Which Controller?

drillsar · 11/04/2010, 11:07 AM

I'm confused about controllers

Im thinking of Either Reefkeeper Lite Or Apex Lite

Thing is reefkeeper lite you can expand to Eilite but Apex Lite you cant expand to APEX.

Which is a better controller?

Im trying to decide here.

I was also told the saltinity probes for Reefkeeper are getting redone

rezaktp · 11/04/2010, 11:29 AM

I have a Apex lite, and I think it is great...no issues. I believe they are both good units and you will have good 7 bad days with both.

As far as the APRX lite i believe you can expand by adding the module for 2nd PH probe what you may not be able to do is add the module to control Tunze pumps. This was not an issue with me as i have Vortech's.

Good luck, whatever you decide you will wonder why you waited so long!

mike_cmu04 · 11/04/2010, 11:32 AM

What are the main things you want it to control?

Perched Urchin · 11/04/2010, 11:57 AM

I have an RKL and an RKE. Started with the RKL on a small tank doing basic things (temp control, light timer). When I started buidling my larger set up, I got a deal on an RKE and it does everything that I want it to do (ATO/Float switch control, pH monitor and control of my Ca Reactor, lots of timers, temp control). Salinity probe is a mystery - DA seems to have a major issue with getting that application to work; however, that function isn't anything I want to use. I now run my QT tank with my RKL.
As you said, pretty much anything you buy for the RKL will work with the RKE head unit - except the temp probes, which I can't understand why they do that, but not a huge deal.
You will find folks who swear by either RK or Apex and folks who swear at them as well.
As rezaktp said though, once you have one, you won't ever believe you lived without it!

DustinB · 11/04/2010, 12:10 PM

Or you can make a DIY controller that has the ability to do anything you could ever imagine the way you want it to for $100 to $1000 less.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1783536

skins4jared · 11/04/2010, 12:23 PM

My vote is for Reef Keeper Elite

sdc19982002 · 11/04/2010, 12:43 PM

I love my Lite, Wouldnt go any other way.

11/04/2010, 11:07 AM	#1
drillsar Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: West Orange, NJ Posts: 2,838	Which Controller? I'm confused about controllers Im thinking of Either Reefkeeper Lite Or Apex Lite Thing is reefkeeper lite you can expand to Eilite but Apex Lite you cant expand to APEX. Which is a better controller? Im trying to decide here. I was also told the saltinity probes for Reefkeeper are getting redone

11/04/2010, 11:29 AM	#2
rezaktp Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Gurnee, IL Posts: 1,407	I have a Apex lite, and I think it is great...no issues. I believe they are both good units and you will have good 7 bad days with both. As far as the APRX lite i believe you can expand by adding the module for 2nd PH probe what you may not be able to do is add the module to control Tunze pumps. This was not an issue with me as i have Vortech's. Good luck, whatever you decide you will wonder why you waited so long! __________________ Happy Reefing! Current Tank Info: 180g. Reef w/8-80w t-5's, 70g. Rubbermaid basement sump w/10g. fuge, APEX, Reef Octopus SRO 2000 Skimmer, 1/3hp Aqualogic chiller, 57w Aqua Ultraviolet UV, BRS 2-part w/2-Drews Dosers, 4-MP40wES

11/04/2010, 11:32 AM	#3
mike_cmu04 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Shepherd, Mi Posts: 2,348	What are the main things you want it to control? __________________ 92 Gallon corner tank, 2-radion gen 2 led lights, 2 mp40's Current Tank Info: 92 Gallon Corner Tank

11/04/2010, 11:57 AM	#4
Perched Urchin Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Plain City, Ohio Posts: 390	I have an RKL and an RKE. Started with the RKL on a small tank doing basic things (temp control, light timer). When I started buidling my larger set up, I got a deal on an RKE and it does everything that I want it to do (ATO/Float switch control, pH monitor and control of my Ca Reactor, lots of timers, temp control). Salinity probe is a mystery - DA seems to have a major issue with getting that application to work; however, that function isn't anything I want to use. I now run my QT tank with my RKL. As you said, pretty much anything you buy for the RKL will work with the RKE head unit - except the temp probes, which I can't understand why they do that, but not a huge deal. You will find folks who swear by either RK or Apex and folks who swear at them as well. As rezaktp said though, once you have one, you won't ever believe you lived without it! __________________ Rob IM Nuvo 10 with Nanobox led 40G IM Nuvo Black build in process!

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11/04/2010, 12:10 PM	#5
DustinB Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 1,532	Or you can make a DIY controller that has the ability to do anything you could ever imagine the way you want it to for $100 to $1000 less. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1783536

11/04/2010, 12:23 PM	#6
skins4jared Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 5	My vote is for Reef Keeper Elite

11/04/2010, 12:43 PM	#7
sdc19982002 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Wills Point,Texas Posts: 925	I love my Lite, Wouldnt go any other way.