Another controller question... Bleh!

nerdz · #1 11-26-2012, 02:52 AM

Hello

I'm about to order a controller tonight before the Black Friday deal ends in 2 hrs...

I plan to order ReefKeeper Lite Plus by Digital Aquatics. But now my head is spinning.

It seems to do what I need:

Temp/pH monitor
control dosing pump cycles
Turn on cooling fan

My only concern is I plan to do a DIY LED fixture. It seems you need another $80 part and it might not be the smoothest set up.

Considering this, would I be better to look at APEX of ReefAngel?

ReefAngel comes stock with Temp/pH, 8 outlets, float switches and ability to control LED drivers stock?

I have NO idea about controllers and I know there is a lot of experience on this board.

Thanks for any help!!!

mrhasan · #2 11-26-2012, 03:31 AM

Sorry to hijack but where are you getting the controller from in black friday sale?

cblair · #3 11-26-2012, 03:34 AM

Well maybe i can offer my advice. I currently own a reefkeeper lite for the new tank I just set up. Its a good basic controller if you dont plan on doing much with it. I have been researching the apex and it seems the possibilities are endless. If you would like to control and monitor your tank remotley(which is my main purpose for looking at them) then i would save a little more and get the apex. With the rkl you will need to put some money into it for more advanced control but even then you will be limited. I have also researched the reef angel and while it looks like a good controller with endless posibilities as it is open source, meaning if you know code you can program it to do anything. But its not really your plug and play contoller like the RK or apex. There are some great videos on you tube about each of these controllers, ive spent alot of time there and have decide on the apex. hope that helps a bit... i know its a tough choice!

nerdz · #4 11-26-2012, 03:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrhasan

Sorry to hijack but where are you getting the controller from in black friday sale?

Bulkreefsupply

nerdz · #5 11-26-2012, 03:46 AM

[quote=cblair;767555]Well maybe i can offer my advice. I currently own a reefkeeper lite for the new tank I just set up. Its a good basic controller if you dont plan on doing much with it. I have been researching the apex and it seems the possibilities are endless. If you would like to control and monitor your tank remotley(which is my main purpose for looking at them) then i would save a little more and get the apex. With the rkl you will need to put some money into it for more advanced control but even then you will be limited. I have also researched the reef angel and while it looks like a good controller with endless posibilities as it is open source, meaning if you know code you can program it to do anything. But its not really your plug and play contoller like the RK or apex. There are some great videos on you tube about each of these controllers, ive spent alot of time there and have decide on the apex. hope that helps a bit... i know its a tough choice![/QUOTE

Thanks for your insight. It's definitely great to hear from peoples's firsthand experience. The remote access is something I hadn't put to much emphasis on, but could be very valuable.

Cheers again

nerdz · #6 11-26-2012, 04:15 AM

I decided I'm not up to speed on these controllers...

I didn't want to rush into it and get the wrong one because I tried to save 30 bucks. I should probably by it from JL's on this side of the border anyways!

Thanks again everyone

cblair · #7 11-26-2012, 04:37 AM

wise choice i think. $30 in the grand scheme of things isnt worth it. I wish i would have researched a little more before i bout the rkl but oh well, ive still got plans for it when i decide to order the apex.