What controller do you guys use?

N

newbie916

New member
Hey Guys,

Sounds like I'm going to be getting a controller for Fathers day:) I haven't done a lot of research, but what are some good controllers out there to run the 45 gallon?

There are so many add ons it makes my head spin and different brands. Could you guys point me in the right direction? I'm looking to spend no more than $400 and would love to buy a well taken care of used unit:)

Thanks
Chris
 
I use the reef angel made by a bay area Guy. Very good price up to 64 outlets i think, wifi, Ph multiple temp probes. Great buy for the money, you can fully program each outlet for what you want it to control or use preloaded settings .
 
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You sure you need it, Chris? I have an AC Jr but I don't use it for very much. CaRx's pretty much run themselves and my lights are on timers. I wouldn't want to put all of my light's power thru the DC8. In other words, unless you have a specific purpose, you may not need one.
 
Lots of bells and whistles out there; but - to me - the good ole' AC Jr gets the job done f/$225 new or $150-175 used. 8 outles f/lights, heaters, fans. You can regulate lights to come on/off at certain times; however, f/me its more of a safety measure. You can set each piece of equipment to come on/off based temperature also. The temperature part is where you get your bang-for-the-buck. Example: Lights off at 80 degrees; Heater on at 77 degrees/off at 78 degrees; Fan on at 79.5 degrees/off at 79 degrees.

There is an AC Jr Lite coming out soon (if not already - check Premium Aquatics and Aquarium Specialty) that I'll invest in for my current build. $150 f/the unit w/o a display. The reason it doesnt have a display - you use an iPhone app to set everything up and you get email alerts also. If you don't have an iPhone, you can get a display f/$100 more. Unfortunately - these only have 4 outlets though so for the extra bells and whistles you lose 4 outlets. You'll have to get the Energy Bar (additional $110) to expand to 8 outlets.


NEP-APEXJR.jpg
 
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Thanks guys,

I wanted it for exactly what Kenny's talking about. I want to coordinate my heater, chiller, and light to maintain the temp. My Coralife timers are junk and seems like I have to replace them every year at $50 a pop. The actinic always get stuck on and I have to move the dial every night and it's only 6 months old..

I'll check out the AC Jr, which seems to be all I really need. I was looking at the RKE Elite and the APEX, but they're $499 new and I'm not much of a techy:) Right now my heater and chiller keep kicking on at the same time:)
 
Seems like you are leaning towards the apex but the reef angel is 219. And you get

-Head Unit -Relay Box
-HDDB15 Communication Cable
-PH Probe
-Waterproof Temperature Sensor
-2x Float Switch
-TTL level serial converter cable

Shows trends of temp and Ph. Just a thought.
 
Currently using a RKL. Really like the ease of use for Temp, Lights and PH. Leaning towards going with an APEX System as soon as funds permit. That Apex Jr that Kenny posted looks interesting though. GL and nice Father's day gift.
 
I use an Aqua Controller 3. I would suggest using Neptune Systems because the Net capabilities are built in. ReefKeeper requires a separate module I believe. I currently use a gaming adapter to connect the controller to my WiFi and have the aquacontroller web hosted on it's own domain so I can check and control the tank anywhere I have internet access including on my iphone. having the ability to program and control your tank remotely is worth the money alone. It's kind of tedious doing everything from your display unit.
 
Sweet, thanks guys..

There are so many options out there and add ons..lol I've been reading a lot of good things about the Apex's and a guy has a lite one for sale on the FS thread, but he's asking $675 with a Aquamedic dosing pump and a few other things. Hopefully, he'll part out.

What's the difference between the Apex and the lite version? I noticed the lite version is over $100 cheaper and there's a guy on ebay who's selling them new for $369 with a Ph probe included.
 
Chris, any time you see "Lite" its a stripped down version; Apex being the standard; Apex Lite being a stripped down version. It usually means it doesn't have as many outlets or less 'features'.
 
I have the Apex lite and am VERY happy with it. If you consider not have AI led control, a port for an extra pH probe/conductivity probe (all of which can be added later, if necessary) no big deal, than go with the lite version. It does everything else that it's big brother does, including iphone contollability, which is why I got it. As Ferdie says, "You won't regret it".
 
I am going to be running an ACjr and I have heard nothing but good thing just my 2 cents. Also got it all for 160.00 with PH probe Temp and net modal and DC8. Good puck.
 
Thanks guys, sounds like there's good things to say about the AC Jr. and Apex Lite. Guess it depends what I'm going to use it for. Appreciate all the advice.
 
hey Chris-
i'll sell you my RKE. it's been used about 6-8 months. has 12 outlets, temp probe, ph...
lmk if interested- i'm leaning towards selling all my stuff....
-Jon
 
Thanks for starting this thread Chris. The AC Jr lite with iphone display sounds like a pretty good deal. I need to look at and get one for myself.
 
The Apex Jr. should be available very soon if not already. That may be just the ticket for you, and the starting price is awesome considering it is from the leader in controllers for this hobby. Nyself, I just bought a new Apex controller with temp and Ph probe, and am currently looking for another energy bar to add to it.
 
Cool, I'm not in a huge rush to get it and want to do my shopping around. Where did you pickup your Apex controller? I've seen a few on ebay and I think the cheapest was $469 for the regular Apex and $369 for the Apex Lite with Ph probe added.

I was thinking about setting up the controller before I leave for the Caribbean next Saturday, but I'll probably hold off. All I need is my Mom trying to figure out the controller, if something goes wrong..lol It would be sweet though if I could check my tank parameters via online while I'm gone:)
 
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