Controllers--This v. That and why?

[RyanEG]

Ok so the time for me to get a controller is here or I'm going to have to get out. Anyways what controller would you choose and why?

Im looking at either the ReefKeeper Elite or the AquaControler Apex. I know that I want the capability to monitor online, I need it to controll lights(4 circuits), closed loop, ATO, probably a calcium reactor in the near future.

Those are the immediate needs but what else do you have on your controller? Im wanting this system to be more stable and a little less hands on due to my working out of town and my SO starting to work evenings and overnights. Like I said, this is going to help with our current problems or I'll be getting out.

Thank you very much for any help/input that you have.

 

[Conesus_Kid]

The only thing that I have to offer is that Curt at Neptune (Aquacontroller), was incredibly patient and helpful with me when I was having interference issues with my AC3 and electronic metal halide ballast. Also, the folks on the Neptune RC forum are very active and helpful. I can't speak to the RKE, as I don't have any experience with the product.

It looks like the price tags are pretty much equivalent for the same features.

 

[belgian_waffleman]

I love my AC jr. great service as well.

Waffleman

 

[5380]

If I may play devils advocate. I really can't justify them. A solid programmable timer does almost all the functions commonly incorporated into controllers with ease. A controller has to integrate inputs and outputs to have benefit, like if Ph is low does kalk instead of top off. Maybe someone can clue me in as well, besides Ph what other input could be used reliably without frequent calibration to automate stability.

 

[Johnny C]

5380- A controller can do a myriad of things that a programmable timer cannot. Personally, the most valuable features about a controller are:

-Temperature Control... Turning heater on/off when necessary, avoiding common heater failures that commonly cause tank crashes.
-Remote Accessibility... Being able to view/control the status of my equipment and parameters on my iPhone from anywhere in the world.
-Reliability- I have a pile of timers (both analog and digital) and half of them have failed at one point or another, causing stability issues at best.

With that being said, I am a big fan of Neptune Products. I recently purchased an Apex Light and previously owned an ACJR. There are a solid group of people (even a few locally) who are very knowledgeable with Neptune Controllers and are always willing to give advice or instructions. Once you own a controller, you'll likely never rely on a cheap powerstrip or timer again. JMO!

PS- Ryan, are you going to be in town anytime soon?

 

[pascal32]

I couldn't run my tank without a controller and dosing pumps. Timers just don't cut it for me. temp control is huge, things start getting toasty, turn on a fan, still too warm, cut the lights. overflow sensors on the display in case things go crazy. ATO, PH monitoring, standby to feed (turn off pump, and powerheads - automatically resumes). my favorite sensor is the one that monitors the level in the tank and makes sure the pump is really running - if that drops and i'm not working on the tank I know my main pump is down - and on goes the backup heater in the display

I have a reefkeeper elite. great product, works well. customer support has been good, though as a company they don't communicate very well. constant promises of software that never seems to make it out.

I will say that I have had few issues with my RKE, and it has served me well. I believe the apex to be a bit more capable, though much harder to use - that is based solely on what I've read.

anywhich way you go it is worth every penny!

 

[RyanEG]

Jon im in town as we speak ill be here tomorrow and possibly next week.

 

[StashuDave]

Relly doesn't matter which controller you go with, you'll be pleased with any of the better ones out there today. As far as my preference..... Neptune all the way though. I think they have a better product with more frequent updates, but the user forum here on RC is a game breaker. They can answer almost any question and short of a true defect in the controller can fix / help with anything you may encounter. I've had an AC Jr, an AC3 and now an Apex and they have all done what they advertised they would do. You may even be able to get an Apex Lite and save a like a hundred bucks if you don't care about ORP or controlling Tunze pumps.... I almost wish I had held out for the Lite version myself.

5380- I've had my controller save my tank on more than 1 occasion! Remote monitoring and the complexity that you can program go way beyond what any normal timer could ever do. My case in point... Leave for vacation in February, check on my tank temp and notice it doesn't get over 74 the next day. First thing in the morning on the second day temp has fallen to 72 and I can see that the heater outlet is on..... something else must be wrong but what??? Because I can see all of this going on, I call my buddy to check on things... as soon as he walks in the house he realizes that the house is freezing cold, checks the thermostat and it's set to 50, my wife thought that since we'd be gone for a week she'd save a couple of bucks on heating and never considered the tank for a second. Without a controller I would have come back to Death and a loss of thousands of dollars..... by saving my tank 1 time it has paid for itself 10 times over and I can't imagine having a tank without one.

Dave

 

[jacksonpt]

I'm on the "I've never been able to justify them" side of the conversation, but I'm following along because I like to think of myself as open minded.

The thing that would really sway me was if they could monitor alk/ca/mg and turn on dosers accordingly. I have dosing pumps that aren't cutting it as they are.

 

[reefboarder]

I have an AC Apex and it's been the best purchase I've made on the hardware side of my tank. Like blurry said about temp issues I give it a +1000. You can set up your ato to turn on/off with a 2nd float for added safety if the main fails ( which they do) being able to program feedings or stop this or that with the touch of a button is nice as well. Also even if you don't have an iPhone to run an app you can log in from any browser and control/ monitor issues. And if you want to get deep you can use x-10 modules to set up outlets to turn on/ off window ac's or anything you want really. The apex is pretty easy to program even some of the more difficult functions , and as mentioned before the neptune forum here has solved every issue I have had personally with mine. I haven't had any experience with the reefkeepers, but I've always heard good things about them, and to tell you the truth when I was researching to buy the clincher for the apex to me was the iPhone app, other than that they were both pretty close in options and functionality. Hope this is helpful.


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[RyanEG]

Is there a neptune app for droid phones yet?

 

[reefboarder]

Ask in the Neptune forum.but I do know people are using droids for them, whether it's an app or just the phones browser I can't say for sure.


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[DVA]

My father in law is about to purchase an apex for his tank. I was also on the lamb about getting one as I couldn't justify the need or cost.

Thank you for the input as I believe I now see the usefulness.

We will be getting the Apex unit.

David

 

[5380]

On reliability, Find a used Chrontrol, my oldest timer was 25 years old replaced it because the keypad wasn't responsive. I have paid as little as $0.50 for a controllable port that can literally do anything a PLC can do (i.e. respond to inputs whether they are device triggered or manual input) with the right model. I think the timers most people use fail because they are designed to run a 13 watt incandescent light bulb. Oh and they have rs232 ports for remote monitoring.

As far as ATOs go, avoid those contact float switches use opitcal sensors (tunze makes one that i've only read 2 failures both of which involve the use of kalk in close proximity to the sensor, which is a known issue covered in the manual). It is expensive compared to float switch alternatives. I think one of the controllers uses this technology as well.

I also believe that the online capability is well within most people's reach with a desktop computer. Software like Qik makes it possible to stream video for the cost of a webcam. I can remote desktop using my cell phone to control my desktop that problem is solved.

That said, if I can automate water mixing and changes using a controller I will be signed up and 1k in debt so fast. The only thing better would be if it could change filter socks.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I monitor pH and temp with my ACjr.

If the aquarium gets too warm the controller turns off my halides. I can also have it turn on fans, chillers etc.

It can be used to turn powerheads/pumps on and off as well as control lights, moonlights etc on/off.
The possibilities are almost endless.

If you add up the price of separate timers, pH monitor, temp controller etc. you will quickly see how it's very easy to justify the cost of a controller.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

another option for you, Ryan:

another option for you, Ryan:

something like a Litre Meter.

it doesn't perform all the functions a controller does but (in your particular case) an auto doser might be a good solution.

You can set up a Litre Meter to dose kalkwasser and it will supplement Ca, alk as well as keep pH up.

I use an el cheapo auto feeder to keep aquariums fed all week when I'm away.