Which controller - Apex, Reef Keeper or Reef Angel

[Jakegr]

I'm a Profilux user... If I could do it again I would go with an Apex. Apex's are a fraction of the price of a Profilux, have the same functionality (and more), and seem to be a lot more user friendly (and Apple friendly!). Plus, Apex keeps coming out with new and highly practical add on's. Recently the Kessil dimmer, and automatic feeder. It is also rumored they will have Apex controllable pumps soon.

Don't get my wrong... my Profilux has worked very well for me over the last few years. But it does kind of suck seeing the Apex get all sorts of new add ons while Profilux has stayed mostly the same, especially given the price I paid for the latter. It hasn't helped that I have never once completed a problem-free firmware update for Profilux... I always need to perform the "emergency update procedure", which is a lot more complicated than plug in and update. The Mitras is the same way unfortunately.


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[byee]

Originally Posted by Jakegr

I'm a Profilux user... If I could do it again I would go with an Apex. Apex's are a fraction of the price of a Profilux, have the same functionality (and more), and seem to be a lot more user friendly (and Apple friendly!). Plus, Apex keeps coming out with new and highly practical add on's. Recently the Kessil dimmer, and automatic feeder. It is also rumored they will have Apex controllable pumps soon.

Don't get my wrong... my Profilux has worked very well for me over the last few years. But it does kind of suck seeing the Apex get all sorts of new add ons while Profilux has stayed mostly the same, especially given the price I paid for the latter. It hasn't helped that I have never once completed a problem-free firmware update for Profilux... I always need to perform the "emergency update procedure", which is a lot more complicated than plug in and update. The Mitras is the same way unfortunately.


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I made a consciences decision to exclude the Profilux simply because of the costs involved. The controller will simply be managing my 45g cube I'm in the process of setting up.

I purchased a Kessil 360we for my setup as the main light and built a DIY LED for the sump.

Originally Posted by NickC

I use the reef angel and love it. Best controller out there on the market imo.
The programming is tricky at first(if you know how to build webpages then it is easy. Very similiar to html). The conteoller can do anything you program it to so the options for what you can do are endless.

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NickC,

I'm sitting on the fence with the Arduino Mega2560 ReefAngel controller. Unfortunately, you can not build your own shields to add to the RA. For example, Atlas scientific makes a pH shield for $28 which only requires 5 wires to connect to the Arudino. If you want to add another pH probe, you'll need to buy the pH probe expansion fro $110. Same applies to the PWM dimming circuit, etc.

I would have definitely considered it I can build/add my own shields.

[NickC]

I use the reef angel and love it. Best controller out there on the market imo.
The programming is tricky at first(if you know how to build webpages then it is easy. Very similiar to html). The conteoller can do anything you program it to so the options for what you can do are endless.

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[craigwmiller]

I have a significant ReefKeeper install, and the only thing from your list I think missing is the "update status" portion of the mobile app (at least for android, I haven't looked at an Apple version of the app)... The mobile apps I use are read-only.

I haven't found anything that it doesn't do for me (for remote changes, I remote desktop from my phone to a dedicated reef-computer at home for the full experience, so a full mobile app currently isn't a priority for me).

I'm running 7 power bars, 2 high power remote relays, 2 PH probes, 2 temperature sensors, 4 float sensors, leak detection. I have (but haven't used) the lighting controller and pump controllers.


You can often find ReefKeeper equipment on selloff from many people that are bailing to go Apex, and you can get a killer deal (like I have 3 times, and have a sweet system now )

[trilinearmipmap]

I have had an Apex running my main reef tank for several years. I am happy with it. There are a few issues (difficulty doing updates, etc) but overall it is good. I have found the customer service to be excellent. Last night I spent an hour and a half getting the update to work, although part of that is I am running Macs and the controller is nowhere near the router and I had some cable problems. So overall this is a great controller but be prepared to put some effort into making it work.

I have have a Reefkeeper lite running my FW plant tank. I am very unhappy with it. The interface is difficult to use. But the worst thing is, during the warranty period, one of the outputs from the power bar stopped working, after a ballast from the cf lights burned out. I contacted Digital Aquatics and they advised me that probably, the failure of the power bar was due to damage from the ballast burning out. Despite the fact that the unit was under warranty, it was not covered. As we all know, cf ballasts burn out every few years and need to be replaced. So whether or not the ballast burning out damaged the controller (if it did, the controller is no good if a burning out ballast is enough to damage it, and if it did not, I deserved free warranty repair), in my view, this controller is not fit for its purpose. If anyone wants a cheap controller let me know.

I tried to save a few bucks by going with the Reefkeeper and I learned my lesson.

[Reef Supplies]

I may have a biased opinion but Neptune has the best controllers on the market.

Why? Simple

- Best support in the industry. Ask anyone who has dealt with them for simple support or warranty

- Rock solid...Hardly any returns. We sell truck loads (no thats not an exaggeration) and I think I send back something like 2 probes, one display and a lite base unit (client error) in 2 years.

- Easy to operate.

- The MOST upgradable by far. They have modules for everything you can possibly need.

- Availability. There are many Canadian dealers selling Neptune, 2 of which are platinum dealers. Us being one of them.

Neptune all the way!

Ray

[byee]

Originally Posted by trilinearmipmap

I have had an Apex running my main reef tank for several years. I am happy with it. There are a few issues (difficulty doing updates, etc) but overall it is good. I have found the customer service to be excellent. Last night I spent an hour and a half getting the update to work, although part of that is I am running Macs and the controller is nowhere near the router and I had some cable problems. So overall this is a great controller but be prepared to put some effort into making it work.

I have have a Reefkeeper lite running my FW plant tank. I am very unhappy with it. The interface is difficult to use. But the worst thing is, during the warranty period, one of the outputs from the power bar stopped working, after a ballast from the cf lights burned out. I contacted Digital Aquatics and they advised me that probably, the failure of the power bar was due to damage from the ballast burning out. Despite the fact that the unit was under warranty, it was not covered. As we all know, cf ballasts burn out every few years and need to be replaced. So whether or not the ballast burning out damaged the controller (if it did, the controller is no good if a burning out ballast is enough to damage it, and if it did not, I deserved free warranty repair), in my view, this controller is not fit for its purpose. If anyone wants a cheap controller let me know.

I tried to save a few bucks by going with the Reefkeeper and I learned my lesson.

That SUCKS! A failed ballast does not cause a powerbar to fail.

Reading other articles from other forums, this is a very common approach RK takes to avoid sending warranty replacements to its customers to help minimize costs.

Originally Posted by Reef Supplies

I may have a biased opinion but Neptune has the best controllers on the market.

Why? Simple

- Best support in the industry. Ask anyone who has dealt with them for simple support or warranty

- Rock solid...Hardly any returns. We sell truck loads (no thats not an exaggeration) and I think I send back something like 2 probes, one display and a lite base unit (client error) in 2 years.

- Easy to operate.

- The MOST upgradable by far. They have modules for everything you can possibly need.

- Availability. There are many Canadian dealers selling Neptune, 2 of which are platinum dealers. Us being one of them.

Neptune all the way!

Ray

Ray,

After talking with you this am, you had me convinced. Just need to get my mind around spending $525 on a controller.

Is JL the other platinum dealer?

Thanks!