What is the best controller

Nirvana · 04/30/2012, 08:09 PM

I am in the process of gathering all my equipment for the new 180G build, but i am somewhat stuck on which controller to get. I have heard people tell me to get the Digital Aquatics and my local lfs is telling me to get the Apex.

This is my first controller, so i am a bit lost of the pro's and con's of each.

cobra9 · 04/30/2012, 08:36 PM

try using the search here on the forums. There is a ton of info out there about both controllers.

James77 · 04/30/2012, 08:44 PM

The most popular is Neptune Apex, the most reliable and bug free is Profilux, with a price tag to reflect that. Digital Aquatics is another middle of the road on, reef angel is newer but is very well liked.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...highlight=apex

moondoggy4 · 04/30/2012, 08:48 PM

One thing I will and others will note is trying asking a general question on each forum sites and see if someone answers. There are five controllers that come to mind Neptune (Apex), Digital Aquatics (Reef Keeper), Aquatronica, Reef Angel and Profilux.
Do you have any program experience?

moondoggy4 · 04/30/2012, 08:50 PM

http://www.aquariumcomputer.com/

moondoggy4 · 04/30/2012, 08:51 PM

http://www.aquatronica.com/

moondoggy4 · 04/30/2012, 08:52 PM

http://www.reefgeek.com/equipment/Co...quaController/

Nirvana · 04/30/2012, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James77

The most popular is Neptune Apex, the most reliable and bug free is Profilux, with a price tag to reflect that. Digital Aquatics is another middle of the road on, reef angel is newer but is very well liked.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...highlight=apex

I saw the reef angel, but I am intimidated as I have not programming experience.

Nirvana · 04/30/2012, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moondoggy4

One thing I will and others will note is trying asking a general question on each forum sites and see if someone answers. There are five controllers that come to mind Neptune (Apex), Digital Aquatics (Reef Keeper), Aquatronica, Reef Angel and Profilux.
Do you have any program experience?

No i do not

TucanSam007 · 04/30/2012, 08:56 PM

The apex is one of those controllers, (for a non tech guy like myself) that not being able to figure out everything in a single night gets a little frustrating. By day three, you love it and realize how much you can actually do with it. Customer service is great to, but I have no experience with the other controllers. Check out the other threads and see the pros/cons of all of them.

moondoggy4 · 04/30/2012, 08:57 PM

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...s-reef-keepers

moondoggy4 · 04/30/2012, 08:58 PM

Sorry I do not have the Reef Angel link.

Panda · 04/30/2012, 08:58 PM

I have a Reef Angel and once you have the basics of the code down, it's not that difficult to get going or to make changes to. One thing I do love about it is the support RA offers. Several times I've wanted to do something or ad a feature to my controller and all I did was ask on their forum and usually within minutes, someone has posted a code snippet doing exactly what I need it to do.

That being said, I think the best controller is one that does what you need it to do and fits inside whatever budget you have.

HTH

moondoggy4 · 05/01/2012, 12:12 AM

I second Panda's comment about what is best is within your needs and budget.

one clownfish · 05/01/2012, 11:36 AM

I run my 220 on a Digital Aquatics~RKL $120. It does everythng I need. I control a pump for my hot water heat, PH monitor, Alarms, float switchs and timers for lights. Start small and you can expand/add to it down the road. Somebody is always parting out a controller in the selling forum. The nice thing is, if you decide down the road you need a more powerful controller you can trade the RKL head unit to DA for $150 and they'll send you a RKE.

RedStangGA · 05/01/2012, 12:40 PM

My vote is for the Apex. The built-in ethernet for remote monitoring, control, and programming is a major plus. I can use my iPhone to check on temp, turn anything on or off, and modify settings. My Apex has been very reliable since I got it last July.

snorvich · 05/01/2012, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James77

The most popular is Neptune Apex, the most reliable and bug free is Profilux, with a price tag to reflect that. Digital Aquatics is another middle of the road on, reef angel is newer but is very well liked.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...highlight=apex

I agree. I have Profilux (2 of them) but they are relatively expensive albeit problem free.

jong11 · 05/01/2012, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by one clownfish

I run my 220 on a Digital Aquatics~RKL $120. It does everythng I need. I control a pump for my hot water heat, PH monitor, Alarms, float switchs and timers for lights. Start small and you can expand/add to it down the road. Somebody is always parting out a controller in the selling forum. The nice thing is, if you decide down the road you need a more powerful controller you can trade the RKL head unit to DA for $150 and they'll send you a RKE.

The downside of the RKL is that you are limited to 5 modules. Everything you add to the string counts as a module except for the hub and head unit. You can quickly use those 5 modules. I'd get the RKE if I had to do it over again or I had started with a bigger tank.

04/30/2012, 08:09 PM	#1
Nirvana Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 229	What is the best controller I am in the process of gathering all my equipment for the new 180G build, but i am somewhat stuck on which controller to get. I have heard people tell me to get the Digital Aquatics and my local lfs is telling me to get the Apex. This is my first controller, so i am a bit lost of the pro's and con's of each.

04/30/2012, 08:44 PM	#3
James77 Freak of Nature Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 7,012	The most popular is Neptune Apex, the most reliable and bug free is Profilux, with a price tag to reflect that. Digital Aquatics is another middle of the road on, reef angel is newer but is very well liked. http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...highlight=apex __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 120 SPS, 75g Anemone, 46g FW Tetra

04/30/2012, 08:56 PM	#10
TucanSam007 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Suffolk, Long Island Posts: 657	The apex is one of those controllers, (for a non tech guy like myself) that not being able to figure out everything in a single night gets a little frustrating. By day three, you love it and realize how much you can actually do with it. Customer service is great to, but I have no experience with the other controllers. Check out the other threads and see the pros/cons of all of them. __________________ 65g sps tank, 20L sump, Apex, ATI Sunpower 6x39/Reef brite, SSA CS1, 2xMP10wes & 1 MP40wes, Eheim 1260, Tunze Osmolator, Two-part, GFO/Gac

04/30/2012, 08:58 PM	#13
Panda Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 169	+1 for Reef Angel I have a Reef Angel and once you have the basics of the code down, it's not that difficult to get going or to make changes to. One thing I do love about it is the support RA offers. Several times I've wanted to do something or ad a feature to my controller and all I did was ask on their forum and usually within minutes, someone has posted a code snippet doing exactly what I need it to do. That being said, I think the best controller is one that does what you need it to do and fits inside whatever budget you have. HTH

05/01/2012, 12:40 PM	#16
RedStangGA Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 379	My vote is for the Apex. The built-in ethernet for remote monitoring, control, and programming is a major plus. I can use my iPhone to check on temp, turn anything on or off, and modify settings. My Apex has been very reliable since I got it last July. __________________ BC29, Apex Jr w/VDM,WXM, PM1, ATO, MP10, rapidled kit, maxi 900 return. 2 Ocellaris Clowns, Tailspot Blenny, Yellow Watchman Goby, 6-line Wrasse, Cleaner Shrimp, Pistol Shrimp

04/30/2012, 08:36 PM	#2
cobra9 Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 421	try using the search here on the forums. There is a ton of info out there about both controllers.

04/30/2012, 08:48 PM	#4
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 5,676	One thing I will and others will note is trying asking a general question on each forum sites and see if someone answers. There are five controllers that come to mind Neptune (Apex), Digital Aquatics (Reef Keeper), Aquatronica, Reef Angel and Profilux. Do you have any program experience?

04/30/2012, 08:50 PM	#5
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 5,676	http://www.aquariumcomputer.com/

04/30/2012, 08:51 PM	#6
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 5,676	http://www.aquatronica.com/

04/30/2012, 08:52 PM	#7
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 5,676	http://www.reefgeek.com/equipment/Co...quaController/

04/30/2012, 08:57 PM	#11
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 5,676	http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...s-reef-keepers

05/01/2012, 12:12 AM	#14
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 5,676	I second Panda's comment about what is best is within your needs and budget.

05/01/2012, 11:36 AM	#15
one clownfish Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 256	I run my 220 on a Digital Aquatics~RKL $120. It does everythng I need. I control a pump for my hot water heat, PH monitor, Alarms, float switchs and timers for lights. Start small and you can expand/add to it down the road. Somebody is always parting out a controller in the selling forum. The nice thing is, if you decide down the road you need a more powerful controller you can trade the RKL head unit to DA for $150 and they'll send you a RKE.