With So Many Choices...Which Controller and Why?

[JonezNReef]

I am about to pull the trigger and purchase a controller for the first time. Before I drop a lot of money I was wondering what controllers others have and what they like and not like about it? The most common seem to be Apex and Reef Keeper but I know there are others.

Please any and all opinions and experiences are appreciated.

 

[VGT]

I'm still using a reefkeeper lite, does everything I need it to. Before you look at systems, consider first what you actually need and want from it. APEX does lots of cool stuff, but its really quite spendy - so not worth the investment for what I need.

 

[alton]

I'm still using a reefkeeper lite, does everything I need it to. Before you look at systems, consider first what you actually need and want from it. APEX does lots of cool stuff, but its really quite spendy - so not worth the investment for what I need.

I agree, make a check list of everything you have to have including internet connection if you need it?
If you are only controlling lights and heaters then go with the Reefkeeeper Lite.

 

[Nrupaw]

I am about to pull the trigger and purchase a controller for the first time. Before I drop a lot of money I was wondering what controllers others have and what they like and not like about it? The most common seem to be Apex and Reef Keeper but I know there are others.

Please any and all opinions and experiences are appreciated.

I am sure you have done a lot of research and reading about the capabilties of both controllers. Both Apex and Reef Keeper do similar things.

Although these controllers are expensive, IMO, they are still hobby grade. Over a couple years something or the other tends to go wrong with them. So I'd suggest using Customer Service/Support as a differentiator.

In my expereince, Apex does have good support and repair services vs DA Reef Keeper. I'd lean towards the Apex

 

[soverjas]

I have both and if I had to choose one it would be apex. One big problem with reef keeper is it doesn't have fusion. They are not keeping up with the times. In the last 10 years I don't know that they have done anything different. Pretty much the same piece of equipment it was a decade ago. Really depends on how much control you want. I have the new 2016 model apex and my reefkeeper is 2 or 3 years old. If I was on a budget and I would get the apex jr over any of the reef keeper options.

 

[n2585722]

I have both and if I had to choose one it would be apex. One big problem with reef keeper is it doesn't have fusion. They are not keeping up with the times. In the last 10 years I don't know that they have done anything different. Pretty much the same piece of equipment it was a decade ago. Really depends on how much control you want. I have the new 2016 model apex and my reefkeeper is 2 or 3 years old. If I was on a budget and I would get the apex jr over any of the reef keeper options.

Apparently you have not seen their Archon. It is completely web based. Has built in wifi. Works with a web browser in a smart phone, tablet or computer.

 

[ca1ore]

So many choices? There's three that I can think of off the top of my head. The two mentioned plus GHL. I bought apex because it seemed the most popular, had the most active user community and I figured the company was most likely to be sticking around. Whether it performs better or worse than the competition is immaterial to me; it does what I need it to do.

 

[titus_4]

Base it off of what you want or need it to do...not a bad idea but the problem with that is when you get it figured out you will want to control more. I originally bought the apex jr. I should have read some more before ordering it because it didn't have something that I thought it did. Returned it and got the full apex. Tried it and could never get it working because I have to use wifi and couldn't get the gaming adapter to work properly. Ended up with the new model apex and love it. I originally just wanted to be able to control a few things in event of a power outage (apex is hooked to battery backup). After tons of reading on the Neptune forum, I will soon have everything hooked to 2 EB832s. I still use EcoSmart Live to control my Radions, Vectra, and Vortechs. Not sure if I will take the plunge to the WXM module to control through Apex since everything is working great now. Having things hooked to the energy bar is nice to be able to shut off power for certain conditions and with the 832, be able to monitor power at each outlet. The ALD module will be coming soon to add more peace of mind.

I probably enjoy the technical side of a reef tank as much as I like my livestock, but I am far from an expert. Some of the guys on the Neptune forum have an unbelievable amount of knowledge about the Apex. I've spent hours on there learning about what it is capable of doing.

To sum it up, if you can swing it, go with the new Apex and you won't regret it.

 

[JonezNReef]

Thanks everyone for your responses. To be honest I am still figuring out what I need as this is going to be for my current build once it's up and going. I have a lot to consider and it's just nice to hear what others think on a subject. At the moment I think Apex will be the way to go but i will still do my homework on all this and see what all I have and need that works with it. I have DIY lighting so I need to see if they will work with any of the 3 controls mentioned.

 

[Drone]

Don't forget the Cerebra from Vertex. It is unloved right now but may be able to cover your needs and if they do get their stuff together it will be fantastic. Plus since the development is delayed people who need or expected more from them right now are bailing so you can find them pretty cheap.

Kevin

 

[n2585722]

Thanks everyone for your responses. To be honest I am still figuring out what I need as this is going to be for my current build once it's up and going. I have a lot to consider and it's just nice to hear what others think on a subject. At the moment I think Apex will be the way to go but i will still do my homework on all this and see what all I have and need that works with it. I have DIY lighting so I need to see if they will work with any of the 3 controls mentioned.

Is your DIY lighting PWM control? If so you might be intrested in the Archon. It has 2 PWM 5v outputs and 4 0-10v outputs on the Archon itself. They also have a AVC module that has 4 outputs that can be configured for 0-10v, PWM 5v or PWM 10v. I have the AVC module and it works great with PWM 5 volt like the Meanwell LDD drivers.