What controller do you use?

[flipperaust]

I know this was looked at last year but there have been quite a few advances in the 3 major systems recently. Or is there a "new kid on the block"? So if you can, answer the following. It may help others to decide which way to go.

So what are you using now?
Did you change from another brand?
Are you considering changing to another?
What are the pros of you unit?
What are the cons of your unit?
In one word how would you rate the company's support?

Thanks for participating

 

[allsps40]

I am using a DA RKL and I love it. Great support, easy to use and upgradeable.

 

[ccolt1]

I use the RKL with the Ph probe and Temp probe. I love the way it controls both my MH lights and the heater as well as my ATO. I would like to get a better ATO to plug into it.

 

[RotaryGeek]

I use a reefkeeper lite and love it. As a simple cheap controller it works perfectly and fits what I needed. I would buy it again in a heartbeat

 

[slief]

I know this was looked at last year but there have been quite a few advances in the 3 major systems recently. Or is there a "new kid on the block"? So if you can, answer the following. It may help others to decide which way to go.

So what are you using now?
Did you change from another brand?
Are you considering changing to another?
What are the pros of you unit?
What are the cons of your unit?
In one word how would you rate the company's support?

Thanks for participating

So what are you using now? Neptune Apex

Did you change from another brand? No. I had an original Neptune Aqua controller for years before I upgraded to the Apex.

Are you considering changing to another? Absolutely not.

What are the pros of you unit? Easy to program once you get the commands down. Great support from the forum. Capable of running everything on the tank. Capable of monitoring ORP, PH, Temp Conductivity/salinity. Easy to expand. Great for controlling controllable pumps as well as LED's. Breakout box capabilities for monitoring switches such as floats or water on the floor sensors. Excellent remote monitoring and management as long as you have an internet connection. I could go on and on with answers to this question as my Apex configuration and programming is extremely complex. In all honesty, my controller would be hard for me to live without on my system. I absolutely love it!

What are the cons of your unit? As much as I use mine and as reliable as it has been, I honestly cant think of a single con from my perspective. Perhaps the programming learning curve but since the guys in the neptune section of this forum are so knowedgeable and prompt, that coupled with the unofficial Apex manual make that much less painful than it could be if you get into advance capabilities and programming of it.

In one word how would you rate the company's support? EXCELLENT.

 

[insomniac2k2]

Using a neptune APEX w/ ph, orp, temp, breakout box for built in control of up to 6 switches (mine is for floats presently).

This is my first tank, so i spent a few weeks compulsing on the internet for "next gen" reefing technology. In the end, it was pretty close between the RKE and APEX. I went with APEX because it had a lot more capabilities built in IMO. Monitoring and control over web and smart phone. Robust scripting capabilities, and ease of use.

I have yet to find a CON on this unit.

Support is top notch so far!

 

[soramsu]

So what are you using now? Neptune Apex on order
Did you change from another brand? yes, DA Reefkeeper Elite
Are you considering changing to another? already made the switch
What are the pros of you unit? pros of Apex - MUCH more flexible programming options. There were some more advanced things I wanted to do with my system, that the RKE just could not do. The programming interface of the Apex allows more advanced control, which is what I need. It also has default power states for outlets, so if communication is lost with the control unit, it will revert to a preset value (on or off), the RKE will just switch everything off if that happens.
What are the cons of your unit? None on the Apex
In one word how would you rate the company's support? They've been very helpful in the purchasing process and answering my questions about what it can and cannot do as compared to the RKE.


I purchased an RKE w/ NET with ALC and MLC system a few weeks ago. After playing around with it and doing a little more research, I discovered the Apex system is WAY more flexible as to what you can program with it, so I've ordered one that should meet my needs, and it cost less too. Now I gotta bum my RKE system off on someone haha.

 

[James77]

There will be a new kid...the Vertex Cerebra, but AFAIK, there is no price point on it yet. People have high hopes for it because it uses Android, but I think it is best to see what it is like when it arrives.

I use the Apex, but I am switching to Profilux. I have been considering it because they give the best control over LEDs, and use very high quality equipment. The final push was the Apex breaking down, with Neptune not being willing to offer some kind of expedited shipping on their end to get the controller back quicker. Yes, their support is there and they will repair my problem i am sure, and it is far quicker than Digital Aquatics,but I was a bit let down with it.

The only thing going for the reefkeeper right now is the RK Lite entry level ones. But Neptune is coming out with the APex jr for $150 that pretty much squashes that. The ACjr will have 4 outlets and a web server built in. It lacks a head unit and you need to use the webpage to program....but once you see how limited the RK Lite screen is, its no big deal.

IMO....

The best controller....factoring service, quality, features, etc is the Profilux. It is more expensive, but they have entry level units that are not that far off from the others. There is just an overall lack of problems when you look at their forums...

Apex is great bang for your buck, probably the best choice for most.