reefnjunkie Posted January 17, 2010 Share Posted January 17, 2010 So I am looking into getting a controller and don't know which ones are better than others as far as functionality, ease of use etc.. I can get a Neptune Aquacontroller 3 w/ PX-1000 expansion module, PH and ORP probe, two temp probes, ethernet cables etc 325.00, it looks like it is around 525.00 new I see the reefkeeper lite, level 1,2, and 3 also other Neptune lines; Aqua Controllers Jr Aqua Controllers III Aqua Controllers III Pro Aqua Controllers Apex A little mind numbing with so many variations. Can those who have one now or have used them in the past shed any light as to what features are important or, if there is something you don't like about a certain one and would have done something different had you known. That one I can get seems like a great deal but if it is more than I need I'd rather spend the few dollars on something else. Thanks for any help/suggestions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smann Posted January 17, 2010 Share Posted January 17, 2010 I have an ACIII and am very happy with it, I havent used anything else so I cant comment on other brands. I would definetly go with one that has ethernet and software it makes programing much easier. On the one you're looking you did not list any DC boxes if they are not included you will have to buy them before you can hook up any lights, etc http://www.neptunesys.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=28&Itemid=40 has pricing also Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Posted January 17, 2010 Share Posted January 17, 2010 Aqua Controllers Apex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smann Posted January 17, 2010 Share Posted January 17, 2010 Aqua Controllers Apex Frank, not to go off topic, why is your CR effulent so low. In my manual and other I've seen Ph 6.5 as the target. I have mine at 6.6 out of the first chamber and 6.9-7.0 out of the second Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Posted January 17, 2010 Share Posted January 17, 2010 Had an issue last night...EFF came out of drip container and into sump. Trying to deal with it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefnjunkie Posted January 17, 2010 Author Share Posted January 17, 2010 Frank I see you say Neptune's Apex But the deal for 300.00 I posted, isn't that worth jumpning on, maybe I am missing certain features or the experiance to see why the Apex is worth the extra 200+ Any insight you can share???? TIA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mytshall Posted January 17, 2010 Share Posted January 17, 2010 Reefkeeper lite Great value. Things can always be added later. Probably 200 out the door to do most things you want and the ability to upgrade the unit and pieces as needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Popeil Posted January 18, 2010 Share Posted January 18, 2010 i started with an AC jr and absolutely loved it. then i upgraded to the ACIII and immediately realized that everyone should have a controller. with the amount of money we invest in our systems and how easily things can go wrong, a good controller will take care of so many problems. i love that my ACIII will send me an email and a text message during problems or power outtages. that alone is certainly worth the money invested in my ACIII. i also thoroughly enjoy being able to check on my tank from any internet connection in the world and turn things on/off online. im satisfied now with my current controller, but wouldnt mind the upgraded features of the Apex. the apex has a feature that measures electrical usage, which would be nice when calculating electrical costs associated with running lights, pumps, powerheads, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefnjunkie Posted January 18, 2010 Author Share Posted January 18, 2010 I have an ACIII and am very happy with it, I havent used anything else so I cant comment on other brands. I would definetly go with one that has ethernet and software it makes programing much easier. On the one you're looking you did not list any DC boxes if they are not included you will have to buy them before you can hook up any lights, etc http://www.neptunesys.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=28&Itemid=40 has pricing also It came with 2 connectors having 8 plugs each, another module that allowed additional probes-I did not catch all that at first, it made it closer to 845.00 if you bought it all new-I let the deal slip by-probably dumb of me, actually it was dumb of me!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smann Posted January 18, 2010 Share Posted January 18, 2010 That was a good deal, like ACjr price with the extras. Keep looking seems like they have been out there lately. If you decide to go with Neptune I'd go for the ACIII(at least), the ethernet is definetly worth it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markdadof2 Posted January 19, 2010 Share Posted January 19, 2010 Love my ReefKeeper Elite! I agree with what Jordan says - every reefer should have a controler! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefnjunkie Posted January 19, 2010 Author Share Posted January 19, 2010 Love my ReefKeeper Elite! I agree with what Jordan says - every reefer should have a controler! Mark, is the NET module needed to get wireless? I assume so because of its name "NET" module. If I am going to spend 400.00 it may as well be 500.00. I was looking at the Elite but saw the "NET" module for an extra 100.00. Plus I don't see that one on eBay under a buy it know, so where as the APEX is 460.00, the Elite w/ NET would be 500+shipping. I'm 98.21% sure on adding the controller, maybe 98.50%-(nutty) Good news is I can sell my Marine PP PH Controller and my MPP PH monitor-should get at least 225.00 for them (combined-2 separate sales) on RC-no offense meant PNWMAS-I'll try here 1st but I am a skeptical Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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