Controllers

[C.Eymann]

I don't have one, don't plan to. 800 bucks for an apex gold is absurdity in my book.

Just do it the old fashioned way, people have kept successful saltwater tanks since the 70s.

I agree somewhat, but anytime I go out of town for work or vacation, in the back of mind I wonder what is going on with my reef?
Is it overheating? did something die/ ORP values crashing? Did my house A/C quit? (happened before and wiped out this VVVV in 2008)

I travel maybe once a month for work for a few days, but i also go on 1-2 ~10 day dive trips a year. Being able to look at my my systems status while out of the country really eases my mind.

 

[Shewillbemine]

I have the Apex but I disconnected it so I can learn my tank first. I've had 3-4 other tanks before and there weren't any "affordable" reef controllers back then.

I'd say that controllers are best for people who have large systems and have thousands of dollars invested in them. I have a small system with hundreds of dollars invested in it so I don't feel that much pressure to monitor it 24/7.

 

[Bent]

I agree somewhat, but anytime I go out of town for work or vacation, in the back of mind I wonder what is going on with my reef?
Is it overheating? did something die/ ORP values crashing? Did my house A/C quit? (happened before and wiped out this VVVV in 2008)

I travel maybe once a month for work for a few days, but i also go on 1-2 ~10 day dive trips a year. Being able to look at my my systems status while out of the country really eases my mind.

Oh yeah, don't get me wrong. I'd love to have the piece of mind. Especially if I traveled that much.

 

[garyinco]

After having one (an Apex) I'll never have another tank without one. I scoffed at them thinking they were just fancy power strips but once you get a handle on the programming you can get them doing some amazing things. With a skimmate collection vessel and a collection cup wiper system (Avast Swabbie) my tank pretty much runs itself. I focus on the water chemistry, livestock and other more important things.

I find I tend to either over do things, or under do them. Great when I'm over doing, but not so much when I get busy and under do. I also run some NoPox and have macros in the sump, so I don't even have to change water. I do test and dose when necessary on some of the trace elements. With a crowded under tank and electrical area I can't imagine having to unplug things to turn them on/off. I run the tank by the numbers and daily remotely control some things like hours of skimmer operation and things like that.

If you decide against a controller at least get some power strips with individually switchable outlets. They are available on Amazon.

 

[SeedlessOne]

The reef keeper seems like it has everything I would want for about half the cost of the Apex.

Whats that? A crappy product with no service. Thats what DA ReefKeeper gets you.

 

[RayAllen3422]

Whats that? A crappy product with no service. Thats what DA ReefKeeper gets you.

Thanks that's helpful.

 

[soulpatch]

Thanks that's helpful.

I disagree with him on crappy product but you can easily find on here all of the customer service issues and the lack of community support. A great product still stumbles when you dont support it and that is the big issue with RK. They seem to rush to release modules, are slow on updates, and then dont have much support for the programming issues people encounter.

The price difference is not that much between apex and RK to easily justify the large jump in support you get with the Apex.

 

[SeedlessOne]

I disagree with him on crappy product but you can easily find on here all of the customer service issues and the lack of community support. A great product still stumbles when you dont support it and that is the big issue with RK. They seem to rush to release modules, are slow on updates, and then dont have much support for the programming issues people encounter.

The price difference is not that much between apex and RK to easily justify the large jump in support you get with the Apex.

Of the major manufacturer of controllers, DA without a doubt takes the "crappy" product award. Its not even close.

LOL, your entire description of DA supports my claim.

Apex or ReefAngel would be my choice.

 

[SeedlessOne]

Thanks that's helpful.

Want to save money and still end up with a fantastic product that will do more that you will ever need?

ReefAngel.com

 

[soulpatch]

I disagree when you talk about the product being crappy as its not. It works fine but is difficult to use.

 

[SeedlessOne]

"you can easily find on here all of the customer service issues and the lack of community support. A great product still stumbles when you dont support it and that is the big issue with RK. They seem to rush to release modules, are slow on updates, and then dont have much support for the programming issues people encounter"

really? This came out of your own mouth. That defines a crappy product. Geez.

 

[soulpatch]

"you can easily find on here all of the customer service issues and the lack of community support. A great product still stumbles when you dont support it and that is the big issue with RK. They seem to rush to release modules, are slow on updates, and then dont have much support for the programming issues people encounter"

really? This came out of your own mouth. That defines a crappy product. Geez.

Apparently reading comprehension was a missed class for you...If you are going to attempt to put me on the spot using my own quote then at least read the damn thing.

A GREAT PRODUCT is a direct quote as it is a great product in its own right but has no customer support.

Those are two very different things product and support. If it were supported like that of Neptune by the company it would be on pretty equal footing as the products and modules themselves are quality builds.


Similar could be said for other items like Profilix. AWESOME product but the support side is lacking and you are on your own in many instances.

 

[SeedlessOne]

Apparently reading comprehension was a missed class for you...If you are going to attempt to put me on the spot using my own quote then at least read the damn thing.

A GREAT PRODUCT is a direct quote as it is a great product in its own right but has no customer support.

Those are two very different things product and support. If it were supported like that of Neptune by the company it would be on pretty equal footing as the products and modules themselves are quality builds.


Similar could be said for other items like Profilix. AWESOME product but the support side is lacking and you are on your own in many instances.

:lol::lol:^^ Insults are not needed...

Simmer down, not putting you on the "spot" but rather letting you know each time you post, you are further proving my point. ....we are just going to disagree here.

The product and support go hand and hand. And like I said, product alone, DA is still the bottom of the barrel.

OP, sorry to derail here.

Controllers are great and at the end of the day, any controller is better than no controller. Just make sure to look at all of your options before dropping money on a controller. A product that works well and supported, make all the difference. Good luck!!