controller recommendations

[ryan1985]

spent a few hours today researching controllers, haven't yet decided what i'm going with. $ isn't necessarily a factor... i like to save money when possible, but am willing to spend more $ to get the controller that fits my needs. i'm still researching the technology, so some of this may not even be possible, but here's what i'm looking for a controller to do for my tank:

- serve as a wavemaker for 4 koralia evolution powerheads

- online/mobile capabilities - i have an iphone so an app to play with my aquarium's components would be nice

- warning email and/or sms text message when temperature gets too hot or too cold (this is probably the feature that's the most important to me... i have so much time and money invested into my tank that I'm tired of worrying about a crash due to something stupid like a heater failing to kick on during a cold winter night (i live in maine)

- turn off my heater when water gets to a specific temperature

- control my two T-5 fixtures and moonlights (just on/off is fine, i don't care about a sunrise/sunset feature and it seems that's mostly geared toward LED's anyway)

based on the above criteria, it seems like i would need 8 outlets. what do you guys recommend? perhaps putting all of the power heads on a more basic wavemaker setup and then finding a cheaper controller that has 4 outlets versus 8? also, are there any other "key features" that i am possibly over-looking? i've only been in the hobby for a year and a half. thanks in advance!

[aandfsoccr04]

Start reading :thumbsup:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2029200&highlight=digital+aquatics

[ReachTheSky]

I use Neptune's Apex. Could not be happier with it. No comment on RK - no experience with it but there are plenty of users that have it and are happy with it.

To be honest though if the net functions are the most important to you, I would definitely say go with Apex. RK definitely falls behind in this regard. First of all, it's not integrated which means it requires you to purchase an expensive module separately and even then, it's not controllable (monitoring only) via the net whereas the Apex is.

[saf1]

Off the shelf I would go Neptune.. Great service and support. Does everything and more. Solid history.

DIY or open-source I would suggest Reef Angel. That is what I am using now for temp, PWM LED control, on off powerhead, and PH. It also supports iphone or droid apps and network control by wireless or direct connect.. I love it.

Previously I owned a earlier Neptune (pre apex) but had to replace it after my German shepherd used it as as a chew toy :hmm3:. Thus my experience with support and quality.

[ryan1985]

thanks guys, great info all around. i think the apex is calling my name.

[ryan1985]

finally pulled the trigger on an apex.. definitely a learning curve to a tech-dummy like myself, but slowly learning, reading the unofficial PDF, posting questions/comments on the neptune sponsored forum. so far, no regrets

[atkinsg]

I think that the "Unofficial" guid has gone Official. You can get it from the Neptune web site.

[ryan1985]

I think that the "Unofficial" guid has gone Official. You can get it from the Neptune web site.

*former unofficial guide :) you're right.

so basically, someone said "hey, i can make a better guide than the company", and the company agreed and made it official? interesting.. kudos to whoever this alan guy is, and kudos to the company for actually acknowledging this kinda thing. hopefully alan was compensated in some way