]

I am in the process of setting up my new 90 gallon, and would like to purchase my first controller, but I still do not understand the full capability of these devices. I am currently looking at the Reefkeeper lite and the new Apex Jr.

I do not have LEDs or wavemakers, so what exactly can I use the controller for? I have T5's with 2 ballasts, 3 koralias, and of course the return pump and skimmer. I like the idea of adding heater protection by shutting off the heater and turning on fans based on temperature levels.

So I guess my question is, what exactly will I be able to do with an entry level controller? Thanks for your time!

 

[coralreefhq]

With the controller you can control any outlet you'd like for it to do.

Outlet 1 2 3 4 6 7 8, you can set outlet one to wake up at 10am, off at 12pm, then back on at 4pm until late in the day.
Have your pumps turn on and off at certain hours, the time is dependent on your network, which is your router time.
Control and monitor Salinity, Temps in multiple parts of the tank, control remotely via your Android or iDevice, even a PC works too.

Depends on what you really need, if you don't need it, I wouldn't spend the money on it if you're just going to monitor temp and ph.
I own an Apex and love how it works, I run a VDM, WXM and a PM2 on top of all the standard components.

Definitely a lot less maintenance compared to before, but when the Apex falls, it'll go on Fallback mode.

 

[rad1687]

So is a controller more of a luxury than a necessity? I also have an ATO, which I know can be controlled as well.

Since I already have my lights on timers, would I be better off just investing in a surefire heater like a ebo jager and saving my money?

 

[jbachert]

I am in the process of setting up my new 90 gallon, and would like to purchase my first controller, but I still do not understand the full capability of these devices. I am currently looking at the Reefkeeper lite and the new Apex Jr.

I do not have LEDs or wavemakers, so what exactly can I use the controller for? I have T5's with 2 ballasts, 3 koralias, and of course the return pump and skimmer. I like the idea of adding heater protection by shutting off the heater and turning on fans based on temperature levels.

So I guess my question is, what exactly will I be able to do with an entry level controller? Thanks for your time!

I had a ReefKeeper Elite which I sold and bought a Neptune Apex. If you are looking for an entry controller I would go with the Apex Jr.

What is it good for?

Great for controlling your heaters, monitoring your temp, alternating the koralias to change different flows, turning your lights on and off with timers, etc....

I just started my very first reef tank a few months ago and I can't imagine not having a controller.

As I said, I have a Neptune Apex.

I use it for EVERYTHING. It controls my Vortechs wirelessly, controls my AquaIllumination lights, my refugium light, skimmer, etc., etc...

I have it configured to detect power outages and while all of my tank stuff runs off of an uninterruptable power supply, when it detects and outage it turns off "non essential" items like my reactor, refugium light, skimmer, slows my vortechs down and almost completely turns off my LED lights to conserve power on the UPS - and it does it all AUTOMATICALLY.

I love it.

 

[jbachert]

So is a controller more of a luxury than a necessity? I also have an ATO, which I know can be controlled as well.

Since I already have my lights on timers, would I be better off just investing in a surefire heater like a ebo jager and saving my money?

I honestly don't know what the limitations of the Apex Jr are as compared to the Apex, but depending on what the differences are, I might suggest waiting to buy the controller and going all the way for the Apex when you save enough money up.

It is not a necessity before you have a controller....but once you have a controller - it is a necessity.

 

[geccles]

I have a RK Lite and think it's worth it. I was on the fence & picked one up and like it for overall consistency of the tank. I have the heater & a fan on it so I can keep the temp within 0.5 F, dosing pumps on timers for Ca and Alk, and the pumps / filters / ATO connected. It's easy to push a button to have a feed mode and water change mode.

It takes a bit to figure out how to set up the timers but once you get going it's easy.

I can't speak for the RKL vs Apex, but my next tank will definitely have a controller on it.

 

[rad1687]

Thank you for your replies! I am leaning towards an Apex Jr. now if I do go with a controller, just to help with the budget! Thanks again!

 

[mightymizz]

Question regarding controllers. Those that connect to your computer for set up type programs, monitoring, etc., How does it connect? Wireless modem?

I do not run a wireless system on my computer, and do not have a wireless modem, so would I have to run a hard cable all the way through my house where everyone will step on it just to connect it?

If it is all by wireless modems, what would you do if you don't have wireless computer system??

Thanks

 

[0 tds]

I have had my Apex (on an 75g) for about a month now and I would not go back, I love it. Yes your timers will turn the lights on and off but will it turn them off if your water temp gets too high? Will your current ATO turn off you pump and send you an email when the level is too low in your fresh water tank? Do you have 1 button to turn off power heads for feeding? Do you know what your PH is right now? I am at 8.21. Not to mention the heater protection. If your are on a budget (and who is not) then I would go with the Jr.

 

[0 tds]

mightymizz - you do not have to connect to a coumpter, you can program the Apex from the screen. It is slow but you can do it. You will not get email warnings but that is just one part. They do make a product that will use the electrical wires in your house as a net work. I think it is about 80 - 100$. It has 2 units that plug into the outlet and then you plug in the network cable to the unit.

 

[mightymizz]

So if I did want to connect to my computer, I would need a wireless modem? Or would it require a hard wire connection from the unit to the comp.?

 

[Vampyroteuthis]

Just wanted to add my 2 cents: I'm still working on the build for my first tank but have just recently done a lot of research on controllers. While I don't really think that a controller is something that you "need" to have, I'm a technology geek by trade and absolutely had to get one. I really wanted a network-capable model and ultimate decided on the Neptune Apex (and even splurged for the lab-grade pH probe).

Basically I agree with everything jbachert said. I plan on having it control all of my equipment and will I'm sure spend considerable time getting everything properly programmed and optimized. Being a geek that's something that totally appeals to me though, not everyone will want or need to do the same.

No need to get fancy with it if you don't want to, but the RK Lite and Apex Jr. will still let you have a lot of the same basic functionality for relatively cheap.

 

[Vampyroteuthis]

So if I did want to connect to my computer, I would need a wireless modem? Or would it require a hard wire connection from the unit to the comp.?

If you wanted a model with network connectivity you would either have to run an ethernet cable from your network equipment to your controller (your ISP modem/router may have ports you can connect to, if not you may need a switch), or you could connect your controller to a wireless network using a wireless bridge. If you don't already have a wireless network set up at home then you would also need a wireless router (again some ISP equipment has this built-in) or access point to provide the wireless network for you to connect to (which would in turn be connected via cable to your network equipment).

Running cable is not an option for me, so I'm going the the wireless route. I also do computer networking for a living so if you have any technical questions feel free to ask

 

[mightymizz]

Vampyro- Thanks much! I may very well take you up on your offer when I get a controller. I have been thinking either a RKL, or the new Aqua Jr. when it releases, but I will keep you mind!

 

[Ethan Music]

Correction the apex jr cannot be controlled wirelessly. Only the new one that is coming out can or the apex aqua's. you can how ever hook it up to a computer via serial port and program it that way. Also you want to program it via wired connection first before you even go wirelessly. Either a wireless gaming adapter or a wireless bridge will work. Last of all to use the salinity probe you need the module and the probe which is another 220 bucks. Refractometers are still the best job for this. And as far as programming the neptune forum is very helpful you get fast responses and good tech support. They had me up and running in 2hrs programmed and all.

 

[coralreefhq]

If you experience problems with Apex devices, try the sponsor forums.
I'm usually there, since I encounter many problems others haven't experience, it shares to the diversity of the device and it's potential.

In essence, I'm much happier with a controller aiding me, aside from mechanical reliance on 10 timers.

The main thing I use my Apex for is "remote" control from anywhere in the world.
Definitely peace of mind!

Forgot to mention you're able to have remote visuals too, but connecting a webcam.

 

[coralreefhq]

Double post sorry.

 

[Vampyroteuthis]

Correction the apex jr cannot be controlled wirelessly. Only the new one that is coming out can or the apex aqua's. you can how ever hook it up to a computer via serial port and program it that way. Also you want to program it via wired connection first before you even go wirelessly. Either a wireless gaming adapter or a wireless bridge will work. Last of all to use the salinity probe you need the module and the probe which is another 220 bucks. Refractometers are still the best job for this. And as far as programming the neptune forum is very helpful you get fast responses and good tech support. They had me up and running in 2hrs programmed and all.

Ethan is correct, the Aquacontroller Jr. and RK Lite do not have the network interface built-in. As mentioned, that was a must-have feature for me, but it is a significant cost increase. The RK Elite +NET and the full Apex controller package are both around $500, but if you don't need/want the extra functionality the "Lite" versions can be had for about 1/4 the cost.

 

[Ethan Music]

If you can wait neptune is coming out with a new jr that will have wireless capabilities. Don't know much about it though think if you ask around or search the web might be some info on it.

I personally got my lite with ph probe for like 400 or somthing at aqua cave used the 5% rc discount code. If you don't need variable speed ports,orp probe, might be forgetting somthing else. Than get the lite version does everything else the full version does plus you can always add the modules on later to the lite if you decide you need those features.

 

[bluezx636]

Where did you hear of the wireless apex?