upgrading from RKL to Apex worth it?

e46er · #1 11-30-2015, 03:11 AM

I currently have a RKL with 2 PC4 power bars. one outlet doesnt work and seems the slightest touch to the cable at the head unit and it loses its connection. I have it in a place it really doesnt happen often unless I bump the couch.

I like the idea of having it availble on a computer and for WC being able to just hit an app and have all the outlets labelled what they are to shut off as opposed to jsut numbers in a small screen.

currently JL has a black friday sale which ends tomorrow at noon.

the head unit (standard grade) package is $600 plus tax

8 outlets is working fine for me. although 8 more to control my mixing station would probably be in the future over just a regular powerbar but thats later on.

i have 2- 1.1ml/min pump for my cal/alk and a 50 ml/min for top off running off the controller but it would be nice to have a float switch warning with an alarm to my phone. can I turn stuff on/off through the phone app? or jsut a computer?
i would think in the near future the apex auto feeder would be considered as well. I currently have an ehiem one which works great but the time wonders so currently I dont bother setting my RKL to shut off my powerheads whereas if the same timer controlled both it wouldnt matter if it wondered a bit.

basically I have a controller that works fine for the most part but its 'starting' to have issues, and the last thing i want is a dosing pump or top off pump to not get shut off but im not sure if the replays fail off or on normally?. So is this a worthy upgrade or shouldnt I jsut ride out the RKL until it dies???

e46er · #2 11-30-2015, 03:22 AM

one thing im currently worried about is on the JL or DA website it says for pumps with such a small draw to plug them into mechancial relays and the EB8 only has 2....... i dont want my cal or alk or top off to start running but not shut off......... are the solid state replays in the apex much better than in the DA?
i guess worst case is i could plug a spare heater into an extension cord and plug that into a solid state relay to make sure it hass enough current to shut off not optimal but an option

Aquattro · #3 11-30-2015, 03:42 AM

I haven't had any issues with the outlets not shutting off when they're supposed to

e46er · #4 11-30-2015, 03:56 AM

the dosing pumps in the solid state relays?

Aquattro · #5 11-30-2015, 04:06 AM

I don't run dosing pumps, but I've had low voltage in each type, and no issues.

e46er · #6 11-30-2015, 04:12 AM

good to know. thanks !

now since my router is the complete opposite end of my house it poses a small problem

neptune says people have success with http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...lustofishta-20 but its like $115 on amazon.ca
could i use this one instead?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...lustofishta-20

or I have a mac mini acorss the room from my tank that is wireless can I plug into that? i would be able to run an ethernet cable (not easily) but doable.