which controller APEX or RKE

sowellj · 11/23/2009, 01:22 PM

As the post says ... I am looking to get one of these two. I would like to hear people's experiences ... especially those that may have owned both.

James77 · 11/23/2009, 01:59 PM

I originally owned a RKE, but switched to an Apex about a month ago. I switched because the RKE lacks Tunze control, the ability to name outlets, and the ability to control over a PC/internet. RKE is supposedly addressing these by the end of the year. The Apex can also have its ORP port be used as a pH port, giving you 2 pH probes out of box- great for calcium reactors.

The Tunze and internet control come with the Apex, you'd have to buy separate modules for the RKE to do the same. Neptune also announced they will have a Vortech control module in production the beginning of the new year. RKE has not, from what I have seen here and on their forums, even commented on Vortech allowing that.

I have no regrets whatsoever switching from RKE to Neptune Apex. I grew tired of the endless waiting on DigitalAquatics for the most basic things like the naming outlets- its kind of a nice option to have on a $500 controller.

Support is great from Neptune. Digital Aquatics gets mixed reviews. They repaired my head unit no questions asked. However, it took many emails and over 2 weeks to get the controller working again.

sowellj · 11/23/2009, 02:35 PM

thanks for the response james. That is the way I was leaning, for the reasons you mentioned. DA customer support seems a bit lacking, that is the impression I get anyway. Any necessary software purchases for the apex?

CalmSeasQuest · 11/23/2009, 02:41 PM

I love my APEX - Support seems great, frequent updates, access and adjust over the Internet via cell (including Palm Pre.)

Couldn't imaging going "controllerless" again.

James77 · 11/23/2009, 02:51 PM

Updates, forgot to mention that one. The Apex could not have been easier to install, download it and it automatically loads. The RKE currently requires you to bring each and every module over to your PC. Its quite the PITA. Thats another one of the things finally being addressed by them with myReef, but that should not have even been an issue had the controller been more "complete" when it came to market.

No software purchases for the Apex. Its plug and play out of box. If you want Tunze control, you need to purchase the correct wires, $20 for a double. It has 6 switch inputs(compared to RKE 2), you need to purchase a connector for it, can be had at any electronics store.

DaveMorris · 11/24/2009, 01:20 AM

I prefer the RKE, but I do not have any hands on experience with the Apex. The RKE is very definately a "complete" package now, as well as when it was first released. You also don't have to buy any software. Oh, and the connectors for the SL1 come with it when you get the package.

Reefer08 · 11/24/2009, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James77

I originally owned a RKE, but switched to an Apex about a month ago. I switched because the RKE lacks Tunze control, the ability to name outlets, and the ability to control over a PC/internet. RKE is supposedly addressing these by the end of the year. The Apex can also have its ORP port be used as a pH port, giving you 2 pH probes out of box- great for calcium reactors.

The Tunze and internet control come with the Apex, you'd have to buy separate modules for the RKE to do the same. Neptune also announced they will have a Vortech control module in production the beginning of the new year. RKE has not, from what I have seen here and on their forums, even commented on Vortech allowing that.

I have no regrets whatsoever switching from RKE to Neptune Apex. I grew tired of the endless waiting on DigitalAquatics for the most basic things like the naming outlets- its kind of a nice option to have on a $500 controller.

Support is great from Neptune. Digital Aquatics gets mixed reviews. They repaired my head unit no questions asked. However, it took many emails and over 2 weeks to get the controller working again.

You can name the outlets with apex!!!!??? Wow that just sold me. I really hate to scroll through outlet one - million and not knowing whats what.

jcovercash · 11/24/2009, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefer08

You can name the outlets with apex!!!!??? Wow that just sold me. I really hate to scroll through outlet one - million and not knowing whats what.

QFT!!

When I get some "tank" funds saved up I will be switching from my RKL to an APEX!!!

studcoop · 11/24/2009, 08:11 PM

I ordered an Apex unit 2 weeks ago and it is still on backorder. Plan on waiting for one with the holiday coming up and all. At least plan on waiting about 2 to 3 weeks for delivery and maybe longer.

James77 · 11/24/2009, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by studcoop

I ordered an Apex unit 2 weeks ago and it is still on backorder. Plan on waiting for one with the holiday coming up and all. At least plan on waiting about 2 to 3 weeks for delivery and maybe longer.

They are in stock as some dealers, ReefGeek being one.

Big_D · 11/24/2009, 08:18 PM

Love my APEX... absolutely love it, especially being able to turn outlets on and odd and check data/graphs on my IPhone.

The Apex cable runs can be a lot longer than the RKE, and you can connect an almost limitless amount of EB8's for it to control. I made my own Tunze stream cables out of Cat5e cables I had laying around and some connectors I bought online.

D

Milamber · 11/24/2009, 11:49 PM

What is comparable to the RKL?
Is Apex still the favourite for the entry level modules?

DaveMorris · 11/25/2009, 02:02 AM

I would not consider the Apex or the RKE "entry level". They are both easy to use in their own way, but it is quite an investment to be considered an entry level controller. The RKL is entry level for Digital Aquatics and the ACjr has been entry level for Neptune. Neptune does have the Apex Lite, but that is more like a scaled back version of the Apex package, very similar to the RKE Basic package.

A firmware update for the RKL will be out January 2nd that will enable the RKL to utilize the RKM-NET module which will make the RKL entry level with a very powerful step upward in expandability.

jcovercash · 11/25/2009, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveMorris

I would not consider the Apex or the RKE "entry level". They are both easy to use in their own way, but it is quite an investment to be considered an entry level controller. The RKL is entry level for Digital Aquatics and the ACjr has been entry level for Neptune. Neptune does have the Apex Lite, but that is more like a scaled back version of the Apex package, very similar to the RKE Basic package.

A firmware update for the RKL will be out January 2nd that will enable the RKL to utilize the RKM-NET module which will make the RKL entry level with a very powerful step upward in expandability.

The biggest issue I see with the lite is that you can easily grow out of it if you use it on anything larger than a nano. I would like to get the NET module for my RKL but I have already maxed out the 4 module limit...

I will be switching to the apex instead of upgrading to the elite because of some drawbacks to the reefkeeper system, both in elite and lite.

Rands88 · 11/25/2009, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcovercash

The biggest issue I see with the lite is that you can easily grow out of it if you use it on anything larger than a nano. I would like to get the NET module for my RKL but I have already maxed out the 4 module limit...

I will be switching to the apex instead of upgrading to the elite because of some drawbacks to the reefkeeper system, both in elite and lite.

That is exactly what I am doing.

nikon187 · 11/25/2009, 11:30 PM

controllable from my i phone. Apex all the way.

Shard · 11/27/2009, 03:52 PM

Go with the APEX.. I am switching from the RKE to APEX for many of the reasons here, plus some..
Basically the APEX can do everything the RKE can, plus more...
Not to mention my customer service experience from DA has been nothing short of TERRIBLE.
While I am quite fond of DaveMorris.. and he does have inside knowledge since he is on the beta customer team for DA, it is not enough to keep me waiting. DA has said that the firmware update that is supposedly coming sometime soon for the RKE will add net control.. but NOT programming. In other words you can turn stuff on and off, but it still isn't going to have the strength of the APEX web interface.

Iphone app a plus for the APEX.. you can control/program via iphone/ipod touch. The RKE iphone app is nothing but a RSS reader that just tells you whats going on.. its not interactive.

I could write pages about my disappointment with DA.

One major issue I feel doesn't get enough attention.. I feel the RKE does not have enough internal memory to add a lot of the features found in the APEX... while many of the limitations of the RKE are due to software issues... there is a hardware issue limiting the software capabilities... SPACE for programming!

James77 · 11/27/2009, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shard

DA has said that the firmware update that is supposedly coming sometime soon for the RKE will add net control.. but NOT programming. In other words you can turn stuff on and off, but it still isn't going to have the strength of the APEX web interface.

It is amazing to me that they still have yet to come out with the software, and even then it does not give you complete net control. I originally got the RKE about one year ago, and was banking on the NET module to complete the controller, only to be let down with its limitations- so I didn't even bother.

One full year later and this controller still cannot be programmed from a computer? What a joke. With the new software, can you at least do firmware updates without removing each and every module and bringing it over to your PC?

I have a brand new RK Lite that i purchased for my planted tank. I'm right now conisdering selling it and just have the Apex control it.

Shard · 11/27/2009, 06:30 PM

Yes... I have had the NET module since it came out myself...
I think the net has been out since very early this year (it was late to market as I remember... no surprise from DA), and all they have done is two firmware updates? to fix bugs? no new features.
The reason I believe this is... is that the RKM-NET has limited flash space for firmware.. so they are trying to figure out how to implement more features.. but coming up short.. because they have already used up the code space...

Come to think of it.. I have had the RKE system for about a year now.. and have only had to update the firmware to fix bugs.. not add features... In an entire year.. not one new software feature added.

Forgot to add that myReef V2 will require new firmware... and as per what DaveMorris has said, new firmware will be available Jan 2nd, then DA will not be getting a functional myReef out in Q4.

cmacld · 11/27/2009, 08:21 PM

apex...apex...APEX!!

of course i have never owned a RKE but i love my APEX!

Shard · 12/10/2009, 06:44 PM

Looks like DA failed again..... not meeting the Q4 deadline for the myReef software... it is delayed until ATLEAST April 2010... one more reason I am dropping the RKE for the Apex. How typical.. and their guys kept telling me I was wrong... looks like I am right about them yet again!

11/23/2009, 01:22 PM	#1
sowellj Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: greenwood, sc Posts: 712	which controller APEX or RKE As the post says ... I am looking to get one of these two. I would like to hear people's experiences ... especially those that may have owned both.

11/23/2009, 01:59 PM	#2
James77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,158	I originally owned a RKE, but switched to an Apex about a month ago. I switched because the RKE lacks Tunze control, the ability to name outlets, and the ability to control over a PC/internet. RKE is supposedly addressing these by the end of the year. The Apex can also have its ORP port be used as a pH port, giving you 2 pH probes out of box- great for calcium reactors. The Tunze and internet control come with the Apex, you'd have to buy separate modules for the RKE to do the same. Neptune also announced they will have a Vortech control module in production the beginning of the new year. RKE has not, from what I have seen here and on their forums, even commented on Vortech allowing that. I have no regrets whatsoever switching from RKE to Neptune Apex. I grew tired of the endless waiting on DigitalAquatics for the most basic things like the naming outlets- its kind of a nice option to have on a $500 controller. Support is great from Neptune. Digital Aquatics gets mixed reviews. They repaired my head unit no questions asked. However, it took many emails and over 2 weeks to get the controller working again. __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater

11/23/2009, 02:41 PM	#4
CalmSeasQuest Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Brighton, MI Posts: 1,230	I love my APEX - Support seems great, frequent updates, access and adjust over the Internet via cell (including Palm Pre.) Couldn't imaging going "controllerless" again. __________________ -Tom The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man. - George Bernard Shaw Current Tank Info: 96X30" 270Gal, Kessil 360WEs, BK250 Double Cone, 400 gal ASW station with continuous water change

11/23/2009, 02:51 PM	#5
James77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,158	Updates, forgot to mention that one. The Apex could not have been easier to install, download it and it automatically loads. The RKE currently requires you to bring each and every module over to your PC. Its quite the PITA. Thats another one of the things finally being addressed by them with myReef, but that should not have even been an issue had the controller been more "complete" when it came to market. No software purchases for the Apex. Its plug and play out of box. If you want Tunze control, you need to purchase the correct wires, $20 for a double. It has 6 switch inputs(compared to RKE 2), you need to purchase a connector for it, can be had at any electronics store. __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater

11/24/2009, 01:20 AM	#6
DaveMorris VP, SDMAS Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sunny San Diego, CA Posts: 1,309	I prefer the RKE, but I do not have any hands on experience with the Apex. The RKE is very definately a "complete" package now, as well as when it was first released. You also don't have to buy any software. Oh, and the connectors for the SL1 come with it when you get the package. __________________ Dave My 130g tank: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2387989 Current Tank Info: 130g build in progress

11/23/2009, 02:35 PM	#3
sowellj Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: greenwood, sc Posts: 712	thanks for the response james. That is the way I was leaning, for the reasons you mentioned. DA customer support seems a bit lacking, that is the impression I get anyway. Any necessary software purchases for the apex?

11/24/2009, 08:11 PM	#9
studcoop Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: St Louis Posts: 53	I ordered an Apex unit 2 weeks ago and it is still on backorder. Plan on waiting for one with the holiday coming up and all. At least plan on waiting about 2 to 3 weeks for delivery and maybe longer.

11/24/2009, 08:18 PM	#11
Big_D Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Newnan, GA Posts: 493	Love my APEX... absolutely love it, especially being able to turn outlets on and odd and check data/graphs on my IPhone. The Apex cable runs can be a lot longer than the RKE, and you can connect an almost limitless amount of EB8's for it to control. I made my own Tunze stream cables out of Cat5e cables I had laying around and some connectors I bought online. D __________________ To see my 180gal build, click my user name and select "Visit Big_D's Homepage"! Current Tank Info: 180g SPS dominant mixed reef, 6x80W T-5's on IceCap 660's and 2x54W T-5's on a spec ballast, Alpha 250 Cone Skimmer, Dual Compat Medical Dosers, Deltec KM500S Kalk Stirrer, 2-VorTech MP40W's, 4-Tunze 6055's, APEX Controller... and an empty wallet!

11/24/2009, 11:49 PM	#12
Milamber Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Brampton, Ontario Posts: 107	What is comparable to the RKL? Is Apex still the favourite for the entry level modules?

11/25/2009, 02:02 AM	#13
DaveMorris VP, SDMAS Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sunny San Diego, CA Posts: 1,309	I would not consider the Apex or the RKE "entry level". They are both easy to use in their own way, but it is quite an investment to be considered an entry level controller. The RKL is entry level for Digital Aquatics and the ACjr has been entry level for Neptune. Neptune does have the Apex Lite, but that is more like a scaled back version of the Apex package, very similar to the RKE Basic package. A firmware update for the RKL will be out January 2nd that will enable the RKL to utilize the RKM-NET module which will make the RKL entry level with a very powerful step upward in expandability. __________________ Dave My 130g tank: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2387989 Current Tank Info: 130g build in progress

11/25/2009, 11:30 PM	#16
nikon187 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Edmonton Alberta Posts: 4,717	controllable from my i phone. Apex all the way.

11/27/2009, 03:52 PM	#17
Shard Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Valdosta, GA Posts: 624	Go with the APEX.. I am switching from the RKE to APEX for many of the reasons here, plus some.. Basically the APEX can do everything the RKE can, plus more... Not to mention my customer service experience from DA has been nothing short of TERRIBLE. While I am quite fond of DaveMorris.. and he does have inside knowledge since he is on the beta customer team for DA, it is not enough to keep me waiting. DA has said that the firmware update that is supposedly coming sometime soon for the RKE will add net control.. but NOT programming. In other words you can turn stuff on and off, but it still isn't going to have the strength of the APEX web interface. Iphone app a plus for the APEX.. you can control/program via iphone/ipod touch. The RKE iphone app is nothing but a RSS reader that just tells you whats going on.. its not interactive. I could write pages about my disappointment with DA. One major issue I feel doesn't get enough attention.. I feel the RKE does not have enough internal memory to add a lot of the features found in the APEX... while many of the limitations of the RKE are due to software issues... there is a hardware issue limiting the software capabilities... SPACE for programming! __________________ University: Biology M.S. - 2012, M.D. 2015 Tanks: (2) 28g Nanocube 150w MH HQI - 18w Actinic CF 29g Blue Spotted Jawfish Tank

11/27/2009, 06:30 PM	#19
Shard Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Valdosta, GA Posts: 624	Yes... I have had the NET module since it came out myself... I think the net has been out since very early this year (it was late to market as I remember... no surprise from DA), and all they have done is two firmware updates? to fix bugs? no new features. The reason I believe this is... is that the RKM-NET has limited flash space for firmware.. so they are trying to figure out how to implement more features.. but coming up short.. because they have already used up the code space... Come to think of it.. I have had the RKE system for about a year now.. and have only had to update the firmware to fix bugs.. not add features... In an entire year.. not one new software feature added. Forgot to add that myReef V2 will require new firmware... and as per what DaveMorris has said, new firmware will be available Jan 2nd, then DA will not be getting a functional myReef out in Q4. __________________ University: Biology M.S. - 2012, M.D. 2015 Tanks: (2) 28g Nanocube 150w MH HQI - 18w Actinic CF 29g Blue Spotted Jawfish Tank Last edited by Shard; 11/27/2009 at 06:43 PM.

11/27/2009, 08:21 PM	#20
cmacld Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 608	apex...apex...APEX!! of course i have never owned a RKE but i love my APEX! __________________ The Schnazzberries taste like Schnazzberries........ Current Tank Info: 100g rimless

12/10/2009, 06:44 PM	#21
Shard Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Valdosta, GA Posts: 624	Looks like DA failed again..... not meeting the Q4 deadline for the myReef software... it is delayed until ATLEAST April 2010... one more reason I am dropping the RKE for the Apex. How typical.. and their guys kept telling me I was wrong... looks like I am right about them yet again! __________________ University: Biology M.S. - 2012, M.D. 2015 Tanks: (2) 28g Nanocube 150w MH HQI - 18w Actinic CF 29g Blue Spotted Jawfish Tank Last edited by Shard; 12/10/2009 at 06:56 PM.