Why do I see so much hate for the ReefKeeper Controller?

[bfortune76]

Whenever I am researching options and how too's for my RKL. I always run across comments that people would never trust a ReefKeeper with their reef and that you should get the Apex, or people that get rid of their ReefKeeper and get an Apex, or the RKL and RKE fails all the time. However I cannot find anything where one has nuked a tank or failed. Mine has been running flawlessly for 8 months now. It runs my ATO, my heat, my sump lights, my carbon reactor, skimmer, and algae scrubber. I have it web enabled and tweak and monitor things at work. I have no issues. So is there documented issues somewhere? Or is all hearsay?

 

[SkullV]

I ran an RKL for 7 years with no issues at all. I had excellent customer service with several free repairs (out of warranty) from Digital Aquatics as well (all were my own fault). Only reason I got rid of it was that I got an excellent deal on an apex which fit my systems needs a little better.

 

[gus6464]

Reefkeeper is solid. The only reason people talk crap about it is because Digital Aquatics seems to be stuck in a time portal from 10 years ago and refuses to modernize the interface. That is the sole reason Neptune basically took over the market. If you have two products with solid hardware but one has an insanely superior interface which would you go for?

With the Archon it looks like they actually went backwards. The interface is absolute trash.

 

[nealallan]

my issues

my issues

Im struggling with the temp probe since i bumped "up" to the the elite.... plus the display wont change color from mono-tone..

any suggestions?

 

[bfortune76]

Reefkeeper is solid. The only reason people talk crap about it is because Digital Aquatics seems to be stuck in a time portal from 10 years ago and refuses to modernize the interface. That is the sole reason Neptune basically took over the market. If you have two products with solid hardware but one has an insanely superior interface which would you go for?

With the Archon it looks like they actually went backwards. The interface is absolute trash.

That's actually a very valid point. For me the primary factor was price.

 

[solitude127]

I like the RKL for basics(heater, fan, lights). I have one on my QT tank. I think what turns people off as well is the DA customer service, they're supposedly really slow . I've never had to use DA Customer service so I can't comment on that.

I think a lot of people like Neptune Systems because it's easy to setup to monitor their system online.

 

[drummerboyevil]

It's not really that the RK will cause tank failures, it's just that the apex is SO MUCH BETTER for not that much more money when you consider what you get (VDM, network interface built in, WAY better CS, WAY better interface, list goes on).

I've had both and I'm with the Apex 100%.

 

[puckett26]

It's not really that the RK will cause tank failures, it's just that the apex is SO MUCH BETTER for not that much more money when you consider what you get (VDM, network interface built in, WAY better CS, WAY better interface, list goes on).

I've had both and I'm with the Apex 100%.

I agree, reef keeper is a great basic controller. I am upgrading to a Archon currently because I got a good deal and I can use all my current stuff. Comparing the reef keeper to the Neptune like a lot of people do is like comparing High school football to the Nfl. Sure they do a lot of the same things and have the same principles but the NFL does more and does it better. I feel soon the Archon will be a fair comparison to the apex.

 

[McPuff]

I'll agree with the above. I had Zero issues with my RKL and actually thought it was pretty awesome. Very easy to use. I switched to the Apex because it offered more options and greater capacity for control. And I do like the interface and the ability to control remotely without a separate module. But for a small system, I'd use the RKL again for sure.

 

[bfortune76]

I agree, reef keeper is a great basic controller. I am upgrading to a Archon currently because I got a good deal and I can use all my current stuff. Comparing the reef keeper to the Neptune like a lot of people do is like comparing High school football to the Nfl. Sure they do a lot of the same things and have the same principles but the NFL does more and does it better. I feel soon the Archon will be a fair comparison to the apex.

is the Archon backwards compatible with the modules?

 

[puckett26]

is the Archon backwards compatible with the modules?

Yes everything except the Net Module, and thats only because it has built in Wifi.

 

[shred5]

I run both.

My reefkeeper has been going for I do not know how long but it is a very long time.
It is easier to set up.

Also have a apex which I have had more issues with actually.

They both used to leap frog each other. DA missed a product cycle when they came out with the monitor instead and are playing catch up. They might actually have a better unit with the Archon if they get it on the cloud.

Controllers wont matter as much most stuff is going 0-10v anyway.

 

[oseymour]

When I was looking for a controller a couple of years ago, I went with Apex because of fusion and the fact that I didn't need apps - the web interface was mobile responsive.

 

[Bent]

It's not really that the RK will cause tank failures, it's just that the apex is SO MUCH BETTER for not that much more money when you consider what you get (VDM, network interface built in, WAY better CS, WAY better interface, list goes on).

I've had both and I'm with the Apex 100%.

RKE fully loaded with net module is 350 otd

The apex gold is 800...

How is that not much more money? What am I missing here.

 

[phenom5]

RKE fully loaded with net module is 350 otd

The apex gold is 800...

How is that not much more money? What am I missing here.

Not to mention I already have my RK up and running. Hell, to get into an Apex Jr just to get the basic functionality I already have would cost $360ish...

I would like to move to an Apex, but I can't justify the expense right now. And FWIW, I programmed my RK 6 or 7 years ago, and it still trucking.

 

[James77]

RKE fully loaded with net module is 350 otd

The apex gold is 800...

How is that not much more money? What am I missing here.

That is not a fair comparison.

The standard Apex package is $525 on BulkReefSupply, the RKE is $350.

The Apex comes with standard features that would require extra modules o the RKE. The Apex has internet connectivity, but you would need the RKE NET at a cost of $450(from other sites, cannot find on BRS).

Also, out of box the Apex has 4 dimmable channels for control of LEDs and Tunze pumps. The RKE requires an additional module that runs about $130.


I have owned both systems, and have been highly critical of ReefKeeper. But that was quite a few years ago. Most of my issues with them centered around delays in correcting problematic modules and slow customer service. I have no idea if they have improved since, I hope they have. I think for a while they stopped going through dealers? But they seem to now again.

I did like the display much more on the RKE than the APex, namely for changing colors. The power strips were also 4 outlets times 2 for the package, but each strip had 2 mechanical relays as opposed to 2 mechanical relays on the 8 outlet one included with the Apex package. Just being able to use different circuits it is nice having 2 strips. Please take the post with a grain of salt , it has been years since I knew the details of both very well....but I did check before I posted.

 

[drummerboyevil]

Why do I see so much hate for the ReefKeeper Controller?

RKE fully loaded with net module is 350 otd



The apex gold is 800...



How is that not much more money? What am I missing here.

Gold isn't a fair comparison. Gold comes with ORP and salinity. Add the cost of those addons to the RKE price. My comparison is of the RKE to the apex standard. I challenge you to get the same features included with the apex standard in the RKE for a lower price. You'd need NET and a variable speed controller for the RKE right off the bat. Plus, the RKE variable speed module sucks (it can't run more than like 2 meanwell drivers without starting to fall below 10 volts. The net interface for RKE is also pretty bad.

Apex also come out the box with the ability to control 8 switches. I think the RKE is limited to two.

Also, apex has 8 outlets out of the box and not four.

There's really no comparison for the money.

 

[puckett26]

Gold isn't a fair comparison. Gold comes with ORP and salinity. Add the cost of those addons to the RKE price. My comparison is of the RKE to the apex standard. I challenge you to get the same features included with the apex standard in the RKE for a lower price. You'd need NET and a variable speed controller for the RKE right off the bat. Plus, the RKE variable speed module sucks (it can't run more than like 2 meanwell drivers without starting to fall below 10 volts. The net interface for RKE is also pretty bad.

Apex also come out the box with the ability to control 8 switches. I think the RKE is limited to two.

Also, apex has 8 outlets out of the box and not four.

There's really no comparison for the money.

FWIW.....
RKE comes with 2xPC4s which is also 8 switches out of the box

 

[drummerboyevil]

FWIW.....

RKE comes with 2xPC4s which is also 8 switches out of the box

My bad!

 

[ReefCowboy]

I just recently got an Apex Jr after a long time debating on whether or not I would really need a controller. At some point I was set on the RK, but as I researched more, found the Apex as being more popular among serious reefers. Neptune seems to be more on top of marketing creating also "hype" as the better controller, making its customers anxious for innovative modules, accessories coming down the pipeline.

I'm getting beat trying to set my Jr up, think the RK would have been much easier and performed just as well, but somehow think the Apex was a better investment for this type of product.