For sure the Apex can handle dosing right out of the box. My brand new $339 Apex Lite was dosing just a few minutes ago! You just need to program your Alk and Calc outlets to dose for x minuts using whatever interval you desire.

The trick is that low wattage devices must use the "Relay" ports on the EB8 (which are plugs 4 and 8) instead of using the Triac plugs. An Energy Bar 8 has 6 triac and 2 relay plugs standard. If you use low wattage devices on a triac plug, it may not turn them off correctly, and this is an issue with triac technology not the Apex.

I'm really happy with my Apex so far and I only set it up on Tuesday. I'm about to setup a feed cycle to turn off my return pump and skimmer for 10 minutes while I feed. Additionally it controls my cooling fans based on water temperature.

Happy with it considering how little it cost. :lol:

P.S. I'm using it with two BRS dosers that I bought on Black Friday (and Randy's two-part).

And we can't forget that cool sig block you have now :)

My research has shown that most people are happy with it regardless of cost, meaning it's not a "it works good for being less expensive" pattern. I think the Apex full unit will do everything I need it to do as well as the Profilux and perhaps with a friendlier programming approach. The support for it seems good with the forum at RC, so really, I think it's a good investment. If the Profilux was the same price, or even 10% more, I might go that route, but mostly for the blue lights. :)

With the Apex you'll still get a blue backlight display. :smile:

Oh, well that cinches it!!

LMFAO...you can choose or change the RKE display to what ever colour fancies you at the moment :smilecol:

You work for those guys, don't you??? :)

More than happy with my RK2. I dont however have any programming brains, so its not being used to its furthest ability. Perhaps not the same as some systems but great for the price it cost me. Been running perfect for over three yrs. now. Only upkeep has been replacement of temp probe and super excellent customer service and web site as someone mentioned.

If I had a new large tank one day again, {not going to happen}, I may go Profilux for a few reasons, including some of our sponsors.

No...But I'm thinking maybe I should:redface:

To be fair, I think as many sponsors sell the other brands :)

The Profilux is certainly a nice unit with tons of curb appeal, but that's not enough to warrant the price. All of the top 3 seem to have great support, so again, it comes to curb appeal:price ratio. For me, the happy medium will be the Apex. Unless a Profilux seller wants to price one into my range, then I'd reconsider :)

I'd nominate you!

are you getting kickbacks for pushing sponcers? :mrgreen:

seriously though sponcership is a advertising tool for them not a way to buy loyalty, so ya its handy to see the sponcers names on the board and if they sell the same product at a reasonable price that a non spooncer does I would chose the sponcer, but I wouldn't buy a different product than I want/need because I can only get it through a non-sponcer.

now the proflux is a sexy looking unit, but in my opinion it has been priced out of the common person's range. I was looking at one for my tank and to get the basic unit with a couple probes, level indicators and a 3 pump slave dosing unit it was over 1K. and for that 1K I didn't get any conectivity whatsoever. so no internet, no warnings by e-mail or cell, no webserver ect.. with out the dosing pump it was still 800 bucks.

Steve

Sheez you guys. I said one of the reasons. Dont put words in my mouth Steve about buying loyalty. I support our sponsors to the best of my ability. If I have to explain why I would do that, then ppttttthhhhhhhhh. :D

Yes Brad, I understand some sell the others. I just said that as I like what I have read about the unit and a the service from the ones that carry it.

For now I love my Reefkeeper and their service. :D I just wish I could figure out how to use all its functions.

Doug, just ignore Steve, he can't help himself :)

Ya I know but I still like him. :biggrin:

I had the RKE. One major problem, I encountered with it is that the pH/Orp probes are not current isolated. That is to say any stray current or EM interference in your system will throw the measurement off. Another fault is that you cannot independently calibrate two probes on separate module. Calibrate one, then the other gets thrown off. For these reasons, I dumped the RKE and got an Apex. I'v no experience with the profilux.

Mind you I've also experienced some issues with the apex such as a mysterious shutdown of my recirc pumps and lighting for four hours ( when I was away) and it came back on bye itself. I also found the alarms a bit tricky to program and the alarm messages cryptic. Overall the apex looks more solid than the RKE. I hope this helps.

tunze right out of the box just need the cables
Calibrating ORP for apex is harder than the other units but it happens to be the correct way of doing it. wish Neptune would have internal self calibration.

Wish the apex would connect to my Osmollator ATOF. Sometimes the feed pump would fail and I've no alarm for low level in the sump. I will make my next project to put in a level float contact for low level.

The Apex also has a wireless I/F to the Vortech MP40. I've that on my list too.

Cant be much harder than my RK 2. I quit using it and went back to my Pinpoint ph meter.

orp is a two soln calibration

I love my ProfiLux.

I have had it for over 4 years now and wouldn't trade it for anything.

It may be the most expensive controller on the market, however it is also the most reliable, complete system out there.

They also astound me with their free updates and quick response to any new equipment introduced to the market place.

Tom R

Found this thread handy, thanks. After reading and chatting with a few guys ive decided with apex lite. Its nice to have these threads to see the differences as the lists on these things are huge. Im not going to need the two features of the full version and even if i do later on down the road there is modules for them so its not like you cant make a lite a full version, just might cost a bit more down the road. I looked at profilux too but agree that its just not worth the extra expense, that and i dont have a tonne of room for the head unit. Just waiting for the price and itll get ordered. Christmas is a little late for me this year.

I am fairly happy with my Apex.

However it seems not quite ready as an off-the-shelf consumer product.

Particularly setting up wireless connectivity with a Mac, and doing firmware updates on a Mac, took quite a bit of research and work, installing programs on the Mac etc. And there have been a few bugs to deal with along the way, but the bugs seem gone now that I am on the latest firmware.

If you are happy tinkering around with computers, setting up networks, etc. then by all means get the Apex.

I think it's recommended (I think I read this somewhere...) to ensure your PC/Mac and the Apex are all hard wired with a network cable to your switch/router when doing Firmware updates...

I put in a network jack near the tank. :biggrin:

there seams to be one reocurring theam here problems with a MAC need I say more :mrgreen:

Steve

I got things working with my Mac.

It just took several hours of work to get it done.

So it depends on how computer savvy you are and how much time you want to put into it.

I have moderate computer skills (ex-machine language programmer 25 years ago and haven't programmed anything since then), for those with up to date computer skills it should be easy, for those not good with computers the Apex setup can be a pain.

I think this holds true for all 3 of the options.

As happy as I am with my RKE, Im in the thinking mode for a controller for my tank up north (where I work) and am thinking about trying the Apex... that way, when I move out of both houses and do the big upgrade I'll have the controller that I like the best. We'll see... I may just pick up another RKE. The nice thing about trying both would be that I could also try both of the mobile apps, and have both running and know where each alarm is coming from with no thinking.

Oh, and BTW... looking at the prices online, the 2 seem to be within $10... so the price difference is negligable.

In my opinion the Osmolator is really only reliable for smaller systems because it will only run for 10 minutes max and then shuts down with no reset. Once the 10 minute cycle ends & the light goes red & you need to reset it manually by unplugging it. A royal pain for a larger system, I only use mine as a back up unit.

Couldn't say it any better myself...I think every controller out there has it's fanboys, and there is always going to be debate over them. Go take a look at all three controllers at work, their history, and their support...to me it's a no brainer. I think some companies set the standard in the controller world, and others scramble to follow suit, and play catch up a lot of the time. Also can't wait to see the new graphic interface that profilux is coming out with...looks good!

Not a lot of Profilux supporters. Yes I have to admit that they are expensive (I got mine used)
I'll admit I know nothing about other controllers, but to point out some of the high lights of the Profilux unit
1) simple to use PC interface
2) Online Support Profilux Support Forum that is top notch
3) Unending expandability
4) 3rd party manufactures of lights, pumps, anything really have been integrated to be driven by Profilux

J

I'm not sure that's accurate. I support that it's a great product, and support has a good reputation. I would buy one today, BUT....for the basics to manage what I need comes in around $1400 after taxes. The Apex unit, which has a good reputation and good support as well, comes in at under $800 for the same functionality I require.
So far the only function the Apex apparently can't do(within my reqs) is create lightning effects...not something I desire on my setup.
Now if the Profilux was even close in price, I would buy it for sure, based on reputation, functionality and curb appeal. But for a difference of 600 bucks, I have to look at the Apex to fill my needs.

I just meant not a lot of the supports had posted in this thread. Then I noticed Tom and rjengen posts :)

Oh, ya. I guess it's a money thing. I have never heard a bad comment about Profilux, other than most of us can't afford one :)

and within the realm of what most people need, there are comparable units at a lot less money. For my needs, I would need to buy the beginner III pack and a second powerbar, which putsit out of my price range. The Apex, with identical features is $691 cheaper. That's a lot of other stuff I can buy.

It's like bikes...some people are happy riding around on their honda's, while there are some of us that love to ride around on our harley's...they both get you to where you're going...only one costs a little more, and sounds better :lol:

The Vertex Cerebra is just a CAD drawing, so I wouldn't hold my breath on that one. You will see a touch screen from the other players before that one ever makes it to market. A proprietary touch screen isn't the smart way to go, when you can buy an Ipad for $550, or an HP Slate in Stir Crazy's case :)

If your short term and longterm needs are limited (PH, temp, ORP, ATO, lighting), then buy a Reefkeeper. If you have a larger system with a calcium reactor, prop pumps, or any other 0-10V devices then go with Apex, and if you don't mind paying double the cost and can't do it with Apex, then Profilux is the smart choice.

All of these manufacturers have very confusing or at least vague, product lists and descriptions. Be prepared for surprise extra costs for modules, expansion boxes, power bars, level sensors, calibration solutions, software, and solenoids.

If you like tech gear, then any of these are well worth the investment. If you are not technically inclined, then buy dedicated control devices. Sometimes it is convenient to carry all of your eggs in one basket, while other times... how does the saying go again?

I have a Profilux on my system and if it broke today I would not buy another one. Once everything is set up and I don't have to touch it, it isn't so bad. However, if I ever need to do anything with the controller, that is use the interface, I cringe. It is the worst piece of software I have ever used. Crashes at least once a session. Sometimes doesn't even connect with the controller. Very frustrating. To keep the controller up to date it is recommended that you update the firmware frequently. This exercise is like hammering nails into your foot. Painful. The iPhone app for the Profilux? Not even officially supported by GHL. It is a third party app that someone wrote that hooks into a third party website (which is also not officially supported by GHL). You have to give that website complete control of your Profilux (ie, login ID, and Password) so that the iPhone app can proxy through it. The iPhone app does not directly communicate with the Profilux head unit which is pretty lame if you ask me.

The Profilux is a very powerful controller, but comes with its own sets of issues. I would personally not buy another one.

>So far the only function the Apex apparently can't do(within my reqs) is create lightning effects...not something I desire on my setup.

I've got an LED AquaIllumination system on order (Xmas present, drool, drool) and Apex has a module that will interface to the AI system. It does support weather events, clouds and lightning. Anyways, I don't think that's so important, as the moon cycles and sunrise/sunset simulations.

Yeah, it's a pain in the rear end and the pump is not that reliable. I've had to replace 2 that burnt out. I also made the mistake of unplugging it 1 too many times from the plug in to the unit (not the wall) and it's loosely connected to the unit often failing to give it power.

I'm thinking of switching to s a simple float switch and a proper top off pump.

I have a Profilux controller but have not taken the time to figure it all out yet. :redface: Although that said I personally find their instructions rather "user unfriendly" but I'm not a computer buff. I just use mine for dosing, ph & temp measurements at the moment but plan to expand in the near future. I'll take a look at the link Jason sent, maybe with some help I can start utilizing it better.

That's what I did except I just use an old powerhead to kickstart the flow after I empty my fresh water holding tank doing salt mix for a water change, once I get the flow running again I unplug the powerhead and just let it syphon through it, works quite well.
I don't remember the brand name but I bought from Marine Aquaria in Edmonton.

My Profilux came with a couple of optical sensors. I use the controller to switch on and off the R/O water with a solenoid from Autotopoff.com ($32.00) You can set the solenoid to switch off after how ever many hours you like to prevent over filling.
I agree that the Osmolator is best for smaller systems.