need help picking controller.

akindbro4u · 07/24/2009, 05:36 AM

I was looking to get a controller. I was considering the reefkeeper, and suggestions or alternative with pros and cons. please.

DaveMorris · 07/24/2009, 11:06 AM

I am a big fan of the Digital Aquatics RKE and RKL products. It really depends on what you need/want your controller to do.

GlassReef · 07/24/2009, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DaveMorris
I am a big fan of the Digital Aquatics RKE and RKL products. It really depends on what you need/want your controller to do.

Hey, Spring Hiller. Take a look at the new Neptune Apex. What's not to like ....

luther1200 · 07/24/2009, 01:55 PM

I just got a RKE and I am very happy with it. I have no first hand experience with any others though.

evergreenreeftank · 07/24/2009, 02:40 PM

I have a Reefkeeper Lite and love it!

akindbro4u · 07/24/2009, 02:54 PM

i really like the neptune web interface, but dosn't the reef keeper elite do the same? And at the same price. You guys arn't making this easy on me.

GlassReef · 07/24/2009, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by akindbro4u
i really like the neptune web interface, but dosn't the reef keeper elite do the same? And at the same price. You guys arn't making this easy on me.

With the RKE, I believe you have to buy an accessory module to connect to the web. Someone correct me, if I'm wrong.

luther1200 · 07/24/2009, 03:24 PM

Yes, you would need the NET module. But you can't actually control it from that, just for monitering and graphing I think. I think the APEX can be controlled from the computer, but not %100 positive about that. I personally have no need to control my tank from the web, I don't think I would be comfortable making changes unless I am there to make sure nothing goes wrong. But many people do seem to like to be able to.

VacavilleFC3S · 07/24/2009, 04:07 PM

ac jr can be controlled from the web, i own one, and think it's the best bang for your buck

teesquare · 07/24/2009, 04:22 PM

No one mentioned GHL?
Unlimited expanability - you never have to trash even their beginner controller. You can up-grade it a piece at a time, all the way to the top of the line unit. Will run Tunzes at variable speed without buyin anything but the cables. Gauranteed to never be obsolete.... THAT I like! Runs up to a 4 head dosing pump....measures all perameters including salinity if you want.
T

akindbro4u · 07/24/2009, 09:41 PM

GHL?

akindbro4u · 07/24/2009, 09:55 PM

ok got it. Now we are moving a bit out of my range, even thought i can see how they are worth it.

teesquare · 07/25/2009, 04:48 AM

Yes - not the cheapest, I agree... But they do not use their customers as their Beta testers like some other companies.
When GHL rolls out a controller - you will not have the glitches tha many have reported with others.
T

HighlandReef · 07/25/2009, 11:57 AM

i have seen alot of people like neptune

GlassReef · 07/25/2009, 02:12 PM

I think, at least here in the States, Digital Aquatics (RKE), GHL (Profilux), and Neptune (AC-III, Apex) are the main players.

Profilux is very well designed and engineered. Solid as a rock, but in order to get a wide array of functions going, you have to invest in a bunch of accessory modules. The result is a very functional, but very expensive controller. Full Net access is an accessory module (LAN Card).

The RKE has more than acceptable built-in functionality and is very adaptable - all for a very acceptable price. The open-end design makes the future a bright place for those willing to wait for new accessory modules. Unfortunately, DA tend to throw they're products on the market before they are properly tested. Net access is an accessory module.

Neptune's new Apex controller, in it's basic form, has all the functionality of the older AC-III Pro (with the exception of conductivity measurement), plus greatly expanded built-in AquaSurf/T5 dimming control. All the existing AC hardware is usable on the Apex. The control functionality of the Apex is based on tried and true AC design. Price is very good. Net access is built-in.

Obviously, everything above is just my personal opinion. I just ordered an upgrade to the Apex.

Runfrumu · 07/25/2009, 04:02 PM

check out the lighthouse pro, I've been very happy with mine.

http://www.mcuresearch.com/

sjm817 · 07/25/2009, 04:33 PM

Like many things, you need to define what your needs are. Controllers can be very basic in feature/function or extremely sophisticated and everything in between. You want to get what you need, but dont want to buy a bunch of functionality you will never use.

GlassReef · 07/25/2009, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sjm817
Like many things, you need to define what your needs are. Controllers can be very basic in feature/function or extremely sophisticated and everything in between. You want to get what you need, but dont want to buy a bunch of functionality you will never use.

I would tend to agree with your point of view. My problem is, my own definition of what I need and what I'll never use seems to be very fluid.

DaveMorris · 07/25/2009, 06:39 PM

You can also look at aquariumcontrollers.com for a good comparison chart of features and cost. I'm not sure that the Apex is on there yet because it just came out a few weeks ago.

akindbro4u · 07/26/2009, 04:46 AM

thank you all. I think the apex is swaying my vote.

07/24/2009, 05:36 AM	#1
akindbro4u Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 756	need help picking controller. I was looking to get a controller. I was considering the reefkeeper, and suggestions or alternative with pros and cons. please.

07/24/2009, 11:06 AM	#2
DaveMorris VP, SDMAS Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sunny San Diego, CA Posts: 1,309	I am a big fan of the Digital Aquatics RKE and RKL products. It really depends on what you need/want your controller to do. __________________ Dave My 130g tank: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2387989 Current Tank Info: 130g build in progress

07/24/2009, 01:55 PM	#4
luther1200 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NJ, shore Posts: 4,376	I just got a RKE and I am very happy with it. I have no first hand experience with any others though. __________________ Matt, 65G reef tank Current Tank Info: 65g reef, mix of sps, lps, few softies. Hoping to upgrade within the year.

07/24/2009, 03:24 PM	#8
luther1200 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NJ, shore Posts: 4,376	Yes, you would need the NET module. But you can't actually control it from that, just for monitering and graphing I think. I think the APEX can be controlled from the computer, but not %100 positive about that. I personally have no need to control my tank from the web, I don't think I would be comfortable making changes unless I am there to make sure nothing goes wrong. But many people do seem to like to be able to. __________________ Matt, 65G reef tank Current Tank Info: 65g reef, mix of sps, lps, few softies. Hoping to upgrade within the year.

07/24/2009, 04:22 PM	#10
teesquare Coral Curmudgeon Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: western NC Posts: 1,663	No one mentioned GHL? Unlimited expanability - you never have to trash even their beginner controller. You can up-grade it a piece at a time, all the way to the top of the line unit. Will run Tunzes at variable speed without buyin anything but the cables. Gauranteed to never be obsolete.... THAT I like! Runs up to a 4 head dosing pump....measures all perameters including salinity if you want. T __________________ No....really honey, it was a gift! Current Tank Info: 700 gallon combined reef/frag systems - 650gal Cichlid system

07/24/2009, 02:40 PM	#5
evergreenreeftank Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Broomfield, CO Posts: 215	I have a Reefkeeper Lite and love it!

07/24/2009, 02:54 PM	#6
akindbro4u Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 756	i really like the neptune web interface, but dosn't the reef keeper elite do the same? And at the same price. You guys arn't making this easy on me.

07/24/2009, 04:07 PM	#9
VacavilleFC3S Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Vacaville California Posts: 2,613	ac jr can be controlled from the web, i own one, and think it's the best bang for your buck

07/24/2009, 09:41 PM	#11
akindbro4u Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 756	GHL?

07/24/2009, 09:55 PM	#12
akindbro4u Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 756	ok got it. Now we are moving a bit out of my range, even thought i can see how they are worth it.

07/25/2009, 04:48 AM	#13
teesquare Coral Curmudgeon Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: western NC Posts: 1,663	Yes - not the cheapest, I agree... But they do not use their customers as their Beta testers like some other companies. When GHL rolls out a controller - you will not have the glitches tha many have reported with others. T __________________ No....really honey, it was a gift! Current Tank Info: 700 gallon combined reef/frag systems - 650gal Cichlid system

07/25/2009, 11:57 AM	#14
HighlandReef Chalice Monger Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NW Indiana Posts: 1,163	i have seen alot of people like neptune

07/25/2009, 02:12 PM	#15
GlassReef Got Reef Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Weeki Wachee, Florida Posts: 2,501	I think, at least here in the States, Digital Aquatics (RKE), GHL (Profilux), and Neptune (AC-III, Apex) are the main players. Profilux is very well designed and engineered. Solid as a rock, but in order to get a wide array of functions going, you have to invest in a bunch of accessory modules. The result is a very functional, but very expensive controller. Full Net access is an accessory module (LAN Card). The RKE has more than acceptable built-in functionality and is very adaptable - all for a very acceptable price. The open-end design makes the future a bright place for those willing to wait for new accessory modules. Unfortunately, DA tend to throw they're products on the market before they are properly tested. Net access is an accessory module. Neptune's new Apex controller, in it's basic form, has all the functionality of the older AC-III Pro (with the exception of conductivity measurement), plus greatly expanded built-in AquaSurf/T5 dimming control. All the existing AC hardware is usable on the Apex. The control functionality of the Apex is based on tried and true AC design. Price is very good. Net access is built-in. Obviously, everything above is just my personal opinion. I just ordered an upgrade to the Apex. __________________ Tom No matter how much you try to push the envelope, it remains stationary.

07/25/2009, 04:02 PM	#16
Runfrumu Hi Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NC Posts: 1,014	check out the lighthouse pro, I've been very happy with mine. http://www.mcuresearch.com/ __________________ Red Sea Max 130d and 125 gallon mixed reef. Current Tank Info: 125 gallon oceanic tank, Lighthouse Pro XLS, 72" outer orbit fixture, H&S 150-F2000/1 skimmer, H&S 110 Calcium Reactor, Tunze 7096, 2 Tunze 6105's , Tunze Osmolator, Prime 1/4hp drop-in chiller. 5 years running. Red Sea Max, 3 years.

07/25/2009, 04:33 PM	#17
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	Like many things, you need to define what your needs are. Controllers can be very basic in feature/function or extremely sophisticated and everything in between. You want to get what you need, but dont want to buy a bunch of functionality you will never use. __________________ - Scott

07/25/2009, 06:39 PM	#19
DaveMorris VP, SDMAS Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sunny San Diego, CA Posts: 1,309	You can also look at aquariumcontrollers.com for a good comparison chart of features and cost. I'm not sure that the Apex is on there yet because it just came out a few weeks ago. __________________ Dave My 130g tank: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2387989 Current Tank Info: 130g build in progress

07/26/2009, 04:46 AM	#20
akindbro4u Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 756	thank you all. I think the apex is swaying my vote.