Tank controller

[Arce]

After my recent issue with my heater i was thinking of getting a temp controller and figured i might as well drop the extra money for a full controller. Just not sure whats the best out there or the functions they really can do. Im not looking for much to throw on there. Whats everyone use?

 

[jgraz]

Personally I went with the Apex Jr and I love it. It was a bit of a pain to set up but that was all me. Once I got a bit of help and also found out about the Apex forum and Reef Tronics all went very smooth. Only thing I would have changed is that I would have gotten a higher version of the controller. I was trying to save a bit and ended up buying the Jr instead.

 

[Arce]

What can the JR do?

 

[jgraz]

Out of the box it can handle temp and has 4 outlets. Best bet would be to go to the Neptune Apex site. They have a tool that compares the 3 lvls of controllers.

 

[iTzJu]

Personally I went with the Apex Jr and I love it. It was a bit of a pain to set up but that was all me. Once I got a bit of help and also found out about the Apex forum and Reef Tronics all went very smooth. Only thing I would have changed is that I would have gotten a higher version of the controller. I was trying to save a bit and ended up buying the Jr instead.

+1 on the apex controller. I've have been using a reef keeper lite for the most part of all my tanks but on the current build decided to go with an apex. not to discredit reef keepers because they are great controllers for the money however the lack of able to control your tank via the internet is what made me really go towards apex. If you are tech savvy you might want to check out Reef Angel Controller, its an open source controller and is constantly getting new features and codes.

 

[ecam]

If you are tech savvy you might want to check out Reef Angel Controller, its an open source controller and is constantly getting new features and codes.

+1. I love my reef angel.

 

[lefkonj]

I have an Apex and have been very happy with it. I definitely have used it for the heater/chiller style issues over the last 2 years. Setup of the Apex is quite straight forward but it does require some planning and thought.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I’m old school and still like the Reefkeeper 2. Comes with eight controllable outlets, pH and temperature probes and you typically can pick them up used for 100 or less. And the best part is that you don’t need a degree in programming to set it up….a controller for idiots!

 

[lefkonj]

I would strongly suggest listing out what you want to control and monitor before you buy anything. There are used products you can get, or when you buy new specific bundles available. 8 outlets, vs 4 vs 16... pH Temp and many other probes.... lighting controls..... the list can get long.

 

[Arce]

Im looking at the apex site and im thinking i might go with the apex Jr. Im not trying to run much mostly lights and the temp/heater control. Im really liking the online or iphone/ipad app that u can use to remotely control it.

 

[cupidsrose]

good

 

[radiata]

System Redundancy...

I'd use a Ranco ETC-111000/ETC-111-000 Electronic Temperature Controller for the heater AND an Apex or Reefkeeper controller to monitor the temperature and trigger an alarm when it goes either too high or too low. Nothing like a little redundancy. If the Ranco fails (it probably won't - it is commercial quality and almost bulletproof) the Apex/Reefkeeper will let you know. If you opt to use only one --- the Ranco could cook/freeze your tank OR the Apex/Reefkeeper could cook/freeze your tank, and you won't know until you happen to stick your personal thermometer (hand/finger) in your tank water.

I've been running a Reefkeeper for a few years now, but I am collecting Apex hardware for an eventual conversion. I think the Apex is more powerful. We have an NJRC member who claims that, with his Apex, he can do a water change on his system here in NJ when he is away on business in Switzerland...