Which controller - Apex, Reef Keeper or Reef Angel

[byee]

I've been tinkering with various DIY controllers and I just don't have the time or patience with the DIY process.

I've decided to buy a commercially available product.

Here my list of initial requirements

> network based - wire or wifi
> smartphone accessible - view and update status
> email notifications
> web based interface
> display historical pH and temperature patterns
> pH monitoring for reactors or doser
> PWM for LED lighting - multichannel for sump and canopy
> ATO
> leak detection
> temperature control
> firmware updatability to keep it current
> LCD display at aquarium
> option to add webcam

I also have TELUS internet.............just need to put this out there. Reading the forums, there are issues with Apex and TELUS internal with ports being block.

For the people who have switched from one manufacturer to another, I'd like to hear why you switched and your experience with each controller - pros and cons. Why did you change?

For the people who have only used one controller, I'd like to hear what your thoughts are with your existing controller - the pros and cons. If $$$$ is not an issue, which controller would you buy based on your personal experience.

Thank you!

[sphelps]

Out of the three controllers listed pretty sure APEX is only one that will come close to doing everything on the list and even then I'm pretty sure you'll have take a DIY approach to things like the PWM LED control and leak detector, not saying it can't be done, just not sure they have plug and play modules is all.

While profilux isn't on your list they do have plug and play modules for everything listed although the PWM module can require a bit of work depending on the drivers used.

[MinPhase]

I have an Apex. I've read that it is superior to the Reef Keeper. The apex is infinitely expandable and you can add modules for everything. It's also programmable which lets you set up elaborate programs to do whatever you want.

Mine does everything on your list including web cam and I can access the web interface from a computer or control from my phone app.

The Telus connectivity won't cause any problem. Just don't use port 80 if they do in fact block it. The trouble arises when you try to connect through other routers but even then, as long as you are careful about the details in the set up you won't have a problem.

You'll need to buy a network bridge if your apex is not near your router as it does not have built in wifi. You can get a bridge from any shop for $60.

[MinPhase]

Originally Posted by sphelps

Out of the three controllers listed pretty sure APEX is only one that will come close to doing everything on the list and even then I'm pretty sure you'll have take a DIY approach to things like the PWM LED control and leak detector, not saying it can't be done, just not sure they have plug and play modules is all.



While profilux isn't on your list they do have plug and play modules for everything listed although the PWM module can require a bit of work depending on the drivers used.

Apex has plug and play leak detection capabilities.

[lastlight]

i just got my apex lite working... on telus too. i love it so far and i was shocked to hear it's being dropped from the apex lineup.

http://blog.aquanerd.com/2014/01/nep...ontroller.html

hopefully the lite version will work with fusion. not sure why they axed it. you can still buy them and perhaps they'll even drop in price.

[neoh]

I've got a reefkeeper, and I would trade it for an Apex any day of the week.

[spit.fire]

imo the apex is the only controller that will do all that, have a good price point and is user friendly

the only one thing that will be tricky to do is the pwm dimming as the apex only has analogue dimming

the only solution to this that ive found is there are analogue to pwm converters on the market through a couple of the online "diy" led stores that are capable of running 4 channels

as far as the leak detection apex has 2 models of a leak detection probe although it is quite easy to diy one using a io breakout box (someone on here made a probe with a couple nails and a paper towel)

also the io breakout box will double as a means to make your own ato

the programming for the apex is quite simple as well, after skimming over the manual i pretty much figured out how to do anything i want with it.

the reefkeeper controller i find is useless for anything other than temperature control and turning lights on and off

[Rice Reef]

Where is the poll?

[byee]

Originally Posted by spit.fire

imo the apex is the only controller that will do all that, have a good price point and is user friendly

the only one thing that will be tricky to do is the pwm dimming as the apex only has analogue dimming

the only solution to this that ive found is there are analogue to pwm converters on the market through a couple of the online "diy" led stores that are capable of running 4 channels

as far as the leak detection apex has 2 models of a leak detection probe although it is quite easy to diy one using a io breakout box (someone on here made a probe with a couple nails and a paper towel)

also the io breakout box will double as a means to make your own ato

the programming for the apex is quite simple as well, after skimming over the manual i pretty much figured out how to do anything i want with it.

the reefkeeper controller i find is useless for anything other than temperature control and turning lights on and off

spit.fire,

I think it was Vancouver Reefer who used a nail and paper napkin as a leak detector.

I also heard the you can make your own breakout box an easy DIY project without having the need to buy one.

[spit.fire]

Originally Posted by byee

spit.fire,

I think it was Vancouver Reefer who used a nail and paper napkin as a leak detector.

I also heard the you can make your own breakout box an easy DIY project without having the need to buy one.

It is actually quite simple to build, and personally i like the diy boxes more as you can put headphone jack plugs on it instead of the factory screw terminals

only hard part about making one from scratch is getting the cable as its basically an old school printer cable that i cant seem to find anywhere other than online stores

if you want an actual apex one i can sell you one for cheap(er than retail)