Which reef controller do i get....

oceanparadise1 · Apr 30, 2013

Im looking to get a controller and have never had one and dont know much about them.

Heres what im looking to do...

control the thing thru my iphone

monitor the following...

Salinity

Ph

Temp

And be able to control my power heads, skimmer, heater and lights.

jesterisdead · Apr 30, 2013

Neptune Systems home of the Apex AquaController family of Aquarium Controllers Read the differing systems carefully. I went full blown with two EB8's. Has app for Iphone and Andriod plus ability to use any CPU anywhere you set it up at. There are others but this is the one I have.

oceanparadise1 · Apr 30, 2013

wait jeter is dead?!?!?!? you may have ruined my life....haha but thanks ill read up on it, i need to do a lot of research before i get one, just wanted to also get other peoples ideas and thoughts from those who have one!

My next question to you is, was it worth the money?

Dtech07 · Apr 30, 2013

Apex is the way to go IMHO

tidus10 · Apr 30, 2013

oceanparadise1 said:
wait jeter is dead?!?!?!? you may have ruined my life....

jester*isdead

oceanparadise1 · Apr 30, 2013

tidus10 said:
jester*isdead

glad i can read lol!

Okay so some one help my stupid self out lol if i get the apex, what exactly do i buy so i can do everything i listed?

jtomasi · Apr 30, 2013

Reef Angel is the best if you have time and some knowledge of programming. Its open source, so no other controller is in the same stratosphere when it comes to customize-ability.

o2manyfish · Apr 30, 2013

+1 for the Apex. I have had mine for over a year and love the control and watchgaurding of my tank.

I monitor pH, ORP, Temp (Inside), Temp (Outside), ph Kalk Mixer, pH Calc Rx and Salinity. It also controls my 220v heater, my top off, my lights, my internal pumps.

It's become a great tool for keeping my system stable. Knowing when the Kalk Mixer needs Kalk, or when the Calc Rx is clogged, or the CO2 tank runs out are great insights into things I wasn't keeping a close enough eye on before.

Dave B

Dave A · Apr 30, 2013

Reef Angel, and don't be scared off by the people who claim you need to know anything about programming.

Mine monitors pH, sump temp, room temp and LED fixture temp. It controls my ATO, LED fans, LED dimming, moonlights, fuge light, skimmer, return etc. I have no idea how to write any kind of code, but i got this all working the way i want. I use the android app and it is excellent, I've heard that the apple version is just as good.
The RA comes preprogrammed with all the obvious functions (ATO, 2 wavemaker outlets, heater, lighting, pumps, etc) but the RA Wizard will add a number of other features if you want them and you still won't need to write any code unless you want something unusual. Programing requires being plugged in, but the settings (times, temp, dimming) can be changed through the app, online, or on your page at the RA portal. The RA forum is full of folks who are happy to help if you run into a problem.
Last I heard, RA is the only controller that offers both analog and PWM dimming (once you go PWM, you'll never want analog again) and a true parabola for dimming in addition to simple slopes like the others.

Diesel · Apr 30, 2013

Keep it simple, keep it PRO, keep it epic go with APEX!

You didn't know..................Jeterisdead

jtomasi · Apr 30, 2013

I agree, people get scared away when someone mentions the word programming (which I did). Its programming like you program a remote or your radio in your car (maybe not that easy, but you get the idea, lol). I have no doubt that anyone that can maintain a successful aquarium will be fine with the Reef Angel.

jtomasi · Apr 30, 2013

It really depends on what you want to do. If you want to be constrained by the optionality and features of a controller then the Apex is probably the best in that category. True be told, I bet 80% or more of reefers out there find it to be sufficient.

If you want to ask yourself, "what is the most insane, unique, craziest thing I can do with my aquarium" and not have the "structure" of a controller holding you back, then the RA is the way to go. For example, I can set my controller up to certain coordinates in the world and it mimics those condition... light duration, light intensity, moon cycle, tides and turbulence (although I doubt turbulence is very actuate as I got off of some random website, vs the others which are from a credit source)