Tank Controllers! Help me out here...

[Reefahholic]

I know the Apex controller, seems to be by far, the most popular.

I've been out of the loop for a little bit, and was wondering if the Apex is still the best buy. I know they're expensive, but have heard they're well worth the money and probably the best -single investment- people have made for their aquariums.

However, I'm a big fan of BRS and what they recommend. Although the controller they recommend seems kinda cheap looking and the price is a lot lower than the Apex, I'm not real convienced that the Apex is that much better. If they both do the 5-10 things you need done, what is the difference. I just don't want to buy junk and later have to upgrade and waste money. To me it's like Honda Accord vs BMW...They are both great cars, but one just has more bells and whistles that really aren't needed. Not to mention the BMW costs twice as much. So here's a link to what BRS suggests for a controller.
(Digital aquatics Reefkeeper Lite or Regular aquarium controller)
http://youtu.be/E8FQGz_s_g8

My question is...what is the big difference between a lot of these controllers and what should I look for with my system. I know it depends on what your keeping and how much of a junkie you are, but lets just say I'm in it for the long haul and would like to keep about everything and have the best experience with minimal work involved. To me, going too big or doing to much work takes the fun out of Reefing.

If I can do away with a lot of bulky timers and be warned of potential threats in my aquarium, I'm very willing to spend the extra money to get a good controller. I just want to get one that is reasonable in price and doesn't have too much junk that I'll probably never use or figure out how to use.

Any suggestions would be awesome! OK OK...I'll admit, I'm a junkie....just a cheap junkie!! HA...

[RVANANO]

The main reason I bought the Apex is b/c it is web based. So I can access it from anywhere I have internet including my phone. It was my understanding at the time that this was the only one with that capability. It is also easy to program the functions, timers etc etc (although not easy to set up the online functions such as IP etc etc) I had to get an IT friend to do that.

[Reefahholic]

Yeah, I worried that it will be very difficult to set up.

What about the Apex Jr?

[RVANANO]

For anyone familiar with IT it is a breeze. My friend set it up in no time so I wouldn't let that discourage you too much. It should be easy to find someone to help you do that part and once it's setup, you don't have to worry about it.

I am not familiar with the Jr.

[cm11599ps]

I have only used the APEX and love it. It's programmed with leak sensors, float switches and more. I use it to auto top off. I also use it for automatic water changes. at 4pm everyday a pump in my sump activates to drain a gallon of water and then my new salt water gets pumped in. I also have a fan to blow across the water if my temps get too high. Awesome stuff.

The setup isn't too hard. Just browse the VERY helpful neptune forum on reef central. People there are awesome.

[Reefahholic]

So I wouldn't need an ATO if I had the Apex. How would that work?

[dakineacct]

I have a Reefkeeper Lite (RKL) and am very happy with it. I use it for auto top off and heater control. I may add one more module (PC4) for lights control as well. If you are interested in control through your smart phone, they do offer a net module.

I don't have any experience with the Apex, but for auto top off with the RKL, its just a matter of buying a float switch, available in single or double kits, programmed to turn on or off a pump for top off water.

[aleonn]

Originally Posted by Reefahholic

So I wouldn't need an ATO if I had the Apex. How would that work?

You'd need to purchase the Apex I/O Break-out Box ($39.99) (or you can DIY), double float switch (got mine from autotopoff.com), feed pump (I use the Aqua-Lifter), and ATO reservoir.

The Apex is more dynamic in that you can write your own code and make more modifications to the programming. I'm not an IT guy by any means, but the coding is very easy (lots of help on the Neptune forums and on the Unofficial Manual). A lot of folks here on RC who have used both systems prefer the Apex. I'm not sure how the RKE is now, but when I originally did the research a few years ago, the Apex was light years ahead of the RKE IMO.

Of course, depending on your tank's needs and your budget, the RKE may be the right fit for you.

[James77]

Not at all difficult to set any of the Apex units up, and you do not need an IT person or experience to do so. I use the Apexjr and it is just as good as the main Apex minus the obvious features. I have no need for a head unit, as I use my phone if i ever need to manually control anything, and a I have one of those gel color changing sensors just to check on the temp in the summer.

The Honda vs BMW comparison would be more suitable to Compare Neptune and Profilux. I consider the Apex the best balance of value, quality, and features out of box. Support is great and the replies from them are very quick.

What equipment are you needing to control? Tunzes or Vortechs? LEDs?

[James77]

Originally Posted by Reefahholic

So I wouldn't need an ATO if I had the Apex. How would that work?

As the person above me posted, you can use their break out box they sell. You could also make your own, there are threads on that. You could even just use the bare wires out of the connector, though it would not be as pretty.

Youd have a float switch or two that the Apex would detect, and then could trigger an outlet on or off to fill the tank. Or you could use a separate top off, and have the Apex provide backup with another float switch higher in the sump or even just on a timer and have the Apex shut off or time the top off pump.

[A_Z]

how about a reef angel? limitless in possibility

it has a temp probe and pH probe included a color screen and can do all those functions plus it has an 8 outlet strip.

all for about $200

[Reefahholic]

Originally Posted by A_Z

how about a reef angel? limitless in possibility

it has a temp probe and pH probe included a color screen and can do all those functions plus it has an 8 outlet strip.

all for about $200

Sounds like a good deal...

I'm kinda worried about limited outlets with some of the Apex models.

Does anybody know off hand how many outlets each Apex model has.

I guess i want to control...lights, return pumps, heaters, vortechs, tunzes...

I'm not real sure what else...I do like the 8 outlet option though just in case. Is that the most that the Apex come with?

[cm11599ps]

No, you can order additional APEX energy bars. They come in in a unit of 8 or a unit of 4. I have 3, eight outlet strips in my setup.

[Reefahholic]

Originally Posted by James77

As the person above me posted, you can use their break out box they sell. You could also make your own, there are threads on that. You could even just use the bare wires out of the connector, though it would not be as pretty.

Youd have a float switch or two that the Apex would detect, and then could trigger an outlet on or off to fill the tank. Or you could use a separate top off, and have the Apex provide backup with another float switch higher in the sump or even just on a timer and have the Apex shut off or time the top off pump.

I don't like most ATO's.

The Tunze O is the only ATO that I've never heard of that hasn't failed.

[James77]

Originally Posted by Reefahholic

Sounds like a good deal...

I'm kinda worried about limited outlets with some of the Apex models.

Does anybody know off hand how many outlets each Apex model has.

I guess i want to control...lights, return pumps, heaters, vortechs, tunzes...

I'm not real sure what else...I do like the 8 outlet option though just in case. Is that the most that the Apex come with?

The Apex and Apex lite come with 8 outlets, the Apexjr with 4. You are limited to 5 more modules with the Apexjr, and 240 modules with the other 2.

Comparison of all of them:
http://www.neptunesys.com/index.php?...d=62&Itemid=40

The Apex (full one) has built in Tunze control from its 4 dimmable ports( you need the apex to Tunze cable- $15 for a set or you can DIY with ethernet and mini din cable), and you can control Vortechs with their wireless module. If you are comparing the ReefKeeper, they cannot control Vortechs, nor have they announced plans to. Email and web/pc control come with all 3 Apexs built in.

[Reefahholic]

So the Apex lite is probably more than most need right?

Sounds like Apex controllers are still at the top other than the profliux.

[Reefahholic]

Originally Posted by cm11599ps

No, you can order additional APEX energy bars. They come in in a unit of 8 or a unit of 4. I have 3, eight outlet strips in my setup.

So do you think it would be better to order the JR or Lite and add aditional energy bars?

How much are they?

Would you do it again like you did or would you just get the most expensive Apex?

[cm11599ps]

I don't use an ATO.

I have the purified line from my RO unit going to a T connector. From there I run a line to two Brute cans. One for top off water, the other for new salt water. I have a shut off on each line between the T connector and the can as well as a float valve in each can to shut my RO unit off.

I also have 3 pumps. One pump in my top off can, one in my new salt mix can and one in my sump. I then have two float switches in my sump. When the lower float switch activates, the pump in the top off water can turns on and pumps water into my tank. Once the sump fills a bit the float switch closes and turns off my top off water pump.

At 4pm every day the pump in my sump activates and pumps about a gallon of water from the system. I have my top off pump shut off at 4pm too. The drain pump goes for about 5 minutes and then shuts off. My top off pump is shut off until 4:30pm. As soon as my drain pump turns off the new salt mix pump turns on and fills my sump until the float switch switch is closed. It's the same float switch that the top off pump would use. Then the new salt mix pump turns off and a few minutes later my top oof pump goes back on line but it won't actually turn on until the water level drops again.

For what it's worth, I have a second float switch a few inches higher in my sump. This is only used in an emergency in case the first flaot switch fails.

[cm11599ps]

Oh, and I am currently having an issue with my APEX and am emailing support. I'm emailing them and they are responding within a few minutes of me writing them. This has been going back and forth for a half hour or so already.

I'd say that's pretty AWESOME customer service right there!

[cm11599ps]

And my problem is fixed! Thank you neptune!

[James77]

Originally Posted by Reefahholic

So the Apex lite is probably more than most need right?

Sounds like Apex controllers are still at the top other than the profliux.

They are. You would miss out on Tunze control out of box, though you could still easily add it. The full Apex is a very good deal considering what you get, but if you do not need it all, then it can be a waste. I control my tunzes with a Tunze controller, it is easier to integrate the battery backup into their controller.

Apex has even beat Profilux in some areas, like being the first to release Vortech control. But I consider Profilux and Neptune the only two controllers I would consider based on their performance, quality, and service. Profilux is more high end than Neptune in quality and some features, but they are both great companies. I have been close to pulling the trigger on Profilux....one thing I like is their integrated equipment like dosers that work directly with their controllers.

[James77]

Originally Posted by cm11599ps

And my problem is fixed! Thank you neptune!

Good to hear. I've had similar support with Curt emailing late on a Sunday night diagnosing my controller over the internet.

[Reefahholic]

Man, sounds sweet.

With customer service like that, I think I'll go with the apex.

[jacob.morgan78]

Butting in here...

I'm in the market for a controller and have decided on apex and leaning toward the jr just because of my needs.

Would the Jr. be okay? Or would I just be upgrading later on? I don't foresee myself automating a lot of things... mainly temp and lighting I guess.

Thanks in advance for your opinions!!

[Reefahholic]

Originally Posted by jacob.morgan78

Butting in here...

I'm in the market for a controller and have decided on apex and leaning toward the jr just because of my needs.

Would the Jr. be okay? Or would I just be upgrading later on? I don't foresee myself automating a lot of things... mainly temp and lighting I guess.

Thanks in advance for your opinions!!

Sounds like the junior would be a perfect fit for you. I understand that you can by additional energy bars.

What I don't understand is if you can get additional energy bars to run more pumps, power heads, reactors, heaters, etc..why do people want the most expensive Apex? Really, what more does that thing have that you really need?