Thoughts on ReefKeeper vs Apex?

CoralCompulsion

CoralCompulsion

New member
Anyone controller users out there have any opinions on Reefkeeper vs Apex? Benefits to one or the other? Why do you use the brand and model you use?
 
I use DA ReefKeeper Elite. If I had several tanks, I would consider the APEX, but I have one system, and will always only have 1 system that would require the needs of a controller, so the ease of use, expandability, and affordability all factored in. I love the user interface as well. The reports, ease of setup, all of it were factors.
 
I have the RK... wish I did the APEX before I fully invested in the RK.

APEX - better user interface/iphone app that works/integrated features/better customer service.
 
poidog said:
I have the RK... wish I did the APEX before I fully invested in the RK.

APEX - better user interface/iphone app that works/integrated features/better customer service.
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I have definitely heard that the apex iphone app is really nice. And just like you said, I want to get some people opinions before I start investing in one or the other.

I feel like I'm leaning toward apex, but still not to sure.
 
Don't get me wrong. I like my RK and I'm fine with it, but if I would do it all over again I'd get the Apex. If you want good customer service go with Apex. DA has been very hit and miss (more miss).
 
I don't care for a smartphone interface. If I'm out working, and something goes wrong, either my wife is home, or I'm screwed. I can't just stop working to go save my tank... lol. I know its useful for some, but just not a big deal IMO.
 
yogoshio said:
I don't care for a smartphone interface. If I'm out working, and something goes wrong, either my wife is home, or I'm screwed. I can't just stop working to go save my tank... lol. I know its useful for some, but just not a big deal IMO.
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Ben, do you have your's connected to the internet at all? Do you only use it for controlling purposes and not for monitoring? If so, what all do you have controlled by it?
 
Mine is connected to the Net and I have it send me email/text notifications when alarms trigger, and I have the RK app to monitor and control the ports on the PC4... it's basic but functional.
 
+1 on digital aquatics being a pain in the *** to deal with ... Acted like I was trying to rip them off or something when my brand new RKL wasn't working properly ... Almost made me pay return shipping to get the problem fixed ... It was a very unpleasant experience to say the least ...
 
poidog said:
Mine is connected to the Net and I have it send me email/text notifications when alarms trigger, and I have the RK app to monitor and control the ports on the PC4... it's basic but functional.
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Which version of the reef keeper do you have? What is it that you feel the apex does better besides customer service?
 
I don't have it connected to the internet, no. I do check out the reports and info that is stored on the system. I have it controlling my skimmer, circulation pumps, heater, fans, lights, and return pump. Lights are split between actinic and white.
 
The whole apex interface is better. I'm all about mobile computer and teh apex gives you full features, graphing on your iphone or ipad, RK does not. Everything is included in one unit on the Apex... RK you have to add on all the little module units and the price exceeds the price of the APEX by the time you get everything you want.
 
I look at it this way.. The RK is easier to use as the functions are dummy proof.. Took me awhile to learn all the functions and with Fishbeard help. Im real happy with it!!! No net for me :( Controls my lights, heater, temp, PH, ATO, fans and the list can go on...

But if you are up for the challenge and from what I seen with Apex.. Its for you ;) Might be cheaper in the long run with all the gadgets :D
 
Lil BamBam said:
I look at it this way.. The RK is easier to use as the functions are dummy proof.. Took me awhile to learn all the functions and with Fishbeard help. Im real happy with it!!! No net for me :( Controls my lights, heater, temp, PH, ATO, fans and the list can go on...

But if you are up for the challenge and from what I seen with Apex.. Its for you ;) Might be cheaper in the long run with all the gadgets :D
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To do all of that with your RK, what all do you have? Which model and which add on modules?
 
CoralCompulsion said:
To do all of that with your RK, what all do you have? Which model and which add on modules?
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I have the RKL which is your basic (face unit, PC4, temp probe) and added a SL1, PH probe, 1 extra PC4.. Also the float switch.. Which in my case should have went with the RKE and saved myself some $$.. So pretty much the RKE package is much better IMO.. Note! The RKE has more functions than the RKL
 
I did a bunch of research on both those options, and since I'm the type to tinker to the tee, I went with the Apex. If I wanted a "set it and forget it" system, I would have gone RK, but the Apex gives me control of everything I want control of, up to the smallest degree. The upfront cost of the full Apex is much like LEDs, but in the long run (at least to me), it's worth it. Plus, justifying one expensive purchase to my wifey is easier than trying to go back every couple months for "add-ons" I found on the used FS section, lol
 
jayjigga said:
I did a bunch of research on both those options, and since I'm the type to tinker to the tee, I went with the Apex. If I wanted a "set it and forget it" system, I would have gone RK, but the Apex gives me control of everything I want control of, up to the smallest degree. The upfront cost of the full Apex is much like LEDs, but in the long run (at least to me), it's worth it. Plus, justifying one expensive purchase to my wifey is easier than trying to go back every couple months for "add-ons" I found on the used FS section, lol
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Haha. Nice. So, which apex version did you end up going with and which add ons do you have?
 
i dont have either. but im about to buy the apex jr. this weekend. im tirned of no controller. the peace of mind having 1 hooked up to the net is worth 150$
 
Tethered_Limbs said:
i dont have either. but im about to buy the apex jr. this weekend. im tirned of no controller. the peace of mind having 1 hooked up to the net is worth 150$
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Yeah, the internet connection is a must for me, which is why I like how the apex has that built in. One thing I'm not to sure of however is I definitely want it to control the ATO. Which I think the RK has by default, but the apex needs an add on for.

I found this guide that I think I'm going to read before I make the decision. You might want to check it out if you are getting one. http://reeftech.webs.com
 
got the apex lite package with display, eb8, and base. researched both the reefkeeper and apex. controls my lights, heater, fan, pumps, fuge lite, and ato. got the avast ato which connects right to base without purchasing breakout box. RC has a neptune section which was very helpful in setting up my system. use my ipad to control it and set up for alarms. great purchase.
 
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