Help me pick a controller

[pweissma]

I'm trying to decide between the Reef Keeper Lite and the Neptune AquaController Jr. Owners of both seem very happy so I don't think there's a wrong choice and they seem to be priced competitively. Please let me know of any differences between the two that might be significant to me.

btw -- The thing that convinced me to get a controller is temperature control. Recently I've had some heater problems and those digital thermometers can't be trusted.

Thanks

 

[motortrendz]

i got the RKL.. awesome no problems all the add on systems are great..easy as anything to use...i dont know anything abt the later so i cant give u comparison, just my thought on the unit I have...

 

[batt600]

I would get the AquaController Apex dont waste your money on the jr or the ReefKeeper light. That just my opinion thow.

 

[TRUKINGNY]

i have the neptune apex and i love it its well worth the money i wouldnt think twice about it get it lol

 

[chuck116]

+ 1 apex , atleast something neptune . They are a little tricky initially but are well worth it. JMO

 

[pweissma]

How about some reason behind those assertions? I know that people are very satisfied with both.

 

[JimmyR1rider]

I personally believe that if you have a relatively simple setup- especially with a system on the smaller side that youd be completely happy and satisfied with either- If people use the reefkeepers theyll be partial to the RK if people use the neptune systems theyll be partial to that- kind of like cars and motorcycles. Decide what functions youll ACTUALLY USE- then decide what is the budget you have to spend and decide from there. I dont think the Reefkeepers are cheap quality wise but they are less expensive. The neptune systems will definately do more- but you stated that the MAIN reason youre getting one is for temp control- they both do great at that.


Good luck- am sure youll be happy with whatever you choose.:smile:

 

[BYU]

+1 for apex neptune + I love that i can control everything though my Iphone
I never had the reefkeeper so i dont have a comparison

 

[masterswimmer]

Phil, no problem on either one. If you are planning to upgrade some day to a larger system, the Apex would probably be the more versatile system. If you plan to keep the Solana or only upgrade moderately to a 75g or 90g system, the RKL would suit your needs very well. The price difference between the RKL and Apex is about $400. Sizable chaching IMO.

Russ

 

[pweissma]

Apex is over my budget but I do like it's Vortech module. Other than this I think the Jr or Rkl would meet my needs. I'll use it for controlling my temp, lights, moonlight probably, ato maybe as I already have a seperate controller, pH but only to monitor, and wavemaking until I get a vortech.
The aquacontroller Jr. And RKL seem very similar in all ways including price.

 

[pweissma]

Thanks eveyone for the input.
I've decided to get a RKL. For $100 it meets all my immediate needs, temerature monitoring and heater control and it gives me a way to temporarily turn off my pumps for feeding. I built an on/off switch but I'm nervous about forgetting to turn it back on. I also will use the RKL to time my lights.
With the RKL I'm also getting the moonlight module. I'll add in an SL2 with pH and salinity probes later.
For comparison the basic $150 Aquacontrokler Jr doesn't come with any outlets so it does nothing for me.


Sent from my iPhone using Reefs