What aquarium controller do you use? Would you recommend it?

[huricaneredbone]

I am looking into a aquarium controller, but there are so many choices. I don't know which one to buy.

I want one to run my calcium reactor, lights, powerheads, ATO and be able to control stuff when I am in the Arctic doing research.

I am thinking about the reefkeepers lite or elite series, or the neptune apex jr....Which ones do you guys have, and do you like them?

 

[jonnyu]

I had reef keeper lite and worked great for me. You will see everyone saying run away from reef keeper. I only can say in my experience I never had issue with it. I will say Apex really cool what u can do but a big difference in price. I would go with apex lite

 

[DRThompson]

have apex, love it

 

[huricaneredbone]

hmm i suppose this thread was a bit pointless now that I have done more reading. It seems as though the reefkeeper lite becomes about the same price as the neptune apex lite once all the modules are added to it. Might cost a bit more, but I think the Apex lite wins... unless someone can tell me whats bad about them...

 

[nick12881]

+1 Apex.

 

[doggydoc]

I run profilux.
Had both reef keeper and apex.
I stick to Profilux. ENDLESS options to run whatever crazy idea you might have in mind.

 

[ninjamini]

Reefkeeper light. Can't beat it for the simple things. But if you want to use probes to measure anything it's almost as expensive as other controllers.

My advice learn what they do. Then decide what of that you want, then think ahead...

 

[reefsahoy]

As far as I know, none of the controllers can measure mg, alk, or ca or adjust for them. Then if you use LEDs, most are operated by their own timers. If you are using vortech pumps those are controlled by their own controller too. So they now are strip down to controlling ph, dosing pumps, return pumps, power heads, heaters which correct me if I'm wrong, they all do those things. So I think the deciding factor becomes interfacing with user. Or is there some other function I'm missing?

 

[huricaneredbone]

As far as I know, none of the controllers can measure mg, alk, or ca or adjust for them. Then if you use LEDs, most are operated by their own timers. If you are using vortech pumps those are controlled by their own controller too. So they now are strip down to controlling ph, dosing pumps, return pumps, power heads, heaters which correct me if I'm wrong, they all do those things. So I think the deciding factor becomes interfacing with user. Or is there some other function I'm missing?

You're correct, but the cheaper ones can do all the same stuff as the more expensive ones, but you have to buy expansion modules for them. So as far as i can tell it ends up being similar price as the more expensive ones anyway... Might as well get the expensive one...

 

[ninjamini]

it ends up being similar price as the more expensive ones anyway... Might as well get the expensive one...

Yes

 

[nivram]

As far as I know, none of the controllers can measure mg, alk, or ca or adjust for them. Then if you use LEDs, most are operated by their own timers. If you are using vortech pumps those are controlled by their own controller too. So they now are strip down to controlling ph, dosing pumps, return pumps, power heads, heaters which correct me if I'm wrong, they all do those things. So I think the deciding factor becomes interfacing with user. Or is there some other function I'm missing?

I can only speak for Apex. But with the wxm module you can control vortech pumps. Also im pretty sure with the full apex or add on wireless module, you can control the more popular higher end LEDs like AI and Radion.

Just my .02 if you look around, you often see people selling their reef keepers and buying Apex. Rarely the other way around. I think that says a lot about Apex.

 

[rps3]

8 of 10 will say Apex.

 

[treetopflyn]

Reef Angel. LOVE it!

 

[mlivvy]

As an ex-owner of Digital Aquatics products for many years my vote goes to Neptune.

 

[AquamanE]

Ive only used Neptune, for years. Jr, ACIII, and now recently Apex. Never had issues with any. But truth is, as someone else mentioned, NONE can measure the Holy Trinity if your leaving town for a while.

 

[Rico_]

We'll said Eddie !

 

[AquamanE]

We'll said Eddie !

Rico- I know you monitor much more than you respond, but feel free to give your opinions on here, thats how we all learn, from each other's experiences!!

 

[Rico_]

Will do, reef central is so awesome. And u guys in the club know your stuff. I won't hesitate to asked more questions , thanks again Eddie