Yes they are and work very well. That being said I have an Apex but I like redndancy so I use both. You need to weigh your options is there anything else on your tank you want to automate? Lights, pumps, skimmer, ato, automatic water changes, ect, ect, Perhaps you may want to look at a controller. I can not speak for all controllers but the Apex was very easy to program, and I like the fact I can monitor and control my tank from anywhere I have cell service or internet access. The other cool thing is it will send you txt and or email alerts is any of the parametes goes out of wack... Nice to have, yes a little expensive, but once you have one you will wonder how in the world did you ever get by without one.
Mark