Controllers

[E.intheC]

Let's talk controllers... I've used the Reef Keeper Lite (RKL) now for probably two years. It's been great. However, I'm looking to upgrade to something with a few additional features.. I'd like to monitor and control pH, monitor salinity, and possibly ramp up lighting and Tunzes. It'd be nice to have the ability to access it by the internet/phone as well.

Looks like I can buy an SL2 module from DA that will allow me to monitor Salinity and pH, however it wont do the others.

So, that said (or rambled).... what controller are you using? What have you used in the past? Present? Pluses and Minuses, etc.

 

[LatinP]

Apex will do everything you posted above and has a far better web interface which you won't pay extra for because it's built in. PS: No controller will let you control pH only monitor it.

 

[Long-Island-Mike]

I am very happy with the profilux. There is so much you can do with this controller, you can even have it control your vortech pumps.

 

[Frank@Wall]

Apex is on top of all. My opinion. There is just so much you can do with this controller...All that you listed is just the beginning. You can control from your PC or your Iphone.

 

[Ziggy]

apex is on top of all. My opinion. There is just so much you can do with this controller...all that you listed is just the beginning. You can control from your pc or your iphone.

+1

 

[allenjj]

Apex

I agree with the Apex votes as I have mine controlling most things on my tank and am able to even access it via my smart phone.

 

[Long-Island-Mike]

The apex is a great controller, I just found the profilux has alot more to offer. Its endless with all the upgrades and add ons you can do. I have mine do automatic water changes for me,I just have to make sure the reservoir's are full.
It all can also be controlled by the Iphone aswell You can read up on it at http://www.ghl-direct.com/proddetail.php?prod=PL3-00001

 

[Ziggy]

The apex is a great controller, I just found the profilux has alot more to offer. Its endless with all the upgrades and add ons you can do. I have mine do automatic water changes for me, I just have to make sure the reservoir's are full.
You can read up on it at http://www.ghl-direct.com/proddetail.php?prod=PL3-00001

you can set up Apex to do it too.and is less $

 

[Frank@Wall]

Is there an app on the Android market for the Apex controllers?

Sent from my LG G2X using Reefs

 

[allenjj]

Android App

Yes there is and its free.

 

[BobNY]

I have the Apex controlling my tank and absolutely love it!
The Profilux looks like a great controller as well.
I ended up choosing the Apex after seeing how much online support is out there for it.
If you end up with the Apex be sure to read "The Unoffical New Users Guide" http://reeftech.webs.com/Apex New User Guide.pdf

 

[E.intheC]

So there's definitely Apex/Aquacontroller fans here. How about any negatives (to any controller)? Are there things that you don't like? Things that you could do without?

For me, I really like how the RKL is very easy to use and program. I've heard the AC's and Apex are more difficult to program (Apex less so). However, the RKL only comes with 4 outlets (at the level 1 purchase price), is limited in what it can actually DO, and I've seen very mixed reviews of their customer service, including some impatient responses on other forums.

As for the Profilux, I've been looking at it for a while now, and although it looks great, I just can't justify the expense. Even on sale, at $499 for the "entry level" Profilux model, it's simply out of my price range. Adding more features will quickly raise the price to $1,000 or more.

 

[Widdy]

Profilux owner here, but recommend the Apex as it is more mainstream and support is readily available.. Profilux is a phenomenal controller, huge learning curve, and support is rather off the beaten path; forum based as they're based in Germany, although Michael of Aqua Digital is a great help. And +1 on the pricetag, tariffs suck.

 

[LatinP]

So there's definitely Apex/Aquacontroller fans here. How about any negatives (to any controller)? Are there things that you don't like? Things that you could do without?

For me, I really like how the RKL is very easy to use and program. I've heard the AC's and Apex are more difficult to program (Apex less so). However, the RKL only comes with 4 outlets (at the level 1 purchase price), is limited in what it can actually DO, and I've seen very mixed reviews of their customer service, including some impatient responses on other forums.

As for the Profilux, I've been looking at it for a while now, and although it looks great, I just can't justify the expense. Even on sale, at $499 for the "entry level" Profilux model, it's simply out of my price range. Adding more features will quickly raise the price to $1,000 or more.

RKL/RKE former user here. Horrible customer support who could care less about the consumer, they tend to blame the customer straight out and pass it off as user error whenever possible. Controller has no integrated web server, addon will cost you over 100 dollars and is a far inferior product than the Neptune webserver, always was slow and there is no app to control outlets on any smartphone atm for that controller. Neptune has apps for all platforms. Also know that the aquacontroller and the apex line all use the same exact firmware.

 

[TheGropster]

+1 Reef Keeper - I wish I could remember the exact complaints but when I did my research several months ago it seemed to me that there were more forum complaints about the Apex than the ReefKeeper. It was not a huge difference between the number of complaints. Either way I went with the ReefKeeper and have been very happy with it. I use the SL1, NET, 2x PC4's, Dual FloatSwitches, and ALC currently. Next purchase will be the SL2. I would highly recommend this ReefKeeper series controller.