School me on controllers

you are wrong. They have a wireless for about $100 dollars and there are apps and I BELEIVE the new portal will give you updates as well as the ability to change stuff on your phone/computer.

I don't current take advantage of this but I probably will this year. Benefits are also you get temp&ph probe and two float valves for ATO standard with the controller. So for $300 you can control everything you want (only2 PWM ports though you can get the expansion hub for a reasonable price)

 

Right, you need the add-on module. So add that to the cost, plus this, plus that, and now I'd be better off with the Apex.

 

I have the DA ReefKeeper. Hindsight and many Vortechs later, I would go with the Apex.

 

Noted; thanks Andy.

 

Another thing noted you need to get a wireless router for the apex I got a Gaming one ( was 50$) Unless you plan on hardwiring it. But my tanks to far away from our netgear system. lol.

 

My router is about 8 feet away; same wall.

 

Not really a more expensive issue then with the Apex.

 

I also run a DA Reefkeeper, and all things considered I would have went Apex as well. They now have add ons to do basically everything you want on the RK but that stuff adds up incredibly fast.

I don't think you would be unhappy with either however. One thing I can note for you is DA has the worst customer service possible IME. Definitely something to take care to consider as my RK has been warrantied 2 separate times now, including a salinity probe that took them months to figure out how to make it work.:-/

 

I would definitely go with a controller that can control Vortechs. It really gives you a lot more flexibility over the controller the Vortech comes with. Unfortunately, the Vortech module for Apex is an extra $130. For Profilux is it $170, but apparently it will also control Radions eventually.

 

thats the ONLY downfall of the reef angel. You have to buy a module to utilize WiFi and it cost a bit over $100. I swear by my reef angel, its the greatest thing Ive ever bought for my reef. i looked and researched ALOT of controllers and really when you look at the full versatility of the ra and take into account what its able to do right out of the box its truly a no brain'r. i have $360 invested in my reef angel. it....

controls my pwm meanwell drivers (w/ sunrise/sunset, clouds, lightning)
monitors ph
ato
temp probes in sump, display, and canopy
it controls my pumps and skimmer (all of them)
and i can check my parameters ANYWHERE I AM (theres an app for that)
and im not utilizing it as much as i could!

you get your RA from an individual who has pride in what hes building and you get the tech support to back that up.

SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS BUY A REEF ANGEL....just sayn;D