RKENET or APEX

Okay, now on to the next part of this puzzle... From  those of you that use controllers-- which one would you recommand for ease of use, ease of upgrades, best bang for the buck or any other things you could add that would be useful to beginner. I've read that with the RKE, some people have had problems getting the upgrades. give me your suggestions pros or cons. This will be the next part I will be adding and would like some input from those of you that have experience with these controllers. 

 

I use a RKE and will be using the RKEnet on my new frag system. It does what I need it to do, which is contol the lighting and allow me to shut down the system for feeding. I am sure it does much more. I don't have anything to compare it to, but I will say I am pleased with it.

 

Is it a wireless system or hard wired?

 

RKE here

 

I would have to go with the RKE, since I am will have to have more than 4 modules. With the RKE, can you setup and monitor things on the computer without the net module? What od you have to update the firmware for?? new equipment??

 

I have finally decided to put a controller on my system and have been talking to Cory Rose about his. It's the aquacontroller Apex. Very expandable, internet capable, and he has no problems with it and you get a live person to talk to every time you call with setup questions or other info. You can see them at www.neptunesys.com. He has the Apex, they also have a Jr. and a lite. I am getting the Apex. Give me a call at 501-329-6964 and I'll get you in contact with Cory so he can tell you about it. Can't get too much info before you make a major purchase like that.

 

I have had the Aquacontroller Apex for about 6 months now and would have to say it is one of the best things I have ever purchased for my aquarium. I would not set up another aquarium without one.  As far as which controller, I think they are both very good. One thing I can say, is the service for the Apex is great from my experience. Example, I called system support for help with connecting the Apex controller up to the internet and with my permission he accessed my controller over the internet and set everything up while I watched on my computer monitor. He also updated my firmware at the same time.  All I did was sit and watch. After that, I can access everything over the internet, the Ph, temp, ORP, lights, pumps, dosing pumps, fans,heaters, power heads, auto top off, you name it you can control it. There is also an app for the i-phone that works great.    I highly recommend the Apex Aquacontroller for the service alone.   Hope this helps  Corey Rose

 

I use the reef keeper lite. I just got the net module. It seems like it needs to be hard wired to a router. I don't know about most people but I don't have one in my fish room.

When updating The modules you must do one at a time, and they cannot be connected to/through another module. Which means you will have to take the system down while updating.

Those are the bad things. The good things are that if you purchase the RKL you can upgrade to the RKE. If you send your head unit in they give you $50 for it. There is an app for it on the iPhone. It's called iReef. I have not used the app yet because it's not connected to the Internet.

It is cheaper than the apex controllers that have the same options, but is not controllable without using the head unit (from what I hear.

 

I have had the apex running my system now for 2 years, from this day forward. i strongly belive that if i was setting up a new system. I would buy the controller before i even had the tank to put the fish in. that is how impressed and happy with it i am. It does everything for my tank but clean the glass and change the water. you can easliy program it to do anything you want. if it plugs into a wall sockit it will run it. and all from the Iphone what else do you want.

 

I use a RKE... I like it... I dont use 90% of its functions but, I have the capablity to upgrade.   I like Apex... for an all in one system the 8 output jack is fine... I however like the 4 bar from DA... If I had the 8 bar half of it wouldnt be used under the tank and I would have had to get one for the top... I dont know if you catch my drift... Updating... no problem. Internet... its cool for the first month or two... then you get like every other hobbiest... lazy... I like to look at my tank.. it tells me everything.. I dont really need the web or my phone to be checking my tank all the time... its a gimmick to me.

Both have their best attributes.

Both are great controllers.

I would get an apex just to try it out if I was in the market.

I would also purchase another RK from DA....

If you want someone to tell you a way to go.. Go apex... Tell how you like it... Us RKers would love to hear more about them.

 

something else that i really like. the apex has 4 programmable feed functions. you just push feed "A" and it does that function, like mine it shuts down the return pumps for me to feed the tank. and i then walk away. it turns back on in 30min on its own.  i have feed "C" function programed for my water changes, like turning off the ATO while changing the water. i have feed"D" set for cleaning the take, 45min of no return pumps, or circulation pumps. great for digging in the tank or spot feed. push the button do your thing and walk away, times out and goes back to normal status. love it. and for this i do us the iPhone. I push the button from the phone and let it settle down before i do my thing. its great!

 

RKE has the same feacher it is called stanbby you tell it what you want on or off. The night mode is nice to it will turn on or off pumps at night. I like the moon ligt controler it can simulate the moon phases