Profilux vs Apex

Rus · #1 12-30-2010, 01:22 PM

I recently just purchased an Apex to upgrade from my Aqua 3 controller , to be honest it was mostly for the option to have the display setup remotely , mine will be setup outside the fish-room on the wall by the tank. This way I can glance at the settings without going in the room to check. I will then be using my net book comp. in the fish-room for controls and settings

I like the fact the main unit can be setup out of site from it. I also have a dosing system setup for a while now , but went with the Profilux standalone ( In my opinion this is by far the best , easiest to use and so far most reliable one I have seen )

I also now have an AQ3 for sale as well for a good price.

cale262 · #2 12-30-2010, 01:37 PM

I have an RKL+ on one tank and a RKE on another, I haven't had a single problem with either of them, easy to setup, inexpensive, reliable and great customer support through their BB (www.forum.digitalaquatics.com).

Aquattro · #3 12-30-2010, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cale262

I have an RKL+ on one tank and a RKE on another

Sorry, those are what exactly? I'm new at this -lol

muck · #4 12-30-2010, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Sorry, those are what exactly? I'm new at this -lol

Reef Keeper Lite and Reef Keeper Elite from Digital Aquatics.
http://www.digitalaquatics.com/

Don't know much about any of the controllers on the market though as Ive never used any of them.

fencer · #5 12-30-2010, 03:38 PM

Hydors are not DC motors and not compatible with APEX as they run 12 volt AC so if you got it going it would ramp 0 to 10 volts. Tunzes and Vortecs are true DC motors. Yes you do have to buy the Apex module for wireless control of your Vortecs. Apex comes with outlets for Tunzes you just need to buy or make the cable. The profilux is an excellent product and fully capable and flexible interms of programming. Alot of the Apex system is carried from the Neptune lines. It is programable at the unit but is better done through their dedicated web server. Programming is striaght forward. Most of the modules are plug and play. It can't change the TV channels for you. I bet you can get the profilux to do it. If cost is your concern then choice is obvious. Support is good in both products.

phi delt reefer · #6 12-30-2010, 02:00 PM

removed my post - i was de-railing the thread, my bad

Aquattro · #7 12-30-2010, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phi delt reefer

Rus - can you control the Tunze adjustable pumps directly with the APEX out of the box or do you need an additional module? This is the selling point for me - i can get mp10es' for $185 US shipped so if i am spending $400-$500 for two pumps and an add on module the APEX isnt as attractive as an option for me.

I was told that the full unit would do this out of the box with a simple additional cable (to control two pumps)

Rus · #8 12-30-2010, 02:59 PM

That is correct Brad. With my AQ3 I had to purchase the aquasurf module to do this.

phi delt reefer · #9 12-30-2010, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rus

That is correct Brad. With my AQ3 I had to purchase the aquasurf module to do this.

do you guys know if you throw the korila controllable pumps on the apex controllable output made for the tunze?

tunze pumps are $210 - Koraila is like $30-$50

i am going to guess the answer is no but does anyone know why? any electrical experts know of a work around?

cwatkins · #10 12-30-2010, 05:53 PM

I just literally setup my new Apex (Lite) yesterday. It's smooth and easy to program and assemble.

I really like the web interface for setup and programming. The programming language is simple, and there are a ton of examples out there to use. The iPhone App is sweet as well. And the display head unit has the best look on the market I think if you're going to have it in an everyday visible area (mine is Velcro'ed to my hood).

I ordered the Lite regular priced for $339 USD as an Xmas present to myself from my wife

I will soon be adding the Vortech WXM module ($120) so that I can control my Vortechs. Then I'll be adding another vortech after that.

The Full Apex can control Tunze with the cables I believe. But because I don't use anything variable and have no interest in monitoring ORP, I decided to go for the cheaper Lite version (exact same but missing ORP and variable ports). Hopefully I don't kick myself for not getting variable ports if I ever go LED.

Cheers.