Controller options

jcjrogers · 02/28/2017, 12:55 AM

I know this sort of thread pops up from time to time, but I couldn't find a recent one so figured I would post. I'm getting back in the hobby after a 15 year hiatus and this go-round, automation is going to be paramount due to a physical handicap. My tank will be 72" X 24" X 19".

It appears the two most talked about controllers are the Apex and the Reef Angel. The new 2016 Apex appears to be pretty slick but has some problems. The Reef Angel isn't as pretty and with Apex's 1-link capabilities with compatible devices, I'm sure it offers a very nice and clean installation. I'm a little confused in that Apex is supposed to be easy to program and apparently more of a "canned" system, but every time I see some "how to" posted, the answer is always code. Reef Angel is open source, which some flock to and others run from, but it is still code.

My hobby over the last 5 or so years has been flying RC helicopters and planes. With radios and controllers, I shied away from open source, mainly because a helicopter swinging 550-600mm blades will most likely kill someone if it hits them, not to mention, helis are expensive and time consuming to repair. The only open source I dealt with was with my racing quad where open source was the only option and the reprucussions were a LOT more forgiving. With reef keeping, you can test it all out while you are cycling and if something happens you don't intend, no biggie. Therefore, I'm not so averse to open source.

I realize RA is less expensive and Apex is more widely used. I also realize that open source is typically more powerful than canned. I'm not exactly seeing how Apex is easier to program (a claim often made), and I'm not seeing how RA would have as clean of installation or be as easy to piece together as the Apex. Coming from the RC hobby where new products always had issues, and the good companies eventually fixed the problems, I have to assume that Apex will fix the problems with the new 2016 controller. All of that said, I really want to know the pros/cons people have experienced with these controllers and what the folks who have experience with both like and dislike.

AaaRr · 02/28/2017, 10:20 AM

I'll be following along this thread as you asked some questions I have.

I was wondering if you have looked into the GHL ProfoLux?

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jcjrogers · 02/28/2017, 07:19 PM

GHL looks nice but a little hard to get my hands around... Profilux 3.1T, Profilux 4,Profilux 3.1T eX ... what can you add-- doser, float switches, etc., before you need the Expansion box? Powerbar has only 6 outlets, one of which isn't switchable.

I don't doubt that the GHL might be great, but I can't tell how much it will cost to operate my tank with one. I can follow the Apex and its accessories/attachments, and I could buy about every piece of hardware RA offers for the price of one of the larger GHL packages. I'm just not sure how far down the rabbit hole I have to go to get what I want with the GHL, but I'm not opposed to looking further.

scuzy · 02/28/2017, 07:31 PM

To me the RA isn't in the same league as apex or ghl. Both are pretty good controllers. The RA just seems so tacky u can't fathom putting my money on that ecosystem.

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02/28/2017, 12:55 AM	#1
jcjrogers Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Memphis, TN area Posts: 61	Controller options I know this sort of thread pops up from time to time, but I couldn't find a recent one so figured I would post. I'm getting back in the hobby after a 15 year hiatus and this go-round, automation is going to be paramount due to a physical handicap. My tank will be 72" X 24" X 19". It appears the two most talked about controllers are the Apex and the Reef Angel. The new 2016 Apex appears to be pretty slick but has some problems. The Reef Angel isn't as pretty and with Apex's 1-link capabilities with compatible devices, I'm sure it offers a very nice and clean installation. I'm a little confused in that Apex is supposed to be easy to program and apparently more of a "canned" system, but every time I see some "how to" posted, the answer is always code. Reef Angel is open source, which some flock to and others run from, but it is still code. My hobby over the last 5 or so years has been flying RC helicopters and planes. With radios and controllers, I shied away from open source, mainly because a helicopter swinging 550-600mm blades will most likely kill someone if it hits them, not to mention, helis are expensive and time consuming to repair. The only open source I dealt with was with my racing quad where open source was the only option and the reprucussions were a LOT more forgiving. With reef keeping, you can test it all out while you are cycling and if something happens you don't intend, no biggie. Therefore, I'm not so averse to open source. I realize RA is less expensive and Apex is more widely used. I also realize that open source is typically more powerful than canned. I'm not exactly seeing how Apex is easier to program (a claim often made), and I'm not seeing how RA would have as clean of installation or be as easy to piece together as the Apex. Coming from the RC hobby where new products always had issues, and the good companies eventually fixed the problems, I have to assume that Apex will fix the problems with the new 2016 controller. All of that said, I really want to know the pros/cons people have experienced with these controllers and what the folks who have experience with both like and dislike.

02/28/2017, 10:20 AM	#2
AaaRr Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Sparks, NV Posts: 54	I'll be following along this thread as you asked some questions I have. I was wondering if you have looked into the GHL ProfoLux? Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

02/28/2017, 07:19 PM	#3
jcjrogers Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Memphis, TN area Posts: 61	GHL looks nice but a little hard to get my hands around... Profilux 3.1T, Profilux 4,Profilux 3.1T eX ... what can you add-- doser, float switches, etc., before you need the Expansion box? Powerbar has only 6 outlets, one of which isn't switchable. I don't doubt that the GHL might be great, but I can't tell how much it will cost to operate my tank with one. I can follow the Apex and its accessories/attachments, and I could buy about every piece of hardware RA offers for the price of one of the larger GHL packages. I'm just not sure how far down the rabbit hole I have to go to get what I want with the GHL, but I'm not opposed to looking further.

02/28/2017, 07:31 PM	#4
scuzy Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 6,499	To me the RA isn't in the same league as apex or ghl. Both are pretty good controllers. The RA just seems so tacky u can't fathom putting my money on that ecosystem. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk