Apex vs RK?

[koa25]

Curious what the experience differences are between the two. Anyone notice the differences or had equipment fail prematurely? Looking to get either the RK lite plus or apex junior. Apex is a little more pricey. But sounds like better quality. Thanks in advance.

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[350gt]

IMO

Apex and RK are both great controllers.....

I would personally skip the lite and go elite, and i dont think apex makes the jr anymore...

RK if you want a basic controller that will turn stuff on and off, monitor your ph, temp and control your ato.

Apex, can do all that as well but for a little bit more... Apex can do much more stuff too but your wallet better be ready for it... Lol

[350gt]

Ive been running mine for 2 years or so, no issues....

[Zack]

I believe they still make apex junior, but I could be wrong. I've had both and while the rkl was easier, the cs support and quality of build in the apex is far superior. Da relies on email suoport with no phone option while apex has phone support.

[moneytank]

I have and use both, but can't really compare them equally. I have three different rk lites on three different takes. They work great and do exactly what I bought them so I'm very happy with them. Which is light timers and temperature control.

Now the apex I have is a full apex, so it does so much more. It controls my lights, my temperature, my vortechs...
Plus it graphs my temp, ph, orp, and amps. Then I really like the remote app for it. If I'm away my wife can call and say something in your fish room is making noise then I can just remotely turn it off instead of telling her to unplug the red wire.

I personally like the apex the best of the two, but once again I'm not comparing basic controllers to each other.

I'd say if all you want, or ever will want is just basic control the just get the rk since it's a little cheaper. But if you think you will ever expand or want more control and gadgets get the apex.

[350gt]

I believe they still make apex junior, but I could be wrong. I've had both and while the rkl was easier, the cs support and quality of build in the apex is far superior. Da relies on email suoport with no phone option while apex has phone support.

Ahh yes.. Idk where i heard the jr was no longer being produced... But i stand corrected..

[Zack]

Actually, i think were both semi correct now that i think about it. They still have a junior product but it now has a display and i belive a 50 dollar increase over there non display version.

[Big_Pun]

I've used both and can't say one is completely superior to other. RK is a bit more user friendly in set up, programing with or with out a computer is very easy. as for apex it very difficult to do with getting it networked and using a computer or iOS/android device. apex is rolling out it's cloud based user interface soon and it will simplify a lot of things but it's still in beta. the net module on RKE is a waste of time IMO, unless you get it port forwarded it's not that great, phone apps either.

it's up to you and what you like, if you buy new you only save a lil between both system.

[alton]

I have two RKL's and never had an issue with either. I replaced the temp probe which I got from elegant reef. The only complaints I have heard is customer service from digital aquatics. But if you buy it locally like from elegant they stand up behind it and replace what ever goes bad. The biggest problem with online stores is they give a 30 day warranty on a product, that has 1 year warranty, which then you have to deal with the manufacture, not so with your Lfs. What ever you decide make sure you buy it locally

[ramsey]

One thing others haven't pointed out is that Neptune (the company that make the Apex) continues to innovate and add to the capabilities of the controller. For example, in the past year, they've added a leak detection module, an auto feeder, Radion wireless control and AI light control, not to mention Apex Fusion which is very nice and simplifies a lot of the configuration tasks. DA on the other hand hasn't really done much lately.

[350gt]

One thing others haven't pointed out is that Neptune (the company that make the Apex) continues to innovate and add to the capabilities of the controller. For example, in the past year, they've added a leak detection module, an auto feeder, Radion wireless control and AI light control, not to mention Apex Fusion which is very nice and simplifies a lot of the configuration tasks. DA on the other hand hasn't really done much lately.

Veddy true!

[koa25]

Awesome feedback guys. Thank you. I went ahead and order the elite titanium. Couldn't bring myself to spend another 250 on the apex. The future capabilities is tempting. Especially considering I do want a humongous tank someday. But this will do everything I want and some.

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[Big_Pun]

dang I was going to tel you fusion is rolling out and it's awesome i have been able to beta test it and I'm very happy with it thus far. no need for computer degree to network it

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/18/ybe3ese9.jpg

[350gt]

Blah blah blah.....

$250 is $250......

[350gt]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/18/zuha8a7u.jpg

My RK is monitoring too ;)

[Big_Pun]

but can you access it any where you have service on your phone or laptop? without port forwarding

[350gt]

Nope.... You have to port forward..

Still you can buy alot with $250 ;)

[koa25]

Yeah. 250 is a chunk of change for sure. I need to get a chiller as well. That's like half the cost right there. Being able to monitor from anywhere would be nice though.

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[350gt]

You can, its a bit buggy and setting it up is a pita....


But it can be done

[moneytank]

With the extra $250 you could get a charger for your phone.
6% battery left

[350gt]

Lol i can add to the 4 i have all over the house, 1 in both cars and 1 at work...

[moneytank]

Only one in the car ?
Think I have three in the car and usually can't even find one