What controller is best for large & small tanks?

So I am looking to purchase a controller for my Biocube 29 and am looking to upgrade to larger tank in about 2 years. I wan t to play with a controller now and master it before I get into anything large.

So here is what I am wanting out of this controller.

1. iPhone friendly (I would like to turn on/off pumps, lights ect... on the go.)
2. Automatically dose chemicals & ATO
3. Get alerts sent to me asap on my mobile device
4. Easy to use


I would like to get this for when I travel, I was in Texas two weeks ago and needed to FaceTime with the girlfriend to feed my tank. I really wanted to tap on an app and enable feed mode and go on with my day. Can this be done?!


I have been looking into the ReefKeeper Elite w/Net but not sure if I can talk to this unit on the go.

Thanks,
Chris

 

You can do all but number 4 with a reef angel. It takes some research but you get a ton of help on their forums to build code.

 

Thanks for the tip!

It looks like to be a pretty solid option!


Anyone else have ideas?

 

Bump...

 

Apex. It's the Rolls Royce of reef controllers. Ipad/Iphone and Android programs, full remote access. Fallback settings that work and it can text or email you warnings.

HUGE amounts of resources available. Including a 70+ page hobbyist written guide to installation.


As far as feeding remotely.. that depends on what you want to feed. If it's just pellets, that is easy. If you want to feed frozen/refrigerated foods I saw this and fell in love.

http://glassbox-design.com/2010/azoox-nps-coral-continuous-feeding/

 

Very cool link!

Is there only the Neptune System?

 

Neptune systems makes the Apex, Apex jr, and Apex lite currently. They are all basically the same with the apex jr and lite having less base features than the apex. But with modules you can do all the same things with all of them.

For a biocube where you likely don't have a ton of different things plugged in the Apex Jr should do everything you need. And it's only $149. As you need more functionality you can add more modules.

 

Great!! Thanks for the input!

Will the Jr talk to an iPhone? I'm okay spending more if need be.

 

Sure will. The only difference is the number of ports come standard. All functionality is the same. The JR comes with 4 plugs and a temp controller. The full apex comes 8 plugs and with temp/ph/2nd ph or orp ports and some variable pump controls. The full apex also has a display that you will hardly ever use.


You can add modules to the JR that will add all those ports if you want them later. You can also add another power bar if you want that later. Or you can get it from the start. Either way, I think you'll love the apex system. It's reliable and once you get used to it it's really pretty easy to use.

 

Thanks again for all the input! I am leaning towards the Apex Light system. I'd like to have the screen just in case something happens to my router or who knows what else. I'll be placing my order very soon

Thanks again!