what controller are you using and why?

M

M3P

Member
Thinking about finally getting a Ca reactor going on my system and was thinking about getting a complete controller rather than a dedicated pH controller (thoughts?). Was wondering what everyone is using for their own systems. I'm leaning towards getting a Reef Angel, but want to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
 
Reef Angel all the way, Best customer service I have ever seen, comes with 8 outlets and can do almost anything right out of the box
 
I didn't really look into reef angel when I was looking for a controller. It was decision between reefkeeper and apex. In the end got apex and I love it. Only had it since February and in sure I have much to learn. Programming has bit of a learning curve but lots of places for help. My temp now fluctuates less than a 1 degree through out day and have ph monitor as well as access to my tank control thru my iPhone From anywhere I go. Can't wait to get controllable pumps and led dimmable lights to connect to my apex.
 
Mpfaff77 said:
I didn't really look into reef angel when I was looking for a controller. It was decision between reefkeeper and apex. In the end got apex and I love it. Only had it since February and in sure I have much to learn. Programming has bit of a learning curve but lots of places for help. My temp now fluctuates less than a 1 degree through out day and have ph monitor as well as access to my tank control thru my iPhone From anywhere I go. Can't wait to get controllable pumps and led dimmable lights to connect to my apex.
Click to expand...

My story as well, although I did not consider the reefkeeper as I was already aware of their non existent customer service.
1 of my systems has the Apex controlling room temp as well :lol: ..... literally everything in the room is controlled by that thing....
 
i have also heard good about the reef angel....iam using the rkl and love it though..addons get expensivr imo
 
I like the Apex, built in features and IMO a better iPhone app. Works like a charm automating everything from my dosers to my LED lights.
 
Can't beat the Reef Angel. I've owned an Apex and a Profilix and neither could hold a candle to my Reef Angel. With awesome customer support and prices that can't be touched, this thing rocks...not to mention it's open source.
 
I haven't seen the web control of the reef angel yet. I know the Apex has it and it looks like a full Apex costs less than a reef angel when you add everything up. I'm still struggling on this one. Was almost ready to pull the trigger on the RA, but now I'm leaning back on Apex. I do know I'm going to sell my RKLs and get one of something for all my tanks instead of multiple reefkeeper lites.
 
DrewPalmer04 said:
Reef angel. You can do anything with it. Seriously anything. Just code and go. Your imagination is the limit.
Click to expand...

How expandable is reef angel?? With Apex you can add Upto 240 modules. You can literally control an entire aquarium store if we're lucky enough to own a store.
 
There was a guy in st charles that I used to get frags from. He had a reef angel and I remember him telling me that the lcd display went bad 2 or 3 times. Other than that, I don't know much about them.
 
I just bought an Apex Thursday. I was going back and forth between it and RA, but decided to go with the system "I believe" will have less tweaking involved. From what I've read they are both great systems.
 
sbabs said:
I haven't seen the web control of the reef angel yet. I know the Apex has it and it looks like a full Apex costs less than a reef angel when you add everything up. I'm still struggling on this one. Was almost ready to pull the trigger on the RA, but now I'm leaning back on Apex. I do know I'm going to sell my RKLs and get one of something for all my tanks instead of multiple reefkeeper lites.
Click to expand...

The full Apex is $449 which gets you:
1 x Apex Base Unit
1 x Temperature Probe
1 x Apex Display Module w/ 10' AquaBus cable
1 x EnergyBar 8
1 x 6' AquaBus cable

For $219 with the Reef Angel you get:

Head Unit
Relay Box
Built-in Signal Booster
HDDB15 Communication Cable
PH Probe
Waterproof Temperature Sensor
2x Float Switch
USB-TTL converter cable
USB Power cable

With the Reef Angel each additional 8 outlet relay box is only $119, with the Apex it's $149. The reef Angel includes a PH probe and two float switches in the package, the Apex doesn't. So for $230 less, you get more right out of the box.
 
I recently bought a reef angel as well. I agree, you cant beat the customer service the guy is great.

I did have a few issues with some of the hardware but he did a few remote tests on my reef angel, figured out what i needed and then shipped it the next day with no charge.

besides the hardware hiccup i couldnt be happier.
 
I have an RKL and had a very difficult time learning to program it. It works, but it is not user-friendly. But then again, I am not the most techie person, either...
 
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