Best Controller out there?

Best Controller out there?

  • Neptune Apex

    Votes: 39 52.7%

  • Reef Angel

    Votes: 11 14.9%

  • GHL Profilux ($$$)

    Votes: 16 21.6%

  • Reef Keeper Elite

    Votes: 4 5.4%

  • Other (list and explain)

    Votes: 4 5.4%
  • Total voters
    74
caraj said:
Hey I thought I read the apex has a built in web server? Can anyone confirm?
Click to expand...

Clownin Aroun said:
Why do you feel the Neptune has the upper hand? What are its advantages in your opinion?
Click to expand...

Features that Profilux has no other controller has

1) Touch screen Option.
2) Built in water top off and automatic water changes, better then the Genesis water change system. Just need two water sensors and Solenoids.
3) Optical water sensors option.
4) Analog 0-10 vdc Inputs option. Can attach co2 sensor, water flow meter, Par sensor and anything in the market that has a 0-10 vdc outs.
5) Every 0-10 vdc outs has a relay control for each outputs. Need a optional lost cost board. Each board does two input relay function.
6) PWM signal outs
 
I also voted other as I have been running an Aquatronica controller for many years. Can't wait for their newest touch screen and black box version to be released.
 
nickjj said:
I also voted other as I have been running an Aquatronica controller for many years. Can't wait for their newest touch screen and black box version to be released.
Click to expand...

So you think that controller is hands down the very best controller money can buy?
 
Most of the controllers nowadays can do what you want as long as you want to learn and spend money on the system. And all will Pros and Cons.

With that said, I've been using the Profilux for more than two years now. Before that, it was a neptune system. Just looking at the powerbar says a lot from build quality and reliability. Just look at the powerbar on the GHL and you know it will last longer than the others. The individual switches of up to 10A current is a big plus. Programming it is a learning curve like anything but it's trivial if you take the time to learn it. Profilux allows me to grow my system without any limitation. In fact, I now have two P3 ex base controllers with an expansion box and 4 PAB power bar. This is all for my future tank upgrade.
And no, I did not receive all this as a gift from GHL.
 
Hey Karsseboom, I see you wrote that the profilux has PWM signal out. Do you know if it will control all features for the elos E-lite which is 0-10 PWM? including dimming.

karsseboom said:
Features that Profilux has no other controller has

1) Touch screen Option.
2) Built in water top off and automatic water changes, better then the Genesis water change system. Just need two water sensors and Solenoids.
3) Optical water sensors option.
4) Analog 0-10 vdc Inputs option. Can attach co2 sensor, water flow meter, Par sensor and anything in the market that has a 0-10 vdc outs.
5) Every 0-10 vdc outs has a relay control for each outputs. Need a optional lost cost board. Each board does two input relay function.
6) PWM signal outs
Click to expand...
 
I've been running Neptune controllers for almost 10 years and only had one problem that they took care of promptly. Their tech support if you need it is fast and great, and building up a controller for your tank does not kill your wallet. It is modular for much cheaper than the Profilux would be if you ran another tank. The quality is high, though not top end as they had to find a middle ground to target more people. They are aggressive with updates and new prducts, and were the first to announce and release the Vortech control of all of the companies. Complaints of their product would be the USB buss cables...they are not as easily found online for long runs like the Ethernet Profilux uses or the data cable RK uses. I currently use 2 Apex Jrs on my 2 tanks and have used the full Apex.

Reefkeeper would be the last of the ones you list. They have no Vortech control and have no plans for it....if that is a must have for you it rules them out. Last I checked they are still battling the SL2 salinity issue which has been going on for what has to be 2-3 years with very few updates. Was not a module I used, but again if it is a must for you it seems to be open ended on when they will fix it. Things I do like about them....the head unit is a bit more attractive than the Apex plus you can change display colors. Non issue for me since I need no HU anymore. I also like the package since you get 2 4-outlet power bars instead of APexs single 8...however I don't like the low power handling of (3 amps) of half the outlets.

I have very limited experience with the Profilux. Quality is high, and I like the random control of the Tunze. I assume that is also possible with the Vortech. A lot seems to be tied to the main unit and an extension box is kind of pricey last I checked into it. Meaning it is not as modular as the RK or Neptune. You could spread an RK or Apex out over an entire house and the only expense would be buss cables.

I have no experience with the Reef Angel. I like some of their cheaper prices. The ability to program whatever you want with the free ware or open software or whatever you call it is nice, however I have never felt at all limited by Neptune. Matter of fact I use only a fraction of its capabilities to control lighting, temp, reactors etc.
 
James77 said:
I've been running Neptune controllers for almost 10 years and only had one problem that they took care of promptly. Their tech support if you need it is fast and great, and building up a controller for your tank does not kill your wallet. It is modular for much cheaper than the Profilux would be if you ran another tank. The quality is high, though not top end as they had to find a middle ground to target more people. They are aggressive with updates and new prducts, and were the first to announce and release the Vortech control of all of the companies. Complaints of their product would be the USB buss cables...they are not as easily found online for long runs like the Ethernet Profilux uses or the data cable RK uses. I currently use 2 Apex Jrs on my 2 tanks and have used the full Apex.

Reefkeeper would be the last of the ones you list. They have no Vortech control and have no plans for it....if that is a must have for you it rules them out. Last I checked they are still battling the SL2 salinity issue which has been going on for what has to be 2-3 years with very few updates. Was not a module I used, but again if it is a must for you it seems to be open ended on when they will fix it. Things I do like about them....the head unit is a bit more attractive than the Apex plus you can change display colors. Non issue for me since I need no HU anymore. I also like the package since you get 2 4-outlet power bars instead of APexs single 8...however I don't like the low power handling of (3 amps) of half the outlets.

I have very limited experience with the Profilux. Quality is high, and I like the random control of the Tunze. I assume that is also possible with the Vortech. A lot seems to be tied to the main unit and an extension box is kind of pricey last I checked into it. Meaning it is not as modular as the RK or Neptune. You could spread an RK or Apex out over an entire house and the only expense would be buss cables.

I have no experience with the Reef Angel. I like some of their cheaper prices. The ability to program whatever you want with the free ware or open software or whatever you call it is nice, however I have never felt at all limited by Neptune. Matter of fact I use only a fraction of its capabilities to control lighting, temp, reactors etc.
Click to expand...



Responses like that is what I am looking for!!!!

Thanks!
 
karsseboom said:
So you think that controller is hands down the very best controller money can buy?
Click to expand...

I can't comment if it is the "very best controller money can buy" since I really only have experience with the Aquatronica. All I can say is, it has served me well over 8 years and provides all the functionality I need.

I know AQ has had their problems with some hardware components many years ago but it appears they have learned from this. They even delayed their release of the touch screen and black box version to ensure it works properly with all existing equipment and hopefully work out all the bugs before it is available to market.

There are many good controllers out there, find one that fits your budget first and satisfies all your tank requirements now and in the future.
 
Allmost said:
what I hate about GHL mostly, is that they give ppl free stuff, to go and advertise and post "advertisements" on forums !
Click to expand...

Allmost - you are well versed at being a ProfiLux brand hater for your own private reason but are you serious about free stuff! LOL I wish we have a fight just to get demo units for dealers!

Laughing all the way with that lump of poo. seriously.

Sorry dont usually get involved in these thing but that little line made my day, thanks for the laugh though.

Oh in regards to GHL being dumped for other brands

Quote from the forum
-*
"This is the easiest question ever and I have two answers for it.

The longest warranty in the business with 2 full years from date of purchase. Which is DOUBLE of the others

and the Second answer

THEY JUST WORK!

This is my simple story:
I had another product controlling my tank for a few years. It failed, a few times to say the least. After the first year using the other guys controller they have their customers "exchange" and charge $175.00 for each exchange. All the known issues reported all over the internet the other company fails to acknowledge that their product is at fault.

To compare apples to apples the cost of the ProfiLux was about $150 more for the huge pack I got, however the ProfiLux still has more or better features and a TWO YEAR WARRANTY! So if after the first year the PIII failed I get a new one at no cost.

Now think of this Controller A is $150 less but after the first year it will cost you $175.00 plus shipping when it goes out, just to have it exchanged. So really where is the savings? There is none! Sure you might not need all the features the PIII has to offer but wouldn't you rather have that bigger engine in your car if you ever want to go a little faster and live on the wild side?

Bottom line is simple, the total cost over ownership might be a little more up front with the ProfiLux but over two years it will be just the same (if not less) with no stress, headaches or gray hair.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1590302
 
nickjj said:
I can't comment if it is the "very best controller money can buy" since I really only have experience with the Aquatronica. All I can say is, it has served me well over 8 years and provides all the functionality I need.

I know AQ has had their problems with some hardware components many years ago but it appears they have learned from this. They even delayed their release of the touch screen and black box version to ensure it works properly with all existing equipment and hopefully work out all the bugs before it is available to market.

There are many good controllers out there, find one that fits your budget first and satisfies all your tank requirements now and in the future.
Click to expand...

Then you shouldn't have voted other. This poll was about the best controller on the market not WHAT you own or like.
 
AQD_ottawa said:
Allmost - you are well versed at being a ProfiLux brand hater for your own private reason but are you serious about free stuff! LOL I wish we have a fight just to get demo units for dealers!

Laughing all the way with that lump of poo. seriously.

Sorry dont usually get involved in these thing but that little line made my day, thanks for the laugh though.

Oh in regards to GHL being dumped for other brands

Quote from the forum
-*
"This is the easiest question ever and I have two answers for it.

The longest warranty in the business with 2 full years from date of purchase. Which is DOUBLE of the others

and the Second answer

THEY JUST WORK!

This is my simple story:
I had another product controlling my tank for a few years. It failed, a few times to say the least. After the first year using the other guys controller they have their customers "exchange" and charge $175.00 for each exchange. All the known issues reported all over the internet the other company fails to acknowledge that their product is at fault.

To compare apples to apples the cost of the ProfiLux was about $150 more for the huge pack I got, however the ProfiLux still has more or better features and a TWO YEAR WARRANTY! So if after the first year the PIII failed I get a new one at no cost.

Now think of this Controller A is $150 less but after the first year it will cost you $175.00 plus shipping when it goes out, just to have it exchanged. So really where is the savings? There is none! Sure you might not need all the features the PIII has to offer but wouldn't you rather have that bigger engine in your car if you ever want to go a little faster and live on the wild side?

Bottom line is simple, the total cost over ownership might be a little more up front with the ProfiLux but over two years it will be just the same (if not less) with no stress, headaches or gray hair.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1590302
Click to expand...

:( I am not a hater, just like the truth to come out. your comment about poo and free stuff, I will ignore ... lets assume it was a mistake for you to type it.

I like to dig into stuff, specially electronics.

1. are you telling me that you do NOT have a reward program, where users would post good things about GHL in return for free upgrades ? tell me you dont so I can link you to YOUR thread ;)

2. Im a P.Eng. so I have opened up both Apex and GHL controller, the Apex has a 32 bit processor, what does GHL use ? 16 bit ? :) Apex costs less, and has more expensive chips !

I will leave rest of the differences for later on :) like noise between channels.
 
Last edited:
karsseboom said:
It's cheaper and will get the job done. I'm just a equipment junkie like allmost.

I owned an apex and it worked wonderfully. I now own the profilux and like the fact I can match it to my dosing pump.
Click to expand...


I already own the GHL 4 pump stand alone doser so that's not a problem for me!


Also as far as GHL giving away products for customers to go on and say they love it. That's absurd as far as I am concerned. I just bought 2 GHL Mitras and paid FULL PRICE (just ask my wallet) and I rave about them because I truly believe they are THE BEST ON THE MARKET!!!!! GHL didn't give me a cent lol.





But I went with apex because I felt that it was just as good or almost as good for much less money.......it does or will do EXACTLY what I am looking for, nothing less a little more
Lol
 
dude, get the Apex, mine just works. i control everything form anywhere and it just works. also they have good customer service. and yes it works on a mac. It will control whatever you want it to control.
 
reef1906 said:
dude, get the Apex, mine just works. i control everything form anywhere and it just works. also they have good customer service. and yes it works on a mac. It will control whatever you want it to control.
Click to expand...

Dude there's controllers that will do everything the apex can do and built to higher standard. Have you tried all the different controllers? Cause I have
 
karsseboom said:
Then you shouldn't have voted other. This poll was about the best controller on the market not WHAT you own or like.
Click to expand...

Suggesting the best controller is like saying what is the best car I should buy, you'll get many different answers everyone has their own opinion. Most do not have the money to try many controllers such as it appears you have to comment on the best. Have you owned an AQ?

As far as I am concerned the AQ is a comparable controller feature for feature as any of the ones on the poll list may have.

In any event I'm just offering the OP my opinion.
 
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