How do we feel about this alternative to an APEX?

[Collink91]

ReefKeeper Lite Plus (OPEN BOX)

Why does BRS recommend this? The Digital Aquatics Reef Keeper Lite is a great little aquarium controller that makes programming very straightforward and easy. The options are somewhat limited compared to other controllers on the market, however if you are looking for a simple, easy to use...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

I just struggle to drop the 800 bucks on a full apex

 

[YoungReefer10g]

does it do automatic water changes?

 

[ichthyoid]

ReefKeeper's Departure Hurts The Industry

I have been stewing about this for weeks since I found out that Digital Aquatics aka ReekKeeper has finally closed it's doors. Even though it was no real shock because there was no service or updates for a very long time, the official word of their demise still has a significant impact. First...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[lmm1967]

you can probably get that stuff for free - I think they are gone

 

[wake125122]

ReefKeeper Lite Plus (OPEN BOX)

Why does BRS recommend this? The Digital Aquatics Reef Keeper Lite is a great little aquarium controller that makes programming very straightforward and easy. The options are somewhat limited compared to other controllers on the market, however if you are looking for a simple, easy to use...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

I just struggle to drop the 800 bucks on a full apex

They went under. So honestly I would advise against it. If you are looking for an alternative I would suggest looking at GHL or Hydros depending on what exactly you are trying to do. In my opinion Apex was and still is the gold standard to aquarium controllers. I have one and I still love it.

 

[ichthyoid]

CoralVue has been promising this new controller for about a year now. They made a big splash at MACNA last fall, promising to launch it this spring. Even though they state it is ‘assembled’ in the US, that’s likely a trick play on words, because most of the electronic components made in the world now, come from China or other parts of Asia.

Now that we are dealing with COVID, who knows when/if it will be available to hobbyists...?

Broken Tank | CoralVue

CoralVue is one of North America's largest distributors of marine and freshwater aquaria products and represents a wide range of industry-leading brands including Reef Octopus, Abyzz, Fauna Marin, IceCap, and more. CoralVue also manufactures the HYDROS Control, which is the fastest-growing...

www.coralvue.com

 

[ichthyoid]

Fwiw, there are 2 models planned a 2 & a 4.

The 2 is really aimed at freshwater tanks.

The 4 is for reef tanks, has 2 probe ports plus temp and is expandable, at very reasonable cost. Base price if $399.00 and comes with a 4 outlet strip, plus a 1 outlet w/ power monitoring. Additional strips are $25 for the 1 and $40 for the 4.

 

[ichthyoid]

Also.. and to me this is BIG! The units are ip67 rated, meaning they are water resistant.

Why it took this long to get a water resistant aquarium controller, to me, defies logic? Especially for use around a marine aquarium!

Also, the controller uses a drag & drop associative programming format. Thus avoids much of the start up learning curve found with an Apex.

Although, to the Apex’ credit, there is a lot of end user support via forum programming examples & tech support.

 

[hiimsean]

Why not buy an OG apex for a couple hundred? It’s still supported by apex with updates still be produced. Modules can be found super cheap and it’s actually good and proven good

 

[ichthyoid]

Why not buy an OG apex for a couple hundred? It’s still supported by apex with updates still be produced. Modules can be found super cheap and it’s actually good and proven good

That’s what I’ve got. After considering an $800 upgrade to the ‘newer’ Apex, I’ve decided to hold off & wait to see what CoralVue comes out with. I can afford to, as I’ve got 2 of the older units, just in case.

At $400 for a water resistant controller, which is easy to program, plus accessories (and new ones on the horizon), what’s to lose by waiting?

 

[Collink91]

Bought the APEX classic from @brent311 so we’re all good!

 

[hiimsean]

Imo a controller is the best investment for a tank and gives you peace of mind. You can go wrong with Apex. The community for it is great. If you ever run into problems the Neptune Forum on their website is a great resource. They’ve helped me with trouble shooting a few times now.