Ok. I want your input. Which controller to buy and what's your logic!?

[Frogman]

Controllers and Lights. Two of the most expensive purchases/investments and debated as intensely as US politics.

I'm looking to buy a controller. I've heard from a few people, but want to really get some good discussion in about why, benefits over cost, adaptability, maint and coverage on repair, etc...

The three I have been looking at are of course:

Neptune Apex (but what model?)
Reef keeper (plus or elite)
And the latest Reef Angel.

I know it's the holidays, but how about we also get some vendor feedback as well. I really want to buy what's best for me. Not just what's the best on the market. Balance price and usability.

Shall we begin?



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[Zack]

Id recommend the full apex system (either apex or apex gold) if you can swing it. It's leagues ahead of the reef keeper. I'm not too framiliar with the reef angel but thousands of aquarists have used apex for years so any problems I've ever had I've been able to solve locally with other users.

Price vs usability is an interesting one. A lot of people like the reef keeper because it can be had around $100-$120 but that's with no internet capabilities. Adding on their net module is another $100 so for $200 for a comparable system in terms of base function vs the apex jr, the apex blows it out of the water.

*edt: also, I've owned both. Reef keeper lite with 2 pc4s, vdm module, and net module and apex junior and an apex w/DC8

[Dkray944]

Apex gold for sure.... The control and safety measures you get are definetly worth the money.

[210Modz]

I like apex but I built my controller with a arduino using the ferduino sketch.

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[Frogman]

I like apex but I built my controller with a arduino using the ferduino sketch.

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I've seen videos of this and was very intrigued. However, since I know very little on programming source code... I'd almost pay the Apex price and have it all prebuilt.

Plus, I'm a little to ADD to build all those circuits and solder those delicate connections. While it would be a fun project, I wouldn't have the patience for it.




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[AlexF762]

Id go with the apex or apex gold as well. I run one and that's the only controller we recommend to our clients. Easy to program the settings with the pre-sets they have and with a few videos you can learn to program "advanced" easily. The apex has modules to do just about anything and the customer support is great. There's lots of things that give aquarist peace of mind with the apex like leak detectors, and the fact you can start shutting things off if temp gets too high and get e-mails and txt about it.


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[Frogman]

Thanks! Appreciate the stores input!


It's in everyone's best interest to take care of those who take care of you. Support a local Veteran!

[klwheat]

So, did you end up purchasing one? Which one? Thoughts about it now? (Enquiring mind want to know :) )

[Frogman]

Reef angel. Open source completely programmable. Got it through a trade/purchase so couldn't pass it up


It's in everyone's best interest to take care of those who take care of you. Support a local Veteran!

[klwheat]

Nice! You should post a review when you have a chance.

[Frogman]

I can do that, Ill work on that today.

[Frogman]

http://www.maast.org/showthread.php?84567-Reef-Angel-Controller-Review&p=990004#post990004

Thread to the Review.