ReefKeeper vs Apex

[drparker]

I've had the RKE for a couple of years and it has worked fine. It's got an easy interface and works as it should. Any help needed or issues have been addressed by DA and I've not have problem with customer service.

I'm going to switch to the Apex since I run Vortech pumps and want the integration with the pumps that Apex has and DA has not added yet.

 

[USC-fan]

That is simply not true at all. In every single thread that compares RK and Apex, the vast majority of posts are from people running away from Digital Aquatics as fast as they can....a quick search will show that. I have seen at the very most 2 0r 3 posts of people switching to Digital Aquatics from Neptune. That is not just here, but on every other forum and blog out there.

:wavehand:

I switched from apex to rk. Not sure why people go on and on about CS.... I only contact CS when I have problem. Are that many people having so much trouble with apex that the couldn't solve it on the forum? But really I believe that BC they are so hard to set up.

Biggest problem with the apex beside being way too hard to set up, is the garage temp probe. I don't see how guy trust that system to run your system. The most I ever gotten out of a apex temp is 6 months.

Rk are just easy set up and forget. Istill have the rk that I brought in 2005 and just had to replace the temp probe this year.

 

[Amoore311]

I've got my original APEX temp probe going on 18 months.... works just fine when cross checked against an old school floating glass thermometer. The standard grade PH probe has finally taken a crap on me though, so that will need to be changed soon.

The Apex programming had a bit of a learning curve, but I picked it up in about week after having no previous knowledge to the coding. It may be a bit more difficult to pick up, but the pay off is much more versatility.

And CS always matters. Especially when you are dropping $300+ on a piece of equipment. Curt sat on the phone with me for 20+ minutes at 11:30pm EST in order to trouble shoot a problem I was having, that ended up being my own fault lol.

 

[USC-fan]

Even found my thread about temp probe. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1672938

Sold the system after temp probe failed again.

Here when my rk temp failed http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1962403

Had to email CS at DA and got back to me that sameday...

This thread is just a terrible thread.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

DA's cust service is the worst it's ever been my unfortunate displeasure to encounter on any product aquarium related or not. That isn't just related to product failures which if you follow the threads there are plenty. It's trying to get an answer to a use or programing question as well.

 

[Amoore311]

How is this a horrible thread exactly lol.

Aside from it being a bit drawn out... it's accurate.

 

[James77]

It's terrible if you are DA or a DA fan . Other than that it is accurate as to the strengths and weaknesses of both companies.

 

[SeedlessOne]

I made the switch to a ReefAngel and could not be more happy. IMO it can't be beaten for the price and the options you have.


Anyone want to buy my rke?? Lol.

 

[James77]

:wavehand:

I switched from apex to rk. Not sure why people go on and on about CS.... I only contact CS when I have problem. Are that many people having so much trouble with apex that the couldn't solve it on the forum? But really I believe that BC they are so hard to set up.

Biggest problem with the apex beside being way too hard to set up, is the garage temp probe. I don't see how guy trust that system to run your system. The most I ever gotten out of a apex temp is 6 months.

Rk are just easy set up and forget. Istill have the rk that I brought in 2005 and just had to replace the temp probe this year.

Yes a handful that have switched from Neptune to DA, the majority are running from DA. I will never own their products again, they are so behind and spend more time correcting problems like salinity probes and sl2 modules than they do getting what other controllers have done for years. Even reef angel will soon have vortech control. But to each their own, I like knowing that an email to Curt is answered fast.....with DA it is like pulling teeth.

 

[James77]

Anyone want to buy my rke?? Lol.

This is where the thread would be terrible......if you were trying to sell a RK

 

[USC-fan]

It's terrible if you are DA or a DA fan . Other than that it is accurate as to the strengths and weaknesses of both companies.

No it should be talking about the products. CS is just a joke. When I have problem programming my aciii I sure didn't call. I went to the forum... like most do.

It would be a lot better thread if you compare the product features and a lot more helpful.

This reminds me of the million of tunze vs vortex threads.

 

[Amoore311]

It is talking about both products. The "problem" is most people will go with the obviously superior product, which is the Apex. CS may be a joke to you, which is convenient since that's Digital Aquatics worst quality imo, but it is not a joke to everyone. I like to know that I have the chance to get in touch with Curt at almost all hours of the night should the main piece of equipment controlling my tank goes awry and I can't get an answer on the forums.

Is galvanic isolation of probes a joke to you?

Is the speed at which new modules are introduced to the community a joke to you? it's borderline laughable that a small open source operation has put out a working Vortech Control Module, yet DA still can't seem to get it together.

Is the fact you need an additional module to create virtual outlets with the RKE a joke to you?

You yourself switched and didn't mention a single beneficial statistic about the RKE. You bashed the Apex for being "hard to control".... when we have 5 pages of people here saying something to the account of:

The RKE is easier, but the Apex isn't rocket science.

-My experience lends to the above general statement as well.

Then you go on to complain that your Neptune temp probe didn't last more than 6 months. While checking on the thread here and searching accounts on Reef Central shows this to be an obvious anomaly. You also bring up the fact that the temp probe didn't work with an ACIII, which isn't relating to the thread at all.

Not once did you mention anything you liked about the RKE, then you complain that the thread doesn't compare product features....?


The heart of this thread is at it's poll, the numbers don't lie.



I'm really not trying to bash here. But you come in calling the thread and experiences in the thread terrible, yet don't offer any information to improve upon it? What exactly is your goal here?

 

[James77]

No it should be talking about the products.......It would be a lot better thread if you compare the product features and a lot more helpful.

Well, the Apex is flat out a better controller, and you get more for your money. Right out of box, you have the ability to control 4 Tunzes and/or dim LED drivers. With the RK you would at least need to add the APC module or 2 dimming modules. The Apex has 4 more switch ports, and it has an ORP port that can be a 2nd pH port if you wish. Most don't really need ORP, but would like 2 pH probes for using a calcium reactor. Then I love how the Apex simply plugs into any router I have anywhere I want using ehternet, I don't need to tie it to a computer with their SID2(another fun thing that was, having to send in the SID to be updated for that other debacle called myReef2). Another added thing i like is less modules.....the Apex has the dimming, pH, ORP, temp, ethernet all in one base=less clutter.

You mention temp probes.....I have yet to have one single problem in 7 or 8 years with Neptune probes....and I have never even needed to replace one of them due to age.

Vortech control. Go read their forum, people have been asking for it for a long time, and people are leaving the controller all the time for lack of it. They will not even comment on it, let alone commit to it. Neptune? Profilux? They have both had it for almost 2 years now. Reef Angel, a very new controller will even have it shortly. I would buy a RA controller in a heartbeat over a RK.

CS is just a joke. When I have problem programming my aciii I sure didn't call. I went to the forum... like most do.

Well you have the option of emailing Curt, but with DA you are forced to go to the forum since good luck getting an email reply fast. Ask a question in their forum here on RC...they likely won't answer, and most of the time if they do they would direct you to the forum.

I have emailed Curt about stupid crap to needing service....all emails have been replied to in hours. He was working with me on a Sunday night and checking my Apex over the internet to make sure it would be ok after a power surge corrupted the firmware. Digital Aquatics? I would not even bother trying. When i emailed for a RMA, it took many, many emails with replies like"oh we'll get that out tomorrow" or "I'll forward this to Jack right now"....then more waiting. Neptune I emailed with a problem, got a return email with a suggestion, then an RMA when that did not work, all in less than an hour.

Customer service is very important both during and after warranty, and I would use the lack of it against buying something. DA has a pretty well known record for having mediocre customer service.

This reminds me of the million of tunze vs vortex threads.

So why did you bother posting in this thread if you feel it dime a dozen? At least when comparing those 2, you are comparing 2 great pumps with outstanding customer service on both sides. I lean towards Tunze....but I know if I ever went with EcoTech that I would never fear customer service or not having a company ambitious to bring new products to the hobby. And with an Apex, I could control either pump

 

[USC-fan]

First I was on my touchpad and I wasnt about to type out some huge post.

I dont even have a RKE i have a reef keeper... I had it since 2005. Work perfect beside the temp probe failed in 2011.

Really Vortech Control Module is the first thing you go on about? Who cares, i have vortec in my system and tunze and why in the world would anyone need that? It has a controller that come with it.

Temp probe is a know problem maybe it been fixed but I been on this forum a long time. Simple google search. https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1....,cf.osb&fp=e0076bedeb17a1a3&biw=1264&bih=593 wow look at that... It happen so much people have put in program to account for the failure.

I am in the market for another controller but like most people I dont need another $350 system. I am looking at the RKL vs Apex Jr. Comparing these its not even close, RKL looks to blow it out the water. You dont even get a display on the APex Jr.... what? How is that even possible.... What everyone going on about Neptune is the CS, well that sure wont make the product do anything different.

Laughable that you say its easy to program, ever try to do it without a PC? Of course not. Easy to do with the RK. Only way I could program my ACIII was for the forum and moving my computer into my room with my tank.

So why should I get the Apex JR over the RKL?

 

[James77]

Really Vortech Control Module is the first thing you go on about? Who cares, i have vortec in my system and tunze and why in the world would anyone need that? It has a controller that come with it.

Go read their forum and see how many people switched because no Vortech control. People are still throwing in the towel cause they are sick of waiting, and waiting, and waiting......Why would you want it? Full control over everything and more precise control. It was not the first thing I went on about, it is one of many shortcomings.

I am looking at the RKL vs Apex Jr. Comparing these its not even close, RKL looks to blow it out the water. You dont even get a display on the APex Jr.... what? How is that even possible.... What everyone going on about Neptune is the CS, well that sure wont make the product do anything different.

The Apexjr is far better than the RK Lite. I have one right now, you fail to mention that the Apex includes the web server so you can get emails and program it form your PC or online. That would tack on another $120 to the RK Ltie to get NET.

I can control it from my iphone if I need to, and programming is a snap without the display. Again, it is nice and compact as well having 4 relay outlets, the controller, and web server inside one mudule.

The customer service will certainly help if the equipment breaks down, kinda stinks with a non working product while you wait. Even the forums are better and more active here. At least Neptune is not going around having negative threads deleted form here or their support forum.

Laughable that you say its easy to program, ever try to do it without a PC? Of course not. Easy to do with the RK. Only way I could program my ACIII was for the forum and moving my computer into my room with my tank.
So why should I get the Apex JR over the RKL?

Yes, OF COURSE you can easily program from the Apex head unit. There was another member who claimed it impossible. I went an tried it right after I read his post since most of my programming was done from the PC, it was just as easy.

 

[Amoore311]

Really Vortech Control Module is the first thing you go on about? Who cares, i have vortec in my system and tunze and why in the world would anyone need that? It has a controller that come with it.

Obviously the 3-1 Margin who voted in this thread care. Seriously.... the "who cares" argument is really what you're bringing to the table?? And you're complaining this thread doesn't have enough valid information?

I dont even have a RKE i have a reef keeper... I had it since 2005. Work perfect beside the temp probe failed in 2011.

So why exactly is your experiences valid in this discussion about the RK v. the Apex?

I am looking at the RKL vs Apex Jr. Comparing these its not even close, RKL looks to blow it out the water. You dont even get a display on the APex Jr.... what? How is that even possible....

Neptune Systems APEX LITE Aqua Controller Package.
Lite Package Includes:

* 1 x Apex LITE Base Unit & Display
* 1 x EnergyBar 8
* Temp. Probe
via Aquacave.


Bolded it since you apparently didn't see it when doing your original research.

Also, having the option of buying the unit without a display would benefit those that program and track everything from a pc, tablet, or phone.

Laughable that you say its easy to program, ever try to do it without a PC? Of course not.

Finally.... some valuable info for the RK. In my case (I'll try your argument here).... "who cares?". Seriously though:

With 1 ethernet cord, or blue tooth dongle, the Apex can be programmed via a laptop, PC, tablet, or phone in minutes via my home network. Something the RK cannot do without the added expense of the web module.


If you do not want to go through the HUGE hassle of connecting an ethernet cord/blue tooth dongle.... ease of programming the unit via the display might be a feature you're interested in.

 

[USC-fan]

So I need to run a ethernet cable or buy a wireless bridge just to set up the Apex JR, or again move my PC in the room with my tank?

RKL, get a display so I dont have to check emails or the web to see what going on. Cost $130~ to get a display for Apex Jr. I do not have a smart phone but both have apps. I know reef keeper have an android app and I do have a touchpad. But to get that function i have to buy a Net module and i guess wireless bridge.

RKL
+ Get a display
+ Easy to program from display
+ Get a button that can turn pumps, lights or whatever off. good for service or feed mode.
+ Pretty much plug and play, can make quick changes at the tank.
+Cost less
+Audible and Visual alarms

Apex Jr
+Web access if you have ethernet at tank or buying an extra wireless bridge.
+1 year’s worth of data logs
+Better CS and more active forum

The reason I am in this thread is a looking to add another controller and have been looking into this.

Edit: "Obviously the 3-1 Margin who voted in this thread care. Seriously.... the "who cares" argument is really what you're bringing to the table?? And you're complaining this thread doesn't have enough valid information?"

What in the world does this have to do with the vortec module?

 

[James77]

So I need to run a ethernet cable or buy a wireless bridge just to set up the Apex JR, or again move my PC in the room with my tank?

Yes, or program the controller right at your PC. If that is not an option, then go for the RKL.

RKL, get a display so I dont have to check emails or the web to see what going on. Cost $130~ to get a display for Apex Jr. I do not have a smart phone but both have apps. I know reef keeper have an android app and I do have a touchpad. But to get that function i have to buy a Net module and i guess wireless bridge.

I dont check the web, I tap the AquaNotes icon on my phone that is always in my pocket. Full manual control there, plus monitoring and graphs. Programming needs the web. I have not once missed having the display.

ReefKeeper? You would need the net module to get emails. Programming? Not sure if you even can or if myreef works. If myreef does work, you will need to be tied to a PC with USB.

RKL
+ Get a display
+ Easy to program from display
+ Get a button that can turn pumps, lights or whatever off. good for service or feed mode.
+ Pretty much plug and play, can make quick changes at the tank.
+Cost less
+Audible and Visual alarms

Apex Jr
+Web access if you have ethernet at tank or buying an extra wireless bridge.
+1 year’s worth of data logs
+Better CS and more active forum

The reason I am in this thread is a looking to add another controller and have been looking into this.

All the points for the RKL can be done from the phone in my pocket.

Ethernet....who does not have that at this point? You can add more modules to the Apex jr, 5 versus 4. Even more significant since you would not need to add the NET module to Apex, that NET would use up one of RKL module limit.

Outlets.....The Apex has 4 relay outlets that can handle 8 amps each. The RKL uses a PC4 which has 2 relays at 8 amps, and 2 triacs with a max of 3 amps. Relays are more reliable and can switch low draw dosers and fans.

RKL are decent controllers, nice and cheap with good functions. I still prefer the Apex jr for its web access and better CS.

Edit: "Obviously the 3-1 Margin who voted in this thread care. Seriously.... the "who cares" argument is really what you're bringing to the table?? And you're complaining this thread doesn't have enough valid information?"

What in the world does this have to do with the vortec module?

It is just one of the many reasons people have switched to Neptune and prefer it by a large margin. Me? I switched for lack of Tunze control, it took them forever to get what Neptune had done for many years. DA is not an ambitious company.

 

[USC-fan]

I do not have a smart phone but do have an android tablet. How does this app compare to the one you use? Same thing?

And i do not have ethernet at my fish tank.

If you did not have the app would your still like you ApexJr?

 

[James77]

I do not have a smart phone but do have an android tablet. How does this app compare to the one you use? Same thing?

And i do not have ethernet at my fish tank.

If you did not have the app would your still like you ApexJr?

Im not 100% sure on the android app, I would search for however you get your apps for "apex" or "aquanotes". Any app would have the same functinality. i would also ask in the Neptune forum to be sure it is possible before you got one.

MonoCable has super cheap ethernet if running/fishing cable was an option.

Without the app yes I would, I rarely use it. It would be something to consider though if I was buying and it was not possible. But I have simple controls right now, mostly lights, heaters and dosers. The only time I manually control is turning stuff on and off for maintenance. The feed button on Tunze is there on the app, but would be a PITA without the app. I use- well going to since I fried my 7096- tunze multis because I like integrating battery backup. With an Apex controlling, you have to battery backup the controller as well otherwiase it will shut the pumps down once power is lost...I believe.

The RKL is a simple and very effective controller for setups where you jsut want basic control. I had one at my planted tank doing lights, heat and CO2 and it did great. If a display was a must for me due to lack of ethernet or app control, I would most likely go with RKL.