Controller, Is Neptune the King of the Hill?

Harry_Y · 08/05/2015, 02:05 PM

I'm in the process of looking at a new controller to replace my ReefKeeper Elete.
I like the modularity aspect of the Neptune Apex, it's popularity, and that it's well supported.
But before I drop the money I figured I should check to see what others are available.

Note: Support and Reliability are High on my list of needs in a controller.

Any Thoughts or suggestions?

Thank you

JaySchulz · 08/05/2015, 02:44 PM

I've been doing the exact same research. I just wish that the controllers could track more parameters.

RingingEars · 08/05/2015, 03:35 PM

I did a lot of research before buying the Apex too. The reefkeeper has an attractive price, but I read so many negative comments about them I figured it wasn't worth saving the money in trade for the possible hassles so I bought the Apex.
I just set it up a couple days ago and love it. It's a breeze to setup and fusion is so easy to work with. Now I'm looking at more modules to go with it

Bent · 08/05/2015, 04:02 PM

I wish someone would make just a simple monitor that has no controller abilities. Just something that you can access via the Internet and check on things.

805reef · 08/05/2015, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bent

I wish someone would make just a simple monitor that has no controller abilities. Just something that you can access via the Internet and check on things.

Not sure if this is what you meant, but mindstream is that...

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...uarium-monitor

and here's a big thread on it: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2348336

Harry_Y · 08/05/2015, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 805reef

Not sure if this is what you meant, but mindstream is that...

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...uarium-monitor

and here's a big thread on it: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2348336

That's pretty slick

EllisJuan · 08/05/2015, 10:31 PM

I love my Apex. As much money as gets spent on hardware in this hobby, it really is not a bad investment. I will never run another tank without one.

theatrus · 08/05/2015, 11:29 PM

I run an Apex as the base of my system, even though other bits are all custom electronics. It's nice to have something stable to fall back on.

Breadman03 · 08/06/2015, 12:16 AM

There are 4 main contenders, in my opinion: Neptune (Apex), Digital Aquatics (ReefKeeper, Archon), Reef Angel, and GHL Profilux.

I ruled out: DA due to seemingly many negative reports, Reef angel because the Apex looked nicer, and GHL Profilux because it seemed more expensive.

If I was buying again, the choice would be between Apex and GHL.

sixpackgarage · 08/06/2015, 03:45 AM

Yes, Neptune is the King of the hill.

kenpau · 08/06/2015, 04:58 AM

I ran a Reefkeeper for about 4 weeks before selling it, had numerous power supply problems with it. Then bought an Apex and haven't looked back, just for the sheer number of modules, support, reliability it's almost a must have when you look at what it brings to the party.

Mark426 · 08/06/2015, 05:33 AM

"Controller, Is Neptune the King of the Hill?"

Yes

KSU_WILDCAT · 08/06/2015, 06:01 AM

Add me to the long list of "love it and won't run a tank without it." Although updating the software stresses me out every time i have to do it.

oseymour · 08/06/2015, 06:30 AM

I purchased Apex because of the support. I saw that Neptune had a very active community and I tried asking questions before I purchased and I got help fast on their forums. I also got the Apex Lite before they took it off the market. It allowed me to get a reasonably priced introductory controller and then add modules later as I need them.

At different times in the last 2 years I've added PM1 ph probe, WXM, VDM and I'm adding a breakout box now. I had the salinity probe but it was unreliable so I sold it.

My friends all had Reefkeepers and that would have been the easy decision for me but I love Apex. With Fusion - i couldn't have been happier with my decision.

SaltwaterAq · 08/06/2015, 06:50 AM

Apex is amazing, to be totally honest. It's really the only controller out there that I would put on my tank. Also they keep pushing the limits bringing new products into the family. Cloud Control, PAR Monitoring Kit, DOS Dosing pump, Advanced Sensor Module and the new WAV pumps that are coming out are absolutely amazing. If you haven't seen these products yet you should check them out.

Mark426 · 08/06/2015, 09:10 AM

And rumors of an integrated return pump showing up at MACNA.

gcarroll · 08/06/2015, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark426

"Controller, Is Neptune the King of the Hill?"

Yes

Agreed. Really can't make an argument for any other controller! None stack up to the features, innovations, and level of customer service.

Harry_Y · 08/06/2015, 07:48 PM

Thank you everyone, looks like it's the one to go with.

domvert · 08/06/2015, 07:51 PM

I just got a Reef Angel- love that I can customize anything I can think of-

AZRippster · 08/06/2015, 09:05 PM

Yeah, I would say currently Apex is the king of the hill. However, soon this may become a contender:

www.reefai.com

Real horsepower, open architecture, and expand-ability. I've got a boat load invested into Neptune Apex equipment, but Reef AI may be something to watch for very soon.

shifty51008 · 08/07/2015, 02:23 AM

The rerfai is what im looking forward to seeing. The options for it is very nice. Has a camera so you can even see the tank instead of just parameters.

Remmers · 08/07/2015, 02:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shifty51008

The rerfai is what im looking forward to seeing. The options for it is very nice. Has a camera so you can even see the tank instead of just parameters.

Has anyone got hard evidence as to when these are coming out?

shifty51008 · 08/07/2015, 03:46 AM

All it says on the website is testing units will be shipping soon.

unze · 08/07/2015, 04:26 AM

Quote:

"Controller, Is Neptune the King of the Hill?"

Far from it, ghl would be slightly ahead plus the hardware is better quality.

unze · 08/07/2015, 04:39 AM

Quote:

but Reef AI may be something to watch for very soon.

Looks like a cheap diy controller
No mention of software

08/05/2015, 02:05 PM	#1
Harry_Y Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: NY Posts: 454	Controller, Is Neptune the King of the Hill? I'm in the process of looking at a new controller to replace my ReefKeeper Elete. I like the modularity aspect of the Neptune Apex, it's popularity, and that it's well supported. But before I drop the money I figured I should check to see what others are available. Note: Support and Reliability are High on my list of needs in a controller. Any Thoughts or suggestions? Thank you __________________ . 180 Gallon Reef with Basement Sump, Apex Controller, Hamilton Cebu Sun Light, Lifereef Skimmer and Calcium Reactor.

08/05/2015, 04:02 PM	#4
Bent I got nothin' Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: The anals Posts: 6,420	I wish someone would make just a simple monitor that has no controller abilities. Just something that you can access via the Internet and check on things. __________________ Quitters never lose. [QUOTE=CStrickland]Who gets mad at a starfish?[/QUOTE] Current Tank Info: 75g DT, 30G refugium, 10g chaeto tank, 50g stock tank basement sump

08/05/2015, 10:31 PM	#7
EllisJuan Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Florida Posts: 1,366	I love my Apex. As much money as gets spent on hardware in this hobby, it really is not a bad investment. I will never run another tank without one. __________________ 24x24x12 Rimless RR * Apex * Reeflink * Radion Pro G2 * MP10wQD * JNS CO-1 Skimmer * Advance Acrylics Custom Sump * Jebao DC2000

08/05/2015, 11:29 PM	#8
theatrus 100-mile-commuter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: almost nevada Posts: 4,721	I run an Apex as the base of my system, even though other bits are all custom electronics. It's nice to have something stable to fall back on. __________________ Custom electronics purveyor. blueAcro.com Current Tank Info: 90g SPS+mixed reef (10 yrs): LEDBrick LEDs, 40g custom sump, Ca reactor, chiller, Vortech, lots of custom electronics

08/06/2015, 03:45 AM	#10
sixpackgarage reef mechanic Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 819	Yes, Neptune is the King of the hill. __________________ my build: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2512689 my fuge thread: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2523500 Current Tank Info: DSA NEO 65G reef powered by Kessil

08/05/2015, 02:44 PM	#2
JaySchulz Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: The Woodlands TX Posts: 440	I've been doing the exact same research. I just wish that the controllers could track more parameters.

08/05/2015, 03:35 PM	#3
RingingEars Because they ring Join Date: May 2015 Location: Rathdrum ID Posts: 113	I did a lot of research before buying the Apex too. The reefkeeper has an attractive price, but I read so many negative comments about them I figured it wasn't worth saving the money in trade for the possible hassles so I bought the Apex. I just set it up a couple days ago and love it. It's a breeze to setup and fusion is so easy to work with. Now I'm looking at more modules to go with it

08/06/2015, 12:16 AM	#9
Breadman03 New Old School Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Luzerne County, PA Posts: 3,293	There are 4 main contenders, in my opinion: Neptune (Apex), Digital Aquatics (ReefKeeper, Archon), Reef Angel, and GHL Profilux. I ruled out: DA due to seemingly many negative reports, Reef angel because the Apex looked nicer, and GHL Profilux because it seemed more expensive. If I was buying again, the choice would be between Apex and GHL.

08/06/2015, 04:58 AM	#11
kenpau Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: South Perth, Western Australia Posts: 844	I ran a Reefkeeper for about 4 weeks before selling it, had numerous power supply problems with it. Then bought an Apex and haven't looked back, just for the sheer number of modules, support, reliability it's almost a must have when you look at what it brings to the party. __________________ Current tank - 220 gallon mixed reef..Many thanks to Waterbox, Ecotech Marine, Neptune Systems, Pax Bellum, Nyos, Eheim and Hailea for creating my system..and making me poor!! Current Tank Info: 220 Gallon mixed reef

08/06/2015, 05:33 AM	#12
Mark426 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,479	"Controller, Is Neptune the King of the Hill?" Yes

08/06/2015, 06:01 AM	#13
KSU_WILDCAT Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 89	Add me to the long list of "love it and won't run a tank without it." Although updating the software stresses me out every time i have to do it. __________________ Justin 220 DSA, Reef Octopus Skimmer, 3 Radion Gen 2, RW-15, APEX Current Tank Info: 220 DSA, Reef Octopus Skimmer, Radion Gen 2, APEX, and all the other bells and Whistles

08/06/2015, 06:30 AM	#14
oseymour Euphyllia Addict Join Date: May 2012 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 1,424	I purchased Apex because of the support. I saw that Neptune had a very active community and I tried asking questions before I purchased and I got help fast on their forums. I also got the Apex Lite before they took it off the market. It allowed me to get a reasonably priced introductory controller and then add modules later as I need them. At different times in the last 2 years I've added PM1 ph probe, WXM, VDM and I'm adding a breakout box now. I had the salinity probe but it was unreliable so I sold it. My friends all had Reefkeepers and that would have been the easy decision for me but I love Apex. With Fusion - i couldn't have been happier with my decision. __________________ Just started Red Sea Reefer 350 (75 Gallon) Build Thread - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2555495 Current Tank Info: Red Sea Reefer 350

08/06/2015, 06:50 AM	#15
SaltwaterAq RC Sponsor Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 140	Apex is amazing, to be totally honest. It's really the only controller out there that I would put on my tank. Also they keep pushing the limits bringing new products into the family. Cloud Control, PAR Monitoring Kit, DOS Dosing pump, Advanced Sensor Module and the new WAV pumps that are coming out are absolutely amazing. If you haven't seen these products yet you should check them out. __________________ Shop Now! SaltwaterAquarium.com Phone 888-700-1012 - Text 717.408.8337

08/06/2015, 09:10 AM	#16
Mark426 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,479	And rumors of an integrated return pump showing up at MACNA.

08/06/2015, 07:48 PM	#18
Harry_Y Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: NY Posts: 454	Thank you everyone, looks like it's the one to go with. __________________ . 180 Gallon Reef with Basement Sump, Apex Controller, Hamilton Cebu Sun Light, Lifereef Skimmer and Calcium Reactor.

08/06/2015, 07:51 PM	#19
domvert Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: nc Posts: 103	I just got a Reef Angel- love that I can customize anything I can think of-

08/06/2015, 09:05 PM	#20
AZRippster Diver & Reef Aquarium Nut Join Date: May 2012 Location: Sierra Vista, AZ Posts: 1,127	Yeah, I would say currently Apex is the king of the hill. However, soon this may become a contender: www.reefai.com Real horsepower, open architecture, and expand-ability. I've got a boat load invested into Neptune Apex equipment, but Reef AI may be something to watch for very soon.

08/07/2015, 02:23 AM	#21
shifty51008 12-5 Chiefs record Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 10,134	The rerfai is what im looking forward to seeing. The options for it is very nice. Has a camera so you can even see the tank instead of just parameters. __________________ 75 gal. mixed DT, 100 gal. sump, 50 gal. fuge, Clownfish breeder

08/07/2015, 03:46 AM	#23
shifty51008 12-5 Chiefs record Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 10,134	All it says on the website is testing units will be shipping soon. __________________ 75 gal. mixed DT, 100 gal. sump, 50 gal. fuge, Clownfish breeder