Aquarium Controller

[Protagonist]

I am currently researching aquarium controllers. As if researching LEDs was a pain, this has now topped my list. With all of the information out there it seems there are so many mixed opinions on the products. I am looking at the following three products, Reef Angel, Neptune Systems Apex, and Digital Aquatics Reefkeeper. I like the idea of being able to access my tank condition. I like the idea of receiving text and email alarms if something happens. It would be amazing to be able to see the current temp and ph of the tank.

Because of all of the mixed information I was wondering if anyone has any personal experience with these units and could provide some feedback. I don't mind learning some programming if I need to. So I don't exactly need a base unit. Is there anything to stay away from? Would you do anything different if you could do it again?

Any help is appreciated...

 

[pgr11]

Bought the Apex and am super happy with it. I have all my tank info at a glance plus if i'm away and something goes wrong i get alerted and can make changes from my phone.

 

[CJO]

I have an Apex as well and love it. There are several people who have had the Apex and the Reefkeeper and prefer the Apex, I think that there was one person who felt the opposite. I haven't seen too much on the Reef Angel.

CJ

 

[Protagonist]

I keep looking at different post. There are some terrible stories about customer service and product problems. I like the idea of knowing exactly what the tank is doing. Is it hard to program? Or are the people complaining about it just not gadget savvy?

 

[CJO]

I keep looking at different post. There are some terrible stories about customer service and product problems. I like the idea of knowing exactly what the tank is doing. Is it hard to program? Or are the people complaining about it just not gadget savvy?

Which one?

I think that Apex's customer service has been excellent (owner picked up the phone on the 3rd ring at 9:00 at night and spent quite some time helping me). Most others have had similar experiences, though I've heard of a few who had trouble contacting them. Progr

I've heard mixed reviews about Reefkeeper's customer service. For a while, all I heard was bad. However, recently things appear to have improved. From what I've heard, programming for the Reefkeeper, outside of just basic things, can be complicated, but again, there are plenty of people to help you and many examples.

No idea on the Reef Angel.

CJ

 

[Protagonist]

I think Apex is the one we have decided on. Although I am torn because I see some hopeful post about making your own controller. I think that would be a blast. Probably a bit challenging but making one that would be web based would be very rewarding. I wonder it would end up being more expensive in the long run to do it myself?

 

[Shelby2012]

I have Apex Jr+ 8 outlet extension so the total of 12 outlets. Apex Jr has no display so everything is web based plus I have Aquacontroller on my iPhone. With a few tweaks on the router you can have access to the tank parameters outside of your home wifi. There is plenty of help on a forum and there are many guys who are extremely knowledgable. I have a very unausual router and I got a help from one of those people. As I said, Apex Jr has no display but I don't need it anymore. I still have a thermometer on my tank but I don't look at it anymore. I can view my temp on my iPhone or web browser together with a graph showing ups and downs. Many people sell other controllers to buy Apex. Check all 3 Apex systems and see what you need. As I said I don't miss the display.

 

[MBG75]

I have an apex lite and love it. Especially with a smartphone. Full control away from home and alerts.

If you need variable speed/dimming control or a 2nd ph probe then full apex.

Otherwise the apex lite is the way to go

Here
http://www.neptunesys.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=62&Itemid=40