Opinions on Reef Angel Controller

[WingoLED]

Thinking of get it, what's your opinion on it and its price/performance/support vs other controllers?

[topjimmy]

I have one and I love it. The support on the forums and from the owner is top notch.

For the price you get PH and temp probe. a 6 outlet power block, a two float ATO, and a head unit that is programmable to do pretty much anything you can imagine.

Lots of expansion modules if you want to add wifi or control pumps etc. I wish that it had built in ethernet or wifi but that was not a deciding factor for me.

If you have the Tunze controllable pumps you can buy the analog version and control them.

If you have any questions feel free to PM me, or just cruise the forum at the reefangel website.

[Dave Thebrewguy]

Originally Posted by topjimmy

I have one and I love it. The support on the forums and from the owner is top notch.

For the price you get PH and temp probe. a 6 outlet power block, a two float ATO, and a head unit that is programmable to do pretty much anything you can imagine.

Lots of expansion modules if you want to add wifi or control pumps etc. I wish that it had built in ethernet or wifi but that was not a deciding factor for me.

If you have the Tunze controllable pumps you can buy the analog version and control them.

If you have any questions feel free to PM me, or just cruise the forum at the reefangel website.

+1 to all of the above, except that it has 8 outlets. In addition, you have a choice of 1-10v or PWM dimming (or both) and, IIRC, AI and Vortech control.
I also looked at RKE, RKL and Apex when I bought my RA. The Reef Angel blows the Reef Keepers out of the water (sorry, bad pun) and offers more bang for the buck than Apex. Don't worry about the programming, there are wizards that will do it all for you and you won't need to write a single line of code unless you need something out of the ordinary.
Btw, the Android and iPhone apps are excellent, an Apex owner told me "I wish mine could do all that" when I showed it to him.

[advancebc29]

I bought an apex. Reef Angels are nice but I did not feel like having to write code or get very involved in messing with it. I just want to plug it in and work out of the box. And i wanted something with built in network access out of the box. Apex is also about to release a new firmware update that will allow the use of IP cameras.
my .02

[Dave Thebrewguy]

Originally Posted by advancebc29

I bought an apex. Reef Angels are nice but I did not feel like having to write code or get very involved in messing with it. I just want to plug it in and work out of the box.

You must have bought your apex a while ago. The Reef Angel comes already programed with the most common functions, just plug it in, set your temp and timer schedules and it's done even the float switches for the ATO are included (but you'll need something to mount them on). If you want other functions, just plug it into a USB port and fire up the wizard software, answer some simple questions and it will create a custom program for you. No "messing" required.

[advancebc29]

Originally Posted by Dave Thebrewguy

You must have bought your apex a while ago. The Reef Angel comes already programed with the most common functions, just plug it in, set your temp and timer schedules and it's done even the float switches for the ATO are included (but you'll need something to mount them on). If you want other functions, just plug it into a USB port and fire up the wizard software, answer some simple questions and it will create a custom program for you. No "messing" required.

you lost me at plug it into a USB port. Much rather open up a browser from any where in the world and configure it

Dont get me wrong RA is a nice controller and has come a long way. IMO it is missing some niceness that I get with the apex.

[Dave Thebrewguy]

The USB hook up is needed for initial programing only, changes to settings like temp or timers is via browser, app or portal. I use my phone to control the whole thing now.

[Patricklong]

Im sold

[tkeracer619]

Reef Angel has my seal of approval. Great product and great company.

Coding can be tricky on some things but that has come a long way since the RA was released.

If plugging in a usb cord and tinkering a bit doesn't frighten you then go for it. You won't be disappointed.

[MortenB]

I have not tried any other controllers for comparison, but I have the Reef Angel system and am very happy with it. I'm no super programmer, but do have some very basic understanding of programming. I appreciate the fact that I can program things exactly to my needs and liking. Two thumbs up. M

[jjschm]

I am a huge fan of my Reef Angel controller. In fact, it is what really got me back in the hobby and my tank has never looked better. Like all controllers, I sleep better knowing my system is being monitored. I enjoy the mobile, web, and custom access to all the information as well. Beyond that, the system is amazingly flexible if your so inclined (and it is in fact encouraged in the spirit of development) or it has a good base system if you want it to work out of the box. Lastly, the service and response to questions are truly top notch. I feel that I've gotten an education in both electronics and programming by just asking questions and reading the forum.

-Jon

[jjschm]

***please delete this message, misplaced post****

[dbmet]

I have an apex on one aquarium and I purchased a Reef Angel for my other system.. I like tinkering with stuff and the support for the Reef Angel has been great.. Its even better now that Russ at Reeftronics has it working with his system..

[Buzz1329]

Originally Posted by topjimmy

If you have the Tunze controllable pumps you can buy the analog version and control them.

Can you do things comparable to the Tunze multicontroller with the Reef Angel?

[tkeracer619]

Yes, if you get the analog version you can control tunzes with it. You just need the control cables.

[WingoLED]

Thanks for all the input, keep it coming.

The price of the plus package seems very good as it has almost everything a general user needs. Unfortunately, I am thinking of using a lot more channels for lighting. The dimming expansion is a bit expensive comparing to a "DIY" type implementation. That is so far the reason holding me back to get it as of now. Also recently I found another, DIY type implementation of a controller with a LARGE color touch screen and I can easily my DIY type dimming expansion to it. But with DIY controller, I will loose a lot of smoothness and finished product feel to it such as nice casing and so forth. May be, I should just separate the two controllers, Reef Angel for reefing and a DIY type controller for lighting.

[jkhuskies99]

I am a fan. As mentioned above, the customer service is amazing. I needed some help with initial setup and I emailed them on a Saturday expecting an answer on Monday morning. 10 minutes later I received a response and my questions were answered. The wizard is great for the folks that can't program, I basically set up my system mostly using the wizard. Anything beyond the wizard, you can receive help from the company or the forum on their website.

[Buzz1329]

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

Yes, if you get the analog version you can control tunzes with it. You just need the control cables.

Great. I would get the control cables from Tunze, right?

[topjimmy]

They sell them on the reefangel site. As for the dimming, I have a diy led and am only using the two dimming ports that are standard. I run my RB's and Violets on one and my Whites and RGB on the other.

[monkeytank]

I vouch for their great customer service. I asked a bunch of questions before ordering and got quick replies each time. I asked a question after buying three of them and they answered right away so service doesn't end after the sale.

[monkeytank]

I should also mention the PH probes I had were the old style and were not reliable. They are sending me the new version - no hassle.