Controller

alf1096 · 09/20/2013, 02:53 PM

I just bought a nano to make sure I still like the hobby. Got out 5 years ago due to new children. If I still like it I plan on upgrading. I would like to buy a controller. I can get buy with 4 plugs for now. What is better the reef keeper lite or apex jr. I will need to go wireless for internet later down the road. I would like to keep a constant log if any of these will do that. I really don't know about what modules I would need or want. Some one school me. Would like to spend about 200 to start out. But if one is cheaper in the long run I am cool with that. Also air apex the only one with vortech integration.

Thanks

thegrun · 09/20/2013, 03:02 PM

More equipment on the market can be controlled (I should say controlled easily) with Apex Neptune than Reef Keeper, but there are work arounds either way. If you were certain you were going to stay in the hobby I would get a full blown version of Apex rather than the junior because in the long run it would save you money, but that would double the up-front cost. You might want to consider looking in the for sale forum, you can pick up a used controller at nearly half the cost of a new one.

rezaktp · 09/20/2013, 03:39 PM

+1 with the Apex...

If you are looking at the Apex Jr with only 4 outlets...you can run out, as some items to control are:
1. Moon lights
2. Dusk/Dawn Actinic
3. Main Lights
4. Heater
5. Alk doser
6. Cal Doser
7. Kalk Doser / Top-off
8. etc!

Remember this hobby grows on ya!

With the APEX lite you can end up with almost the same functionality of the full Apex by adding a PM1 down the line. I think the only diff will be control for Tunze powerheads...I have Vortechs so what I stated was true for me.

Dmorty217 · 09/20/2013, 06:54 PM

I own a RK but would suggest the apex for flexibility with pumps and lighting and such as mentioned above

alf1096 · 09/20/2013, 08:29 PM

I figured start with 4 outlets. More can be added later correct.

cderleth84 · 09/21/2013, 12:45 AM

You can add more later but the apex jr base cost is $220 and if (will) in the future need more outlets you can always buy another module. However, the cost of a module is $120 for a 4 outlet module and $160 for an 8 outlet module so you're better off spending the extra money up front and get the apex lite instead of the jr. It will be cheaper in the long run.

Sun357 · 09/21/2013, 11:22 AM

Apex for sure

09/20/2013, 02:53 PM	#1
alf1096 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 399	Controller I just bought a nano to make sure I still like the hobby. Got out 5 years ago due to new children. If I still like it I plan on upgrading. I would like to buy a controller. I can get buy with 4 plugs for now. What is better the reef keeper lite or apex jr. I will need to go wireless for internet later down the road. I would like to keep a constant log if any of these will do that. I really don't know about what modules I would need or want. Some one school me. Would like to spend about 200 to start out. But if one is cheaper in the long run I am cool with that. Also air apex the only one with vortech integration. Thanks __________________ 125 gal DT with 30 Sump, ReefBreeders LEDs, Mixed Reef

09/20/2013, 03:39 PM	#3
rezaktp Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Gurnee, IL Posts: 1,407	+1 with the Apex... If you are looking at the Apex Jr with only 4 outlets...you can run out, as some items to control are: 1. Moon lights 2. Dusk/Dawn Actinic 3. Main Lights 4. Heater 5. Alk doser 6. Cal Doser 7. Kalk Doser / Top-off 8. etc! Remember this hobby grows on ya! With the APEX lite you can end up with almost the same functionality of the full Apex by adding a PM1 down the line. I think the only diff will be control for Tunze powerheads...I have Vortechs so what I stated was true for me. __________________ 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

09/20/2013, 06:54 PM	#4
Dmorty217 Saltwater Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Vandalia OHIO Posts: 11,624	I own a RK but would suggest the apex for flexibility with pumps and lighting and such as mentioned above __________________ Fish are not disposable commodities, but a worthwhile investment that can be maintained and enjoyed for many years, providing one is willing to take the time to understand their requirements and needs Current Tank Info: 625g, 220g sump, RD3 230w, Vectra L1 on a closed loop, 3 MP60s, MP40. Several QTs

09/20/2013, 08:29 PM	#5
alf1096 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 399	I figured start with 4 outlets. More can be added later correct. __________________ 125 gal DT with 30 Sump, ReefBreeders LEDs, Mixed Reef

09/21/2013, 11:22 AM	#7
Sun357 Geek Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Rantoul, IL Posts: 137	Apex for sure __________________ ~Fred Current Tank Info: 25G Lagoon mixed reef

09/20/2013, 03:02 PM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	More equipment on the market can be controlled (I should say controlled easily) with Apex Neptune than Reef Keeper, but there are work arounds either way. If you were certain you were going to stay in the hobby I would get a full blown version of Apex rather than the junior because in the long run it would save you money, but that would double the up-front cost. You might want to consider looking in the for sale forum, you can pick up a used controller at nearly half the cost of a new one.

09/21/2013, 12:45 AM	#6
cderleth84 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: San Francisco Posts: 133	You can add more later but the apex jr base cost is $220 and if (will) in the future need more outlets you can always buy another module. However, the cost of a module is $120 for a 4 outlet module and $160 for an 8 outlet module so you're better off spending the extra money up front and get the apex lite instead of the jr. It will be cheaper in the long run.