Reef Aquarium Controllers

[Lecter]

Tell me what you have and the pros and cons, opinions, regrets and surprises.
I personally have the highest interest in the one I have the most trouble finding info on.
The German made Profilux system, but I am open to all comments on the experiences
people have had with any brand. I am staring a new 165 gal mixed tank and really want to go to the extreme on this one. I am selling my 75 gal system to my bro and never used a computer on it so I would would greatly appreciate all the input I can get from anyone who has one.....thanks.

[RJS8540]

Tagging along on this. I would like to set up a 125 with some type of controller.

[tdb320reef]

Neptune Apex- it saved me today when my overflow - overflowed. My water sensor when off and I shut the pump off. Called my neighbor and she confirmed that it infact overflowed with a large snail in the drain hole.

[dputt88]

Snails. Always up to no good. ( why i bought an elos ato today im too excited). Following along would love some good tip on controllers for future builds.

Sent from my Samsung Smartphone using Tapatalk. When I should be doing something more productive.

[Danroth]

I don't have any experience with them, but everything I've researched (and I've done a lot) suggest either the Neptune Apex, or Apex Lite. There's some small, but important differences (as well as the price tag), but they seem to allow the most flexibility, adaptability, and connectivity. It can email you when things go wrong, and you can access it online and adjust settings at work or if you're on vacation, etc... it's what I'll be getting for my 120.

[on the spot]

It's a bit dated now but gives a good overview. I guess. YMMV
The list with a chart.

[Crow]

I have only owned the reefkeeper, and I will be going with another one for my 300+.


Sent from my iPhone.

[pjr]

I've had them all. Multiples from two of the top players....

Profilux is very good but to be frank, the company is kind of arrogant. Their product is the best in the world, their manuals are the best in the world, and if you need something else or cannot figure it out, then you must be a fool who is not deserving of their product.

The controller is very good and very reliable, but the lack of web server without significant cost upgrade motivated me to sell it. I wanted the internet access and without a dedicated computer running their software for connectivity, and their web modules are very expensive. Manuals stink; look for much better options developed by the reefing community.

The Reefkeeper products offer affordability and great ease of use. However, their temp probes are not very good, which can cause severe issues and crashes, and their software has a long history of bugginess and quirks. There's been a list of issues like interference from certain type of bulbs resulting in sockets not turning on; keeping at least one socket off on the power strip else overall on-off issues, and so on. Quick and responsive support is not likely, by the way.

Apex is more complex to program, but I have found it to be a rock-solid controller. The web server works great for internet access.

All three have been fine for e-mail/text alerts, but some required connectivity to a PC with their software up and running. All three have respectable charting. Profilux offers crazy levels of customization and expandability. Apex offers the best support, followed by Profilux (if you don't mind a little attitude).

Hope this helps...



- PJR

Mixed reef: 6' wide 130g, driven by 100% LEDs by Sunbrite T10 tubes, and stuffed with SPS, chalices, other LPS, and a few softies.
Blog: PJR's Reef

[Slosht]

Tagging along for the ride as well.

Trying to decide between the Apex and Reef Angel. Will eventually be using this to control 3 tanks.

[Lecter]

Originally Posted by Slosht

Tagging along for the ride as well.

Trying to decide between the Apex and Reef Angel. Will eventually be using this to control 3 tanks.

Ah yes,
The reef Angel, now that looks extremely promising! Open source,heck yes!

[muttley000]

Originally Posted by Slosht

Tagging along for the ride as well.

Trying to decide between the Apex and Reef Angel. Will eventually be using this to control 3 tanks.

This brings up a good point, If the OP doesn't mind can we consider the ability of controlling several different systems

[Jim_Dont_Care]

so with the reef angel u need to have computer programing skill ? i have none

[Lecter]

Originally Posted by jim48442

so with the reef angel u need to have computer programing skill ? i have none

Naw man, It means open to all who have the knowledge to contribute without permissions and legalities to get in the way. Things like Firefox, Eudora, Linux are free and open to improve without a bunch of legalities to get in the way and they are provided free to all. That is why you can customize the crap out of Firefox. it may not be the simplest thing but it is the most flexible.

[Jim_Dont_Care]

i got confused when the videos i watch said u have to add codes and such was thinking i would need to do some programing

[Slosht]

Originally Posted by jim48442

i got confused when the videos i watch said u have to add codes and such was thinking i would need to do some programing

From what I've read about the RA unit, it will work right out of the box as a basic controller. There are quite a few advanced programs already coded by the user community and if you wanted to do something different you can code it yourself. I liked the concept with the flexibility.


Saying that, I felt I couldn't pass up Premium Aquatic's 10% off for Memorial day sale and purchased the Neptune AquaController Apex Lite today. The main reason I chose it, is right out of the box it will do everything I need it for, including the built in ethernet port. Not having to buy expansion parts immediately was a huge plus. I did find a used AquaSurf module at a very good price that will add Tunze control to the Lite.