Reef Angel controlleur first impression

[daniella3d]

I got my Reef Angel this week and set it up in a test system to test it.

I thought it was really easy to set up, as opposed to what I had read about programming etc...none was necessary. Even the wifi was easy to setup with the provided utility.

Now I can watch my tank parameters over the net anywhere I go. I can shut down my MH light if the temperature gets too hot. I even receive email alerts when the temperature goes too high or too low.

I know you will tell me that many controllers can do this, but wait a minute...for 300$, what controller could give me wifi net access and control, 8 outlets, ph probe, ATO and temperature probe? That's a lot for that amount of money.

The only negative is that the cable for the PH probe is like 3' or less, so I ordered the 9$ cable extention for it as well as the extention cable for the temp probe.

For those who are hesitating thinking that it is too complicated to install, it is not so, quite the opposite. I even started to tweak the code to my liking...pretty cool!!! I like the thing a lot!

[ashr]

Thanks for letting us know! I will have to check this out!

where did you end up buying it from?

[daniella3d]

I bought it from their web site. Not sure you can buy it from somewhere else. www.reefangel.com

I asked them to use USPS and to put as gift. They did and I did not have any custom or broker fee to pay.

It took about a week and half to receive it. I paid with paypal.

[ashr]

That's what I was thinking you would have to do.

Which unit package did you end up going with?

[FitoPharmer]

I had a question about these you could possibly answer. I noticed the probes all plug into what looks like the main unit. I also saw the short cords for the probes, I did not see the extensions. But my question relates to the instructions on where to install the main unit. Though I have seen many aquarium controllers mounted inside a closed stand with a sump in other people build threads, the two previous brands I had purchased both said using it in a high humidity area (like inside a closed stand with a sump) will void the warranty. I was wondering if this controller had the same warning?

[daniella3d]

I see no such warning on the controller. You can download the manual online from the reef angel web site and read it.

Of course any electronic equipement must be kept away from high humidity and water dripping on it. It is common sense and it is valid for any controller. I put my controller inside my aquarium furniture but I have no sump. If I had a sump I would attach the controller outside the furniture where it will be away from water drip.

I watched a video on youtube where the guy installed the reef angel right on the top of his tank...dunno how long that lasted!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIQsO_wzHQE

Originally Posted by FitoPharmer

I had a question about these you could possibly answer. I noticed the probes all plug into what looks like the main unit. I also saw the short cords for the probes, I did not see the extensions. But my question relates to the instructions on where to install the main unit. Though I have seen many aquarium controllers mounted inside a closed stand with a sump in other people build threads, the two previous brands I had purchased both said using it in a high humidity area (like inside a closed stand with a sump) will void the warranty. I was wondering if this controller had the same warning?

[nerdz]

Thanks for feedback, I was about to order a Digital Aquatics one last week when I stumbled on the ReefAngel... Which made me hold off until I learned more about controllers

Good to here the positive review.

[hillegom]

Where did u see the extension cable for sale?
I'm researching now to buy next year
Thanks for the review

[daniella3d]

I got the simple PWM basic unit, plus the wifi module. I should have ordered the extention cables if I knew about it before.

Originally Posted by ashr

That's what I was thinking you would have to do.

Which unit package did you end up going with?

[blacknife]

I have had one on my wishlist for a while but with Christmas coming I am hopefull. How much was the usps shipping? The 45 dollar listed shipping price is a brutal hit on the awesome price.