Help me choose an aquarium controller!

[GXPKY]

With all of the aquarium controllers on the market I would like to hear what you guys have to say about the ones you have used, which have worked the best, and which you guys would recommend. I would like to purchase one in the near future and think that it would be a great investment but as I do research on the equipment available I would like to also hear what you all have to say on the subject.

Thanks!

 

[doctorgori]

I'll save you "some" research....
I spent literally hours on the net, trolled dozens of forums, even more post...
I also spent some time talking to LFS owner(s) and other hobbyist,,,,

I dunno about that DIY controller thingie with the circut board...
I do know for under $150 the Apex Jr vs the RKL is no contest; Jr. wins....the internet & mobile monitoring is kick arse...

if you got $300 tho, spent it on the Apex lite w/ph probe and powerbar for like $350-ish...I got the Jr. and wish I had spent the few more bucks for the lite or full tilt Apex

the lite is more flexible and can do multiple tanks if you trust x10 modules (I would if for just monitoring & controlling lighting)

 

[James77]

Neptune or Profilux. Neptune is a great controller, what the majority of people hear use. Great service and features, the best bang for your buck. Profilux is higher end and more expensive, but gives you higher quality parts that are about as bug free as you can have.
I use the Apex Jr since my controller needs are small. Cant beat that price for 4 controllable outlets with a web server/email built in.

What are you wanting to control on your tank? DO you have Tunzes or Vortechs? Is a display an absolute must, or would you be content using your smart phone as a "head unit"?

 

[BigKahuna]

I love my Apex. Programing simple things like lights on and off are a piece of cake. More complicated programing like for ATO switches can be slightly more intimidating but people posting here and the company's sponsored forum takes the edge off that small level of complexity. That and having control/monitoring over my tank 24/7 in the palm of my hand via the Aquanotes iPhone app makes me glad I got the Apex just about every day.

 

[Robert62779]

I have always had Neptune System controllers. I had a AquaCotroller II then upgraded to the AquaController III. I havent had any major issues. The APEX is nice, but the ACIII working fine. I can say the APEX has a ton more features.

 

[aleonn]

Love my Apex as well. Very dynamic and control pretty much everything. You can go on weekend or week-long trips with peace of mind. I love the Internet capability, and being able to check and change any outlet parameters remotely. There are also 3rd party apps for Android or iPhone.

I can't tell from your sig whether you run a calcium reactor or not, but the Apex can have two pH probes, whereas other versions only have one slot for the pH probe.

I also heard great things about the Profilux but never got the chance to review/research it, but people seem to be very happy about that brand as well.

 

[luisagos]

+1 to James77

There is big sales with Profilux ATM.

 

[ReefRockerLive]

Profilux, if your looking for absolute reliability and lots of expansion options.

 

[JG1]

Apex is nice...it's a PITA to program though

 

[ccolt1]

I have a RKL and love it but setting up the ato and having to use a certain plug on pc4 was disappointing. I bought from MD in Dec for 169.00 with sl1 and ph probe so it was a great price and no tax... If I had more money I might have gone with a apex for sure. All I know is that I would not be without any controller again..

 

[aleonn]

Apex is nice...it's a PITA to program though

It takes some time to learn the code (and to read the unofficial manual in the RC Neptune forum). At first, one can probably get by on the default programming, but with practice the "advanced" programming isn't too difficult.

 

[slief]

+1 for the Apex. I love mine!

 

[creefer01]

I have a RKL and love it but setting up the ato and having to use a certain plug on pc4 was disappointing. I bought from MD in Dec for 169.00 with sl1 and ph probe so it was a great price and no tax... If I had more money I might have gone with a apex for sure. All I know is that I would not be without any controller again..

I agree. While I'm not entirely thrilled with my RKL, it works. Eventually, I'll go the route of APEX!

 

[snorvich]

Profilux, if your looking for absolute reliability and lots of expansion options.

Yes. I have two of them.

 

[GXPKY]

Neptune or Profilux. Neptune is a great controller, what the majority of people hear use. Great service and features, the best bang for your buck. Profilux is higher end and more expensive, but gives you higher quality parts that are about as bug free as you can have.
I use the Apex Jr since my controller needs are small. Cant beat that price for 4 controllable outlets with a web server/email built in.

What are you wanting to control on your tank? DO you have Tunzes or Vortechs? Is a display an absolute must, or would you be content using your smart phone as a "head unit"?

I am running three MP40w's right now. I want to have a good monitoring system for the tank as well as the ability to control top offs, lights, etc and have the ability to use my phone to see what is going on with the system while I am away.

Also, thank you guys for all of the replies. I have the ability to pick up a Neptune Aquacontroller III with net interface for 200 bucks from someone local, don't think I can beat it for that price, and the feedback seems pretty good here so far.