Which controller for me?

[ralph atl]

http://www.marinedepot.com/MarineDepot.com_Exclusive_Reef_Keeper_Lite_+_SL1_Expansion_Unit_w_FREE_PH_Probe_Multi_Item_Monitors_Controllers_for_Saltwater_Aquariums-Digital_Aquatics-DA11311-FITEMOMI-0-vi.html">http://www.marinedepot.com/MarineDepot.com_Exclusive_Reef_Keeper_Lite_+_SL1_Expansion_Unit_w_FREE_PH_Probe_Multi_Item_Monitors_Controllers_for_Saltwater_Aquariums-Digital_Aquatics-DA11311-FITEMOMI-0-vi.html</a>
(thanks Dave for the head's up, lol)


I was looking at that deal above, looks good to me......

I would like it to:
control lights (I have them on timer now, works great)
control 3 dosing pumps for Alk, Calcium, & Vodka (I have a dual Aqua-medic now...works good)

Control PH & Temp

Let me know if something is amiss.....maybe expand for something else....

I don't think the Apex is for me.....500 bucks....I don't think I need that much control......

My Vortech's have their own controllers.......

Thanks!

 

[superclown]

you could get away with that package but just know your not going to be able to expand much beyond this point your def going to need another pc4 depending on how many lights you have.

lets say you got 2 light plugs minimum that leaves 2 more spots for free and you got other pumps and heaters to hook up.

This deal is a good deal and for the money its great and I understand where you coming from cause I like apex but I don't wanna drop 500.00 for a controller either.

I would map out all your functions figure out on paper how and what equipment you are going to want to use and then figure out if thats going to be enough. If there is anything that you want to add in the future or think you might want to do make sure you don't paint yourself into a corner without a way out so to speak

 

[mvm]

I travel a lot. You may not. I love being able to monitor/control my tank via my phone. IMO, it's priceless. I used to come home and walk around the corner wondering if I would have a cloudy, lifeless tank. With my Apex, I know all is well. Worth the peace of mind for me....

 

[ralph atl]

great comments so far....I see......hummm...

 

[ralph atl]

can the APEX (or any controller) use WiFi?
I guess there is an ap for Apex?


I would need 8 outlets........

 

[misu]

I ordered an apex today, found a semi deal on tbaquatics

There is an app for iphone and you can hook it via wireless with a wifi bridge just don't flash it over wifi

 

[mvm]

mysterybox;588805 wrote: can the APEX (or any controller) use WiFi?
I guess there is an ap for Apex?


I would need 8 outlets........

To use wifi, you need a gaming adapter. They are pretty cheap on ebay. My house is ethernet wired, so I had an outlet near my tank. There is an app on droid (i have) and iPhone (i had and hated). It's simple to use once it's set up. PM me if you have any questions...

 

[mockery]

Ralph one of the cool functions that you can get for the Apex is the WMX module which allows your controller to control the vortechs for feed mode, night mode and such. Just another thing to consider.

 

[seth the wine guy]

MvM;588829 wrote: To use wifi, you need a gaming adapter. They are pretty cheap on ebay. My house is ethernet wired, so I had an outlet near my tank. There is an app on droid (i have) and iPhone (i had and hated). It's simple to use once it's set up. PM me if you have any questions...

I bought the APEX for the build I'm doing. I will definitely reach out to you about the Droid app.

 

[rbredding]

with the apex, you dont need a specific app to use it.. after you set it up with a static IP address.. you just log straight into that IP and you have complete control of the system..


as best I know at this point... the Apex is the only controller that you can actually modify online (turn a pump off, switch a light or heater on, etc..)

 

[ralph atl]

Rbredding;589364 wrote: with the apex, you dont need a specific app to use it.. after you set it up with a static IP address.. you just log straight into that IP and you have complete control of the system..


as best I know at this point... the Apex is the only controller that you can actually modify online (turn a pump off, switch a light or heater on, etc..)

ok, cool. I think I'll go for an apex.......

 

[rbredding]

Digital aquatics may also allow remote control ability but I'm not sure (i think it was only going to be possible through a software application - but again.. not sure)

 

[gmpolan]

i got a RKE and i travel, i think it does a great job but yet to have a review on net experience as i havent set that up yet...

 

[landonl]

I have the RKE/RKL and the Apex. The Apex blows them both out of the water hands down. There are so many more hardware options and software features on the Apex. Besides the Neptune Apex hardware and software being better, DA is not a very honest or trustworthy company either.

Go with the Apex and you will be more than satisfied.

Hope this helps,
Landon