Reefkeeper or Apex?

[Tempset]

I like the look of RK, but I hear the Apex is highly functional as well.

I'm looking for:

-iPhone ready
-expandability
-simplicity
-quality quality quality (I want it to work for 5-10 years)

What do you prefer?

[FireWater]

I ran a RK Jr for the tank at work. That is the only experience I have with them.

I have been seriously looking at the Apex for all the reasons you listed. Well, with the exception of simplicity. I got to get hands on with them at MACNA and really liked what I was told and saw.

[350gt]

Never had a apex, so I can't say which is better....


But I have had both a RKL and my current elite.


No issues with my unit and I have had it for over 1 year now..


I can control it with my Iphone and get system info....


I do wish they made a salinity probe that worked..

I do like that you can add pc4s or modules whenever needed and its simple to operate.

[Andresm]

I have the RKE and it works great, love it. the only downside if u run only Mac it won't work on it, I had to use someone else pc to program it. But there is a app for iPhone but u have to have wireless. Hope this helps, I hope one day the make it work with Mac.

[350gt]

Andre get the net module!

You will love it!

[ramsey]

I recently got an Apex but I haven't really set it up and used it. I did do a fair amount of research before purchasing though. The Apex comes with a wide range of modules to expand the functionality. However, to get the most out of the unit, you'll need to manually program it using it's built in language. I'm a geek so being able to write custom programs appealed to me. If you don't enjoy tinkering, the RKE might be a better fit. I do think that they'll both do the job though. If you want the best, you may want to check out the GHL profilux. I've heard awesome things about it but be prepared to have a fat wad of cash in your wallet.

[Andresm]

Need to get wireless first lol

[350gt]

Lol too easy and well worth it..

[bugj51]

I have an Apex with some extra mods and a breakout box. The more customizable you get the more complicated it gets. I researched these as well and I landed on the Apex for the customization and price. Yes, it has it has own programming language but it's pretty basic. It does have easy mode if you don't what get all nerdy. I've not had an RKE/RKL.

Neptune just released an updated web interface that's pretty sleek, at least compared to their old one. They also have an Android/iPhone app.

[mkengr45]

I recently got an Apex but I haven't really set it up and used it. I did do a fair amount of research before purchasing though. The Apex comes with a wide range of modules to expand the functionality. However, to get the most out of the unit, you'll need to manually program it using it's built in language. I'm a geek so being able to write custom programs appealed to me. If you don't enjoy tinkering, the RKE might be a better fit. I do think that they'll both do the job though. If you want the best, you may want to check out the GHL profilux. I've heard awesome things about it but be prepared to have a fat wad of cash in your wallet.
I run the GHL Profilux 3EX. It is really powerful...but yeah, be ready to open your wallet. For example, want to add another strip of outlets...~$400 for a 6 outlet PAB power strip. It is supposed to be the best of the best though. I've had them all and them GHL is nice....but it's a lot harder to setup if you are not familiar with controls programming.

To answer the OP question....it depends on how much stuff you want to automate and how comfortable you are with controllers.

Randy

[cowboy572]

I'm gonna tag along and follow this. With a new tank pending, this would be a worthy investment.

[350gt]

I'm gonna tag along and follow this. With a new tank pending, this would be a worthy investment.



Once you get a controller you won't set up another tank without one...... Atleast I wont.

[KING]

well i dont know anything about any of them but i got an apex..lol..looking it up seems to be the right one..thats if your going to be setting up a big tank..if not ..i really would thank about getting one..but the apex has more to add on in the long run if your in to all that stuff..just look it up..if u think you are going to want to spend more money on adding stuff..go with the apex but if not.. the rke is cool...
NOW if i can only learn how to use this dam thing..lol