What aquarium controller

redlazer · 12/11/2017, 08:35 PM

I’m thinking of getting a aquarium controller, but I don’t have much to control or monitor. I would like to have a temp sensor, control two Kessil h150 over refugium basically a timmer, other than that I like how the Apex system allows you to monitor power usage. Any idea what controller I should look at?

solitude127 · 12/12/2017, 01:53 PM

I think Neptune systems has a big fan base and it's pretty easy to get someone to answer your questions if you have any.

HBtank · 12/12/2017, 03:07 PM

I have a 10 year old Jr. going strong, temp probe still the most accurate I have with 0 re-calibration. +1 for Neptune

d0ughb0y · 12/13/2017, 10:37 AM

get a used apex classic or apex lite.
the current reading is a novelty, it does not measure accurately. a kill-a-watt can give a more accurate power reading.

lapin · 12/13/2017, 12:15 PM

Me Apex fan. Will allow you to expand, in case you find you love be a control freak.

mcgyvr · 12/13/2017, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redlazer

I’m thinking of getting a aquarium controller, but I don’t have much to control or monitor. I would like to have a temp sensor, control two Kessil h150 over refugium basically a timmer, other than that I like how the Apex system allows you to monitor power usage. Any idea what controller I should look at?

If you aren't bothered by the cost of the controllers then go for it..
But you can get what you want for far less than the cost of any "reef" controller..

A standalone temp sensor (or inkbird if you want temp sensor and heater control based off it) plus a regular table lamp timer and done..

redlazer · 12/13/2017, 04:28 PM

What’s the difference between apex classic and lite? I think I’m going to do with out a controller unless a find a good deal on a used one.

HBtank · 12/13/2017, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redlazer

What’s the difference between apex classic and lite? I think I’m going to do with out a controller unless a find a good deal on a used one.

I think he meant jr.

My general understanding (I have an old one) is it has less capability for monitors (i.e. ORP etc..) and comes with a 4 plug block instead of 8. I am not sure about all the new modules and software, but I would think much of this stuff is similar, compatible, or standalone.

The real downside I see is the 4 plugs can go quick (I ended up buying another 8...); as for the monitors, IMO anything but a pH/temp monitor are just toys (and even the pH to some degree).

I would not say a controller is needed, but the basic ones in the Jr. price range are not that expensive (relative to this hobby), and much of it is stuff you need anyway in some form (heater control, temp robe, solid power block, timer). Sure you could piece it all together with cheaper stuff, but I think down the road you would appreciate the options a basic controller gives in one clean package.

redlazer · 12/13/2017, 06:38 PM

Any info on Neptune AquaController III? I seen on of them for sale for under 140$.

Cheapreef · 12/13/2017, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redlazer

Any info on Neptune AquaController III? I seen on of them for sale for under 140$.

That would be at least 10 years old. They haven't sold those in awhile.

redlazer · 12/13/2017, 08:16 PM

If anyone is going to buy a apex I don’t see why anyone would buy a Jr. I seen some reef keepers lite controllers around $100-200. How are they value per price?

12/11/2017, 08:35 PM	#1
redlazer Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 87	What aquarium controller I’m thinking of getting a aquarium controller, but I don’t have much to control or monitor. I would like to have a temp sensor, control two Kessil h150 over refugium basically a timmer, other than that I like how the Apex system allows you to monitor power usage. Any idea what controller I should look at?

12/12/2017, 01:53 PM	#2
solitude127 Proud user of IO Salt! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 9,136	I think Neptune systems has a big fan base and it's pretty easy to get someone to answer your questions if you have any. __________________ Mike <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ ReefKeeping.com TOTM Nov 2012 Socalireefs Featured Reef Oct 2011 Current Tank Info: 603020, 8x54 ATI Powermodule, ReefBrite XHO, ATB Elegance 200, Aquamaxx CTech CaRx, Ecotech Vortechs, Apex Controls, WM Ecobak powered. RedSea Reefer 170, MP10, Apex Jr, Ecotech Radion XR15, Aquamaxx WS-1

12/12/2017, 03:07 PM	#3
HBtank Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 2,957	I have a 10 year old Jr. going strong, temp probe still the most accurate I have with 0 re-calibration. +1 for Neptune __________________ 80g Aiptasia dominated reef tank.. with fish and now a bunch of berghia! Current Tank Info: 80g tank, re-starting a reef after a zoanthid nudibranch plauge, followed by months of steady and unstoppable STN/RTN, crashed; stayed FOWLR for a couple years, currently an aiptasia dominated reef tank with fishies and BERGHIA

12/13/2017, 10:37 AM	#4
d0ughb0y Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: sf bay area Posts: 5,165	get a used apex classic or apex lite. the current reading is a novelty, it does not measure accurately. a kill-a-watt can give a more accurate power reading.

12/13/2017, 12:15 PM	#5
lapin Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Austin Posts: 801	Me Apex fan. Will allow you to expand, in case you find you love be a control freak.

12/13/2017, 04:28 PM	#7
redlazer Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 87	What’s the difference between apex classic and lite? I think I’m going to do with out a controller unless a find a good deal on a used one.

12/13/2017, 06:38 PM	#9
redlazer Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 87	Any info on Neptune AquaController III? I seen on of them for sale for under 140$.

12/13/2017, 08:16 PM	#11
redlazer Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 87	If anyone is going to buy a apex I don’t see why anyone would buy a Jr. I seen some reef keepers lite controllers around $100-200. How are they value per price?