controller

[rich850]

i want to buy a controller which is the best? i want to be able to access my controller remotely ? what kind of controller and add ons are necessary to do this?

[tkeracer619]

profilux

[rich850]

any more suggestions? maybe a more inexpensive option i have been looking at the apex and reefkeeper elite and reefkeeper lite 3 and i am looking for advice on what i can and cant do with the basic packages for these

[psyrob]

look at the ReefAngel: reefangel.com. 219 plus shipping gets you ph probe, temp probe, two switches, eight outlets, and only 109 more gets a wireless module to connect you thru the internet. you need some guts, because it is a new kid on the block and open source, meaning you may have to program some things you want, but the basic kit comes loaded with basic functions already in...you can control pumps, fans, lights, ATO's and lots more...

[OregonReefer]

If you do a search you'll see the Apex is the preferred controller between the two

[Hawkdl2]

For cost, features, expandability, customer support, RC user forum support, manual, web/phone accessibility it's very hard to beat the Apex.

[James77]

Apex hands down, it is by far the best balance of price, features, and quality. The RK are, and always have been, behind Neptune and Profilux in terms of features, releases, and support.

With the Apexs 3 out-of-box modules, RK Elite would have over twice as many modules to get the same features:
-SL1 needed for Apexs pH/ORP temp built into the base,plus Apex still has 4 more switches than it for top off, etc
-APC or 2 ALC's needed for Apexs 4 dimmable ports built into its base unit to control Tunze or LEDs
-NET module to connect to internet for email alerts for Apexs built in web server that can email, connect to a PC and internet
-SID module to update and connect to PC which the Apex does with its base module.

More modules and more clutter IMO. Up to 7 or 8 modules to get the same thing the Apex can do with 3. Most of us are not spreading our hardware out over an entire house, so it is easier to have it all together. The only things ReefKeeper Elite package has over the Apex are a slighty mor aesthetic head unit and the strip plugs separated into 2 strips instead of Apexs one.

If you want smaller...Apex has the Apexjr out any day now. 4 outlets, temp, and web server built in for $150. Expandable up to 5 more modules. The RK Lite is limited by four. No display with the Apexjr, but it can be added....and I rarely use mine.

The Profilux is great as far as quality and features, but very expensive once you start adding things into it.

The ReefAngel seems interesting, but take a look at their support forum for the kind of coding you will need to do. It is alot more complicated in that area than any of these other 3.