Which is a Better Controller?

Shep · Jun 24, 2015

Have been looking into controllers and it looks like the two best are APEX and Reefkeeper. Of these two, which do you think is better? Is APEX worth the price?

redfishbluefish · Jun 24, 2015

I'm not advocating it, but did you also look at Reef Angel.

Otherwise, I really can't comment because I'm old and have old-school ReefKeeper 2 controllers that do not communicate with anything. My wife yells at me enough, and I don't want my controller to be complaining to me as well on the smart phone. :rolleyes:

Shep · Jun 24, 2015

I will look that on up now.

shred5 · Jun 24, 2015

What are your needs?
I can not vote because it depends on your needs.
I have a reef keeper lite that has been rock solid for years.. To me if you only need basic functions and dont need internet it is the best.

I also have a apex..
If you need internet function is priority the apex is the better choice right now.

DA has a new controller the Archon out which should be awsume if they ever get thier stuff together. It was released way to early but could possibly be the best controller out there if they get it working right. It has lots of potential..It should be good for internet access too if they get the cloud working.. Right now I can not recommend it though.

Shep · Jun 24, 2015

I would just need basic, that is why I am kind of leaning toward the RK

d2mini · Jun 24, 2015

Apex for sure over ReefKeeper.

I prefer Profilux though. Got it for the higher build quality and reliability and ease of upgrading it at home or fixing at home if needed. And easy to program. No programming language to learn. Can all be done on your computer by filling in fields or choosing from pulldowns.
Costs a little more though.

jolt · Jun 24, 2015

I've owned a Reef Angel for the last year. I've been happy with it, but for sure it's not for everyone.

If your needs are basic, or if you are a programmer with basic C skills, it's a pretty economical option. Cost and extremely customizable are Reef Angel pros. Also, the support forum is active, friendly, and rich. And the iPhone app is quite nice.

The con is that the hardware is a little less polished. I'm not that happy about the wires coming out of the head unit everywhere and the flimsy connections. Really, that's my only gripe though.

n2585722 · Jun 25, 2015

I have the Archon. I have had it since the first of December. It is a step above the RKE. If it is more than you need at the moment you can update to it in the future if you get the RKE or RKL. The modules are compatible. I would go with the Archon over the RKE. With the Archon you get the same as are better than the APC, NET, SLX and ALC modules in the head unit basically. It is wifi right out of the box. At this time you would still have to setup port fordwarding and reserved IP on your router to gain access outside your network. This is suppose to change in the near future.

Chris Adams · Jun 25, 2015

I have apex and pretty basic setup. I know nothing about the reefkeeper but given the choice I would buy another Apex as I have been very happy with it.

Daniel@R2R · Jun 25, 2015

I love my Puratek Insight 24/7. Be sure to check them out

Shep · Jun 25, 2015

mdbannister said:
I love my Puratek Insight 24/7. Be sure to check them out

Will do!

Shep · Jul 13, 2015

So after researching these, I have found that most offer a lot more than I need lol I really just want it to monitor/control temp and monitor pH. So due to price and the fact that I only want it for the basics, I am leaning towards the RLK. I really like the Apex units but they just cost so much.

d2mini · Jul 13, 2015

Well then just get a ranco temp controller and a ph monitor. Even the RKL would be overkill for you.

Shep · Jul 13, 2015

:D that is perfect! lol thank you

n2585722 · Jul 13, 2015

At least with the RKL the investment in the modules you get will be usable if and when you do decide to upgrade if you upgrade to an RKE or Archon.

jeffp1 · Jul 13, 2015

Go ahead and get the RKE. You will use it for more than you think. I recently bought one and already am needing another PC4. JMO

n2585722 · Jul 13, 2015

If you want to go up to the RKE you might want to check the price difference between the Archon and the RKE. The Archon has built in wifi, 4 0-10 volt output ports, 2 PWM output ports, 2 pH or ORP ports, iTemp input, 3 buss ports and 4 switch inputs. You can get either 2 PB4's or one PB8 if getting the system which you would need since you are not updating from the RKE or RKL. All programming is web based via a web browser. It will work work with computer, tablet or phone. All it has to have is a web browser. I use firefox on my computer and phone and safari on my iPad to log into the controller. Either way you can always upgrade to the Archon when you are ready.

jeffp1 · Jul 13, 2015

I looked at the Archon, but wanted a head unit for a quick look at tank. I do most programming with laptop, but can walk by and see what is going on with tank.

nept2n · Jul 13, 2015

I had the RKE for the last 5 years and I just change over to Apex. I like the flexibility of the Apex better. What I wasn't to crazy on was the start up cost of the Apex

d2mini · Jul 13, 2015

jeffp1 said:
I looked at the Archon, but wanted a head unit for a quick look at tank. I do most programming with laptop, but can walk by and see what is going on with tank.

Me too! :D

Mounted my Profilux Touch in the wall next to the tank.