Thinking about a controller. Help!

tcmfish · 01/19/2012, 08:14 AM

So I am thinking of a controller.

The things I want it to do are:
1) Measure two pH's simultaneously and control pumps based on readings
2) Temperature
3) Light timer for a 3 or 4 lights

Things that would be nice but don't need, these don't need constant monitoring or changing:
4) Main pump
5) Skimmer pump
6) Vortech pump
7) Calcium Reactor pumps
8) Kalk reactor pumps

I realize I may not be able to plug all my stuff into the controller unless I spend a lot on power bars, but I can add those slower.

I did a little looking and was thinking about the Apex but I'm not sure if I need the nicest Apex or could get by with one of the cheaper neptune ones. Also I'm not sure if that is the best brand? I know there is the GHL Profilux but I think that is a little out of my price range and I don't know if I would find the extra cost worth it.

Any input will be appreciated. Thanks!

chercm · 01/19/2012, 08:19 AM

same here thinking of the same question , is it better to get from Apex , aquatronica or Profilux ?

Mark Bianco · 01/19/2012, 06:14 PM

Profilux is the top of the line, but commands a top of the line price, also from what I am told difficult to program. Apex mid range price and full featured, and fairly simple to control / program. The entry level of the Apex line is the JR god but, is limited to only 7 modules. The Lite the middle of the road for Apex has everything the Apex has except for the 1-10vdc ports used for controlling dimable lights and controallable pumps and ph probe ports. A module for the Lite ca be purchased for that porpuse. You can add up to 240 modules to the Apex or the Lite. Her is a link if you want to know the every feature of the different Apex controlers.. http://www.neptunesys.com/index.php?...d=62&Itemid=40

Hope that helps

Hope that helps

Flyrodder25 · 01/25/2012, 11:38 PM

Apex Jr. is an option. Just watched Mr. Saltwater TV review. Seems good and is very modular for future needs. Check it out.

chercm · 01/25/2012, 11:44 PM

seems reef angel is another upcoming project with potential

http://www.reefangel.com/

divewsharks · 01/26/2012, 01:50 AM

I've owned RK and Apex. I prefer the Apex, very easy to use/program. I access it from my computer, iPhone, iPad.
The Apex Lite may only allow for a single PH probe, not sure on that.
Apex customer support is also very good.

webfinger · 01/26/2012, 02:09 AM

Ive got the digital aquatics ReefKeeper. Works good for me and performs well. I've had it going for more than a year with no issues.

PRDubois · 01/26/2012, 02:18 AM

Apex

rAzOr714 · 01/26/2012, 02:25 AM

Apex

*rAzOr*

austin93 · 01/26/2012, 08:32 AM

Look for which company has the best support. DA and Neptune I have had, Neptune wins hands down. You said "get by with" which is probably the most used phrase on RC except maybe "tang police". I would strive to get the best, not the best least, if that makes sense. Good luck. I have a full apex and no money, but I think it was a great purchase. When I need help programming, I just post on the forum and get an answer. When I had DA, I posted on their forum and got pi$$ed about not receiving a response. Check out the sponsor forums and you will get a better view of both companies.

jordancemery65 · 01/26/2012, 08:40 PM

I have the Apex and I will never try anything else! The thing can do ANYTHING I swear! It is so nice! It really gives you piece of mind! I have never tried any other types of controllers so I cant give much information on those! Whenever i am not able to figure stuff out with the programming of the apex I call neptune and someone always answers my calls and if they dont know the answer they go play with the programming and call me back with the answer! They are so personable and have amazing customer service. The neptune apex may be expensive but save up for it! It is definately worth the money!!!

tcmfish · 01/26/2012, 09:02 PM

I think I'm sold on the apex, after talking with some local hobbyists and seeing it in person. I have heard very few problems with it which is great and encouraging.

01/19/2012, 08:14 AM	#1
tcmfish Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,658	Thinking about a controller. Help! So I am thinking of a controller. The things I want it to do are: 1) Measure two pH's simultaneously and control pumps based on readings 2) Temperature 3) Light timer for a 3 or 4 lights Things that would be nice but don't need, these don't need constant monitoring or changing: 4) Main pump 5) Skimmer pump 6) Vortech pump 7) Calcium Reactor pumps 8) Kalk reactor pumps I realize I may not be able to plug all my stuff into the controller unless I spend a lot on power bars, but I can add those slower. I did a little looking and was thinking about the Apex but I'm not sure if I need the nicest Apex or could get by with one of the cheaper neptune ones. Also I'm not sure if that is the best brand? I know there is the GHL Profilux but I think that is a little out of my price range and I don't know if I would find the extra cost worth it. Any input will be appreciated. Thanks!

01/26/2012, 02:18 AM	#8
PRDubois Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chester, VA Posts: 3,626	Apex __________________ http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2534403 Current Tank Info: 225 gal Reef, 60 gal reef & 40b frag tank

01/26/2012, 08:32 AM	#10
austin93 Don't Panic! Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Trenton, MO Posts: 757	Look for which company has the best support. DA and Neptune I have had, Neptune wins hands down. You said "get by with" which is probably the most used phrase on RC except maybe "tang police". I would strive to get the best, not the best least, if that makes sense. Good luck. I have a full apex and no money, but I think it was a great purchase. When I need help programming, I just post on the forum and get an answer. When I had DA, I posted on their forum and got pi$$ed about not receiving a response. Check out the sponsor forums and you will get a better view of both companies. __________________ DON'T PANIC! Current Tank Info: 30 Rimless

01/26/2012, 08:40 PM	#11
jordancemery65 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Mechanic Falls, ME Posts: 239	I have the Apex and I will never try anything else! The thing can do ANYTHING I swear! It is so nice! It really gives you piece of mind! I have never tried any other types of controllers so I cant give much information on those! Whenever i am not able to figure stuff out with the programming of the apex I call neptune and someone always answers my calls and if they dont know the answer they go play with the programming and call me back with the answer! They are so personable and have amazing customer service. The neptune apex may be expensive but save up for it! It is definately worth the money!!! __________________ Jordan Emery. 72 Gallon Bowfront - Mixed Reef 120 lbs liverock, 4-5" Deep Sand Bed, 1 - Vortech MP40W, 2 AI Sol Blues, all controlled with Neptune Apex Aquacontroller.

01/19/2012, 08:19 AM	#2
chercm Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Singapore Posts: 2,971	same here thinking of the same question , is it better to get from Apex , aquatronica or Profilux ?

01/19/2012, 06:14 PM	#3
Mark Bianco In Memoriam Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Infinity and Beyond Posts: 2,445	Profilux is the top of the line, but commands a top of the line price, also from what I am told difficult to program. Apex mid range price and full featured, and fairly simple to control / program. The entry level of the Apex line is the JR god but, is limited to only 7 modules. The Lite the middle of the road for Apex has everything the Apex has except for the 1-10vdc ports used for controlling dimable lights and controallable pumps and ph probe ports. A module for the Lite ca be purchased for that porpuse. You can add up to 240 modules to the Apex or the Lite. Her is a link if you want to know the every feature of the different Apex controlers.. http://www.neptunesys.com/index.php?...d=62&Itemid=40 Hope that helps Hope that helps

01/25/2012, 11:38 PM	#4
Flyrodder25 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Wyoming Posts: 19	Apex Jr. is an option. Just watched Mr. Saltwater TV review. Seems good and is very modular for future needs. Check it out.

01/25/2012, 11:44 PM	#5
chercm Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Singapore Posts: 2,971	seems reef angel is another upcoming project with potential http://www.reefangel.com/

01/26/2012, 01:50 AM	#6
divewsharks Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 1,905	I've owned RK and Apex. I prefer the Apex, very easy to use/program. I access it from my computer, iPhone, iPad. The Apex Lite may only allow for a single PH probe, not sure on that. Apex customer support is also very good.

01/26/2012, 02:09 AM	#7
webfinger Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Portland, Oregon USA Posts: 55	Ive got the digital aquatics ReefKeeper. Works good for me and performs well. I've had it going for more than a year with no issues.

01/26/2012, 02:25 AM	#9
rAzOr714 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 64	Apex rAzOr

01/26/2012, 09:02 PM	#12
tcmfish Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,658	I think I'm sold on the apex, after talking with some local hobbyists and seeing it in person. I have heard very few problems with it which is great and encouraging.