which is a better controller

[bart84]

I have been looking into controllers and I was wondering what the reefer community thought. I was looking at the apex Neptune and the DA RKL systems. What are your guys opinions on them. The reason I am looking at them is I want a wave controller. I started looking at the mp`s by votex and for the price I can buy a whole controller.

 

[Petercar (RIP Dec 2017)]

yu dont need a conroller to run those jaebo powerheads ..but most of us use the apex and some use the profilux

 

[theyangman]

I have an apex, all it controls is my lights. I really should learn to use this thing better.... lol

 

[Neopimp]

Apex is the go to controller.  Reef keeper will do much of the same stuff but the apex was a better buy since it included all the things you needed to purchase an extra module for to get in the reef keeper.


This may have changed though I have not looked at controllers for three years now.


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[reeferkeeper420]

Apex for sure...even tho thats the only one ive used i love the apex tho.

 

[bart84]

I think I will go with the apex. Where is the best place to get one from? I have been looking at BRS but I have never ordered from them or internationally period. What is the duty like in getting it across the boarder?  I looked at crs but they don't seem to carry them.

 

[unibob]

I have apex's in stock as well as many modules and accessories. Send me a pm with what you are after. I can meet up somewhere or ship to you.


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[TORX]

I think I will go with the apex. Where is the best place to get one from? I have been looking at BRS but I have never ordered from them or internationally period. What is the duty like in getting it across the boarder?  I looked at crs but they don't seem to carry them.

Buy the Apex locally, so much cheaper in the long run.

I love my Apex, I did a lot of reading when I was comparing to get mine. I heard a lot of issues with the other ones as they are more a 'Linux' version (pardon the computer comparison). Also the Apex is pretty much all you need right out of the box. Just be sure to get the full Apex, heard most regret not going the full Apex from the start afterwards.

The Apex can also control those Jebaos...I think I know a guy who makes the cables

 

[bart84]

there is a jr on kijiji for 120, so I was going to use it with a MLC for some extra lunar on my 12 gallon nano. When it comes to my 75 gallon build I will go with the up grade for sure

 

[Poseidon]

i had the DA Reef Keeper....
hated it

nuff said

 

[Salty Cracker]

Get a wavebox for water movement, hands down.

The apex does so many things it's almost impossible to do without it once you have it.
Mine controls lighting phases (morning, high sun, afternoon sun, evening)
Controls temp (overrides the build in thermostats in 3 heaters, so no chance of cooking a tank)
Controls the ATO
Controls the dosers
Controls the feeding cycles
Monitors for sump high level (shuts off skimmer and ATO and emails me)
Monitors PH and ORP
Emails me all alarms
Allows me to control it via ipad/iphone
Charts 7 days of activity

No question I wouldn't have a tank without one.  If it would only properly monitor salinity, calcium and alk.....

 

[TORX]

there is a jr on kijiji for 120, so I was going to use it with a MLC for some extra lunar on my 12 gallon nano. When it comes to my 75 gallon build I will go with the up grade for sure

DON'T DO THE JR!!!!

It is extremely limited. Internet only works if hard wired and only four Apex Expansion Modules. So you will find that you will end up buying the full unit anyways. I think the EB4 counts as one. It is only for a nano or small tank with no bells and whistles.

 

[Pistol]

Apex here.
Looks like ecotech is getting into the controller market so don't expect apex to work with any of their products.

 

[Marz]

I opted for the Apex...excellent decision in my mind.

 

[Duke]

[quote author=bart84 link=topic=8515.msg91482#msg91482 date=1398440576]
there is a jr on kijiji for 120, so I was going to use it with a MLC for some extra lunar on my 12 gallon nano. When it comes to my 75 gallon build I will go with the up grade for sure

DON'T DO THE JR!!!!

It is extremely limited. Internet only works if hard wired and only four Apex Expansion Modules. So you will find that you will end up buying the full unit anyways. I think the EB4 counts as one. It is only for a nano or small tank with no bells and whistles.
[/quote]

its not limited at all.. its identical to the full unit in every way except there are no VDM ports.. the 4 expansion unit thing isnt a big deal at all when you think about it unless your crazy into control.. since you dont have the display, the VDM box and 3 EB8s would give you 28 controllable plugs and dimming control for jabeos or LEDs. hard to think you would want much more than that..not sure what you mean by internet only works wired.. afaik theres no WIFI in ANY apex versions.. correct?

for the 120$ plus 160$ for another eb8 your talking 12 controllable outlets for less than 300$.. . sounds like a deal to me.

 

[TORX]

Not even close to identical. Go back and check out the apex site. Yes, the other versions have wireless. Some peopke confuse Apex Jr and Apex Lite though.  Lite is better then Jr and of coarse a Full Apex is even better. I am at work now, so pita to look up and post the specifics.

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[Duke]

ya still dont see anything about WIFI in any version, all i see is plug it into a router and your ready to go, for all 3 versions

 

[Salty Cracker]

I think you have to get a wifi adapter for the apex.  I did anyway.  I had a great one, now I have a crappy one.  Hard to find an "access point" it seems anymore.

 

[theyangman]

Shit, I actually have a Digital Aquatics RKE, not an Apex.....

I knew I had one of the two. lol

 

[Duke]

I think you have to get a wifi adapter for the apex.  I did anyway.  I had a great one, now I have a crappy one.  Hard to find an \"access point\" it seems anymore.

yup,  i think your talking about the 3rd party WIFI extenders that run through the wall plugs right? you plug your ethernet cable into it from the apex? as far i as knew this was the only way to make the apex wireless, the JR, Lite, And Full version only support ethernet connections. the JR doesnt have a spot for a PH Probe either. but it uses the identical hardware for the computer and all the software is the same.. connects the same and funtions the same. its essentially the same just missing PH probe, 4 outlets and VDM. i have the older JR that came without the display screen, its a bummer you cant still buy them like that, because as far as i knew there was no 4 addon limits back then, if it was hardware limited mine should still support more than 4 addons via using the aquabus ports on extra EB8s, if its software implimented.. well thats just retarded and Neptune probably will take some slack if someone who had a JR with more addons running and working fine upgrades their firmware and all of a sudden only 4 will work..