ReefKeeper vs Apex
- Thread starter Dr. Reef
- Start date
vbsaltydog
Member
Legacy means old, or outdated.
Ex. a legacy device has been replaced by a newer version.
Ex. a legacy device has been replaced by a newer version.
Prestigious
New member
Not trying to **** people off but I have used both and here is my experience with them:
Compared to my Reefkeeper Lite, Apex is sleak as heck and user friendly. With that said.... me and my buddy ordered one at the exact same time and after about a year BOTH of our display units went out...... Mine got real laggy and eventually didnt work all together while his displayed like 100deg temp and some crazy pH numbers. Another 10 months later my main unit went out completely and it still sits under my tank, mounted on the wall, not functioning. The outlets are stuck on what they were when the unit shut down so all the lighting outlets and some others that were off at the time of failure no longer work as ports.
Now on to the Reefkeeper Lite.... Fewer programmable options, not as sleak and user friendly BUT it was set up on my GFs 120 for 2 years, sat in garage grocery bag for another year, and is now on my sister's tank for past 1 year and works just like the first day we got it.
Thats my experience. I never did try to get my APEX replaced... I am too lazy I guess. My buddy got a replacement display.
Compared to my Reefkeeper Lite, Apex is sleak as heck and user friendly. With that said.... me and my buddy ordered one at the exact same time and after about a year BOTH of our display units went out...... Mine got real laggy and eventually didnt work all together while his displayed like 100deg temp and some crazy pH numbers. Another 10 months later my main unit went out completely and it still sits under my tank, mounted on the wall, not functioning. The outlets are stuck on what they were when the unit shut down so all the lighting outlets and some others that were off at the time of failure no longer work as ports.
Now on to the Reefkeeper Lite.... Fewer programmable options, not as sleak and user friendly BUT it was set up on my GFs 120 for 2 years, sat in garage grocery bag for another year, and is now on my sister's tank for past 1 year and works just like the first day we got it.
Thats my experience. I never did try to get my APEX replaced... I am too lazy I guess. My buddy got a replacement display.
Snootch
New member
I'm curious if the 98 people that voted for Neptune Customer Service actually had a positive experience when dealing with the company.
Mine was nothing but negative. I was without the controller for almost a month when I had to send my Apex out to service.
The hardware is great ( when it works ) and it's probably the best controller for the money considering all it can do for the price but I hope I will never have to deal with their " CUSTOMER SERVICE " again. :uzi::uzi:
KC
Mine was nothing but negative. I was without the controller for almost a month when I had to send my Apex out to service.
The hardware is great ( when it works ) and it's probably the best controller for the money considering all it can do for the price but I hope I will never have to deal with their " CUSTOMER SERVICE " again. :uzi::uzi:
KC
potterjon
New member
Well I just have to add my 2 cents at this point.
I have had my Apex Jr controller since Friday evening and it is now Sunday morning. I am still having problems hooking this thing up. I underestimated the difficulty level by far, even after reading peoples opinions. I happen to be at home sick, so I figured I would play with it because I have all the time in the world and nothing better to do. Granted, it is the weekend, so Neptune support is not available, and they did send me an email stating that they would call me on Monday and referred me back to all their documentation on their website. But I think they should just set aside a tech for a three hour phone call with every unit they ship out.
First, I bought the wrong kind of adapter for wireless and had to go back and return it for a different one because it has to have an ethernet connection, fyi. not usb. Then I had to take it back off my tank to upgrade the firmware. Now, I realize the wireless adapter is useless because you have to do that every time you upgrade the firmware. So I will have to go back to the store yet another time and get a long ethernet cable because my controller is not anywhere near my router.
So far, I have gotten the app on my phone working and the firmware upgraded but I cannot seem to figure out the email forwarding not to mention the text and I haven't even begun to program it.
I know everyone says their customer support is awesome and I am sure it is, but this process is extremely convoluted. Posting questions on a forum and waiting for a response to answer every little question a customer has could take weeks. I don't know if all controllers are like this because this is the first one I have ever owned. I am seriously considering boxing this thing back up and returning it. I am always up for a challenge but this is a little ridiculous.
I have had my Apex Jr controller since Friday evening and it is now Sunday morning. I am still having problems hooking this thing up. I underestimated the difficulty level by far, even after reading peoples opinions. I happen to be at home sick, so I figured I would play with it because I have all the time in the world and nothing better to do. Granted, it is the weekend, so Neptune support is not available, and they did send me an email stating that they would call me on Monday and referred me back to all their documentation on their website. But I think they should just set aside a tech for a three hour phone call with every unit they ship out.
First, I bought the wrong kind of adapter for wireless and had to go back and return it for a different one because it has to have an ethernet connection, fyi. not usb. Then I had to take it back off my tank to upgrade the firmware. Now, I realize the wireless adapter is useless because you have to do that every time you upgrade the firmware. So I will have to go back to the store yet another time and get a long ethernet cable because my controller is not anywhere near my router.
So far, I have gotten the app on my phone working and the firmware upgraded but I cannot seem to figure out the email forwarding not to mention the text and I haven't even begun to program it.
I know everyone says their customer support is awesome and I am sure it is, but this process is extremely convoluted. Posting questions on a forum and waiting for a response to answer every little question a customer has could take weeks. I don't know if all controllers are like this because this is the first one I have ever owned. I am seriously considering boxing this thing back up and returning it. I am always up for a challenge but this is a little ridiculous.
potterjon
New member
Well I just have to add my 2 cents at this point.
I have had my Apex Jr controller since Friday evening and it is now Sunday morning. I am still having problems hooking this thing up. I underestimated the difficulty level by far, even after reading peoples opinions. I happen to be at home sick, so I figured I would play with it because I have all the time in the world and nothing better to do. Granted, it is the weekend, so Neptune support is not available, and they did send me an email stating that they would call me on Monday and referred me back to all their documentation on their website. But I think they should just set aside a tech for a three hour phone call with every unit they ship out.
First, I bought the wrong kind of adapter for wireless and had to go back and return it for a different one because it has to have an ethernet connection, fyi. not usb. Then I had to take it back off my tank to upgrade the firmware. Now, I realize the wireless adapter is useless because you have to do that every time you upgrade the firmware. So I will have to go back to the store yet another time and get a long ethernet cable because my controller is not anywhere near my router.
So far, I have gotten the app on my phone working and the firmware upgraded but I cannot seem to figure out the email forwarding not to mention the text and I haven't even begun to program it.
I know everyone says their customer support is awesome and I am sure it is, but this process is extremely convoluted. Posting questions on a forum and waiting for a response to answer every little question a customer has could take weeks. I don't know if all controllers are like this because this is the first one I have ever owned. I am seriously considering boxing this thing back up and returning it. I am always up for a challenge but this is a little ridiculous.
I have had my Apex Jr controller since Friday evening and it is now Sunday morning. I am still having problems hooking this thing up. I underestimated the difficulty level by far, even after reading peoples opinions. I happen to be at home sick, so I figured I would play with it because I have all the time in the world and nothing better to do. Granted, it is the weekend, so Neptune support is not available, and they did send me an email stating that they would call me on Monday and referred me back to all their documentation on their website. But I think they should just set aside a tech for a three hour phone call with every unit they ship out.
First, I bought the wrong kind of adapter for wireless and had to go back and return it for a different one because it has to have an ethernet connection, fyi. not usb. Then I had to take it back off my tank to upgrade the firmware. Now, I realize the wireless adapter is useless because you have to do that every time you upgrade the firmware. So I will have to go back to the store yet another time and get a long ethernet cable because my controller is not anywhere near my router.
So far, I have gotten the app on my phone working and the firmware upgraded but I cannot seem to figure out the email forwarding not to mention the text and I haven't even begun to program it.
I know everyone says their customer support is awesome and I am sure it is, but this process is extremely convoluted. Posting questions on a forum and waiting for a response to answer every little question a customer has could take weeks. I don't know if all controllers are like this because this is the first one I have ever owned. I am seriously considering boxing this thing back up and returning it. I am always up for a challenge but this is a little ridiculous.
BigAl2007
Active member
Jon I'm sorry to hear about your problems.
First of all this is pretty "normal" when it comes to controllers. More often than not the controller company is fairly small in terms of employees and even smaller in terms of dedicated tech support. I understand you're very frustrated but we're not dealing with Microsoft or Dell and they just don't have the $$ or other resources for the kind of tech support we've come to expect from electronic devices.
Sorry you got the wrong game adapter. It's pretty much standard that when you're using a game connecter/bridge for these devices you'll be using an Ethernet connect. The reasoning is these devices are still basic (which isn't bad as it tends to make them more stable/robust long-term) in many ways and an Ethernet connection is a lot more basic (in computer terms) than a USB connection. If you're still having "Adapter" problems drop me a note and I'll tell you which one I have and it's running my ProfiLux, my DishNetwork receiver, and hopefully an IP Camera soon.
Hang in there and don't get discouraged. Often times the first few steps are the toughest and once you get over the initial hurdles you should be smooth sailing.
First of all this is pretty "normal" when it comes to controllers. More often than not the controller company is fairly small in terms of employees and even smaller in terms of dedicated tech support. I understand you're very frustrated but we're not dealing with Microsoft or Dell and they just don't have the $$ or other resources for the kind of tech support we've come to expect from electronic devices.
Sorry you got the wrong game adapter. It's pretty much standard that when you're using a game connecter/bridge for these devices you'll be using an Ethernet connect. The reasoning is these devices are still basic (which isn't bad as it tends to make them more stable/robust long-term) in many ways and an Ethernet connection is a lot more basic (in computer terms) than a USB connection. If you're still having "Adapter" problems drop me a note and I'll tell you which one I have and it's running my ProfiLux, my DishNetwork receiver, and hopefully an IP Camera soon.
Hang in there and don't get discouraged. Often times the first few steps are the toughest and once you get over the initial hurdles you should be smooth sailing.
grcforce327
New member
I've only had to send a bad probe back for replacement,and that was fast. As for customer service during setup....... SIMPLY AWESOME!!! Paul@Neptune was quick to respond with help! He can verify that I'm one impatient SOB!:lmao::thumbsup:
Guy C.
rogergolf66
im an addict lol
Yes Paul is awesome. I agree setup is a bit more complicated that I was thinking it was going to be but Paul was awesome and very patient with me as I am not a computer guy or tech savvy.
James77
Team RC
Before you box it up, give them a chance at least. It is highly normal for most companies to take the weekends off. I have dealt with Paul, and he is very knowledgeable and will work it out.
Don't waste your money buying a long Ethernet cable locally, just go to monocable or monoprice.
rogergolf66
im an addict lol
Agreed I had the same problem tried to set up on the weekend called them left a vm. Paul called me Monday afternoon and got me working in 5 min. Was so simple.... For him not for me 
I agree it is hard to setup if u have never done it but it is easier then it looks afternoon watch him do it. He logged into my computer desktop frame where he was and it didn't take long at all. Hang in there. I haven't had to touch it in a long time now. I have owned other controller this is easy considering all it can do.
I agree it is hard to setup if u have never done it but it is easier then it looks afternoon watch him do it. He logged into my computer desktop frame where he was and it didn't take long at all. Hang in there. I haven't had to touch it in a long time now. I have owned other controller this is easy considering all it can do.
woodnaquanut
Active member
Other options for support is the Neptune forum here on RC and even better is Neptune's own dedicated forum at forum.neptunesystems.com
potterjon
New member
Well mine is all set up and working and you guys were correct, Paul is very good and their forum over there at Neptune is very helpful. All in all, it was pretty painful for me to set this thing up and I called two friends of mine in the process. One had to get an "I.T." guy to hook his up and another was using a different brand of controller not on this thread and he simply stated he never could figure it out. The programming was actually the easy part in my opinion, but I wasn't really asking it to do much.
Reef1121
New member
IME with my Apex Lite (wish I would have done the full 1 year in now) the initial setup was difficult due to my lack of any "real" techinal experience. I primarily crossrefferenced and went step by step in the unofficial guide which I downloaded off of google and the guide which came on the CD which came with the controller and EB8. Within a few hours I had it basically set-up and after a couple weeks I had it running wifi and able to send me email and text alerts through gmx. (still trying to figure out how to set up its own "website" so I can access it from anywhere around the world)
Overall I've had a great experience with the company, especially after a month of having it my main pump on my old tank blew the hose off its fitting and completely destroyed the controller. Paul was very nice had me send everything in, fixed/replaced everything for the wholesale price of everything and even threw in free shipping
Overall I've had a great experience with the company, especially after a month of having it my main pump on my old tank blew the hose off its fitting and completely destroyed the controller. Paul was very nice had me send everything in, fixed/replaced everything for the wholesale price of everything and even threw in free shipping
uf_gators
New member
I can maybe help you out with this part.... I had the same problem needing a connection to my router, but no where near, and I didn't want a cable running all through the house. Amazon or Best buy open box all the time. I bought a apple airport express 70 bux. I hooked it up. and set up to my Wifi router, and now I have internet there. Its just a wifi repeater basically , and to boot you can hook up 3.5mm jack to rca's to your stereo , and play your iTunes music to there as well... but thats the extra perk.
