controller suggestions

[LowDime]

So i have my 120 almost up and fully functioning. I have the cycle started and about 70% of the water in the system with sand and rock. I have never used a controller before other than on power heads. I have struggled with my 65 keeping it going the way i want it and measuring stuff. I have start looking into controllers and need some input or suggestions. I have looked at the Reef keeper elite, the apex, and some other just looking for real world information from people that use them. I currently done run any dosing pumps. so that i dont have right now.

Thanks

[lapin]

On my 125 i ran an apex. Worked like a charm for me. I like the web interface. Makes things pretty easy. Controls, MP40, Kessel lights, misc pumps and sensors.

[Cheapreef]

Used to run a RKE for about 6 months switched to the APEX Gold and I can say it's on another level. Really like the funtionality of it, I wouldn't run another tank without one.

[bearpeidog]

Apex is the cats meow. I like that you can even enter water Params and track them. Very versatile and many options. You have the fusion interface for web access. They have a new Alk tester in the works to be delivered in Q1/Q2 of next year that runs off the new apex. Can’t wait! I do believe apex is the best.

[top shelf]

Another vote for Apex. Love how simple it makes things and the possibilities are endless as far as control goes. As mentioned really nice you can enter your test parameters and keep track of em. Having a graph to look at is a nice touch as well.

[LowDime]

they have the new generation out now. are the older style still any good or would it be dumb to go that route?

[Abstract3000]

I love my Apex, I have a Classic with 2 EB8's, PM2, ALD, ASM, BOB, FMM, WXM modules. The controller works great for setting up a lot of Fail Safes, Monitoring basic parameters, and customizing flows with Vortechs.

As for keeping parameters Stable though, a controller isn't going to have a huge impact in that area, that's more up to you and your personal husbandry methods, attention to detail and patience. You need to be physically testing your parameters (The controllers won't do that for you as of this time) Calculate out the amount needed to dose, keep up on water changes, and ensure your filtration methods are adequate for your setup.

[Abstract3000]

Originally Posted by LowDime

they have the new generation out now. are the older style still any good or would it be dumb to go that route?

The only difference in the new style vs old is that the New Setup has Wireless built in, Conductivity built in not needing a PM2, and will monitor the amount of power from each individual Outlet. Aside from that you can do everything with the older classic model that you can do with the 2016 model.

[bearpeidog]

Originally Posted by Abstract3000

The only difference in the new style vs old is that the New Setup has Wireless built in, Conductivity built in not needing a PM2, and will monitor the amount of power from each individual Outlet. Aside from that you can do everything with the older classic model that you can do with the 2016 model.

Keep in mind the older one will not be able to run the Alk monitor. It requires the faster processor found in the new apex. It is not backwards compatible.

[rocsec1]

I’ve used both the rkl and apex. I started with the rkl and then bought an apex classic. I find the apex much easier to use and more flexible. That said the reef keeper does the job and is a lot cheaper. I don’t think the reef keeper is the best choice but there isn’t anything wrong with it either.

[Punchanello]

The Profilux 4 is another option. From my research you get a similar level of functionality from the Apex and the GHL Profilux. The Apex is a bit more plug and play where the Profilux is a bit more fiddly but allows more flexibility.

I've ordered the Tunze Smartcontroller 7000. It doesn't have anywhere near the same level of features or control as those two but comes in to its own if you are using a Calcium reactor or a dosing regime that based on your alkalinity like Triton. I also have a fair bit of Tunze gear that is plug and play.

[VoltzNSalt]

Originally Posted by Abstract3000

The only difference in the new style vs old is that the New Setup has Wireless built in, Conductivity built in not needing a PM2, and will monitor the amount of power from each individual Outlet. Aside from that you can do everything with the older classic model that you can do with the 2016 model.

Even with the wireless built in, you still need to do hardwired firmware updates.

Originally Posted by bearpeidog

Keep in mind the older one will not be able to run the Alk monitor.

We'll have to see how the alk probe works. I've heard from more than 1 person that the salinity probe is suspect. Hopefully the alk is more reliable.

All-in-all, although the Apex has its quirks, it is the best out there IMO...

[Cheapreef]

Originally Posted by VoltzNSalt

We'll have to see how the alk probe works. I've heard from more than 1 person that the salinity probe is suspect. Hopefully the alk is more reliable.

The Alk monitor actually called "Trident" tests Alk, Calcium and Mag with a titration test not a probe.
The conductivity probe is finiky unless calibrated correctly and places/ran correctly. I have no issues with mine once it was all setup correct.

[Shamous113]

I've been having the same debate, I've been looking at the apex and the ghl. I recently reached out to someone on a other forum that made the switch from APEX to ghl and this is what they had to say about it.

Here is a run down on the two for key points that I have found so far and reason why I switched.

I found myself buying all Apex and was planning on buying the new Apex at first until I saw the price drop on GHL. When comparing the 2 I realized all the dependency that i was putting into Apex. As an example, right now if my GHL Power bar 5.1 needs replacing, I simply plug my Radions, WP40's and other equipment into a power bar and good to go while it is fixed/replaced. With Apex, if their EB832 or brain needs to be replaced then suddenly your WAV pumps, COR return pumps, Triton testing, and all the other Apex specific equipment does not work at all. The only Apex module that is self sufficient is the auto top kit. I if I had upgraded to the new Apex and something went wrong with my EB832, then I would have been in trouble.

GHL negatives are its cloud based software is still new. Apex has Fusion, which is great and typically seamless depending on your network connection. GHL has myGHL which is sluggish and mostly still Beta testing. GHL also has a new app that is basically beta as well. But honestly, once set up, there is no real need to always access your system remotely. Fusion is just glorified when in all honesty, once my Apex was up and running I never really accessed it. Now that I have learned some of the GHL programming, it is really easy. There is not a lot of north American online community support when it comes to GHL which could deter some.

There is a lot more to both. Apex is more user friendly, like always using an app. But Apex also has a higher fail rate. I followed the Apex forums and Facebook pages since I first purchased and there are always constant issues. I myself was fairly lucky, but did run into my fair share of issues over the years. Come to think of it, the unit itself was faulty when I first installed it.

The price points are the same when comparing new. GHL has a display built it, but only 6 outlets on the power bar. They both come with all the probes you need/want. They both do the same thing and have internet access as well as SMS and email alerts. Over all build quality is better for GHL imho.

It really boils down to what you want as a consumer. Neither is perfect and both have advantages over each other where the other lacks.

Over all I recommend GHL over Apex. The cloud service and lack of community support does not matter to me, what matters is dependability and build quality which so far I feel GHL has won hands down.

GHL support base is no where near that of Apex so help and answers can be hard to find. I also would never say no to Apex, it is a great controller in itself and you would not go wrong with it. But using both, I already would pick GHL over Apex.

[mal7887]

Originally Posted by VoltzNSalt

Even with the wireless built in, you still need to do hardwired firmware updates.

This is incorrect. The 2016 updates over wireless with the click of a button.

Originally Posted by VoltzNSalt

I've heard from more than 1 person that the salinity probe is suspect

Seems like you've done your research thoroughly before you provided input.

[mal7887]

I've been using an Apex controller for over 5 years now, and I just upgraded to the 2016 last month. I have not been had any major issues and it has saved my tank plenty of times. It has many fail safes and redundancies built in.

I'm on both Neptune's and RC's forum pretty regularly; most issues with the Apex are due to a lack of understanding. I will say that since they launched Fusion it is MUCH easier to setup and manage the controller. With the classic interface, there was a definite learning curve.

Any piece of equipment can fail. Period. I've had to do RMA's with Ecotech, AI, Reef Octopus and Neptune. That's why you always have an emergency plan.

[flawedexistence]

Apex. Set up was easy. Using ethernet as I prefer hard wired connections. Web and local interfaces are great. Learning curve is quit reasonable.