RKL vs Apex

[whyamisofly]

Although I have never used a controller (other than heater) in my years of reefkeeping, I believe it is time to use one. In the past I have just used a Ranco temp controller and monitored everything else manually.

I currently have a 40 breeder and was thinking of picking up a RKL to run on it (lights/heater/fan), but I am also concerned about upgrades in the future. My wife and I have discussed that in 5 years or so, we will be purchasing our "forever" home and plan on a 400g+ room dividing tank. So, do I spend the $120 on an RKL now to run the heater, lights, and fan - or do I spend the $800 (gold, to learn how to use everything now), $550 (Lab Probe). or $220 (Jr.)?

Thanks in advance!

 

[sethsolomon]

if your just doing lights, heater, and fans get the RKL if you want to do tons more get an Apex.

 

[Munch]

Get the Apex, buy 1 unit that'll last you a lifetime.

 

[whyamisofly]

if your just doing lights, heater, and fans get the RKL if you want to do tons more get an Apex.

That is all I will be running with the 40 - but in the next 5ish years, I will be running many more add-ons.

 

[sethsolomon]

That is all I will be running with the 40 - but in the next 5ish years, I will be running many more add-ons.

Its hard to say. Digital Aquatics are releasing a new controller here soon. The Archon controller. So not sure. The Apex is good and proven if you want something within this month. If your are waiting a bit look into the RKA (Reef Keeper Archon).

 

[whyamisofly]

Get the Apex, buy 1 unit that'll last you a lifetime.

That is my mindset - spend the money once upfront. The thing is......do I purchase the Jr., Lab-Grade Probe, or the Gold? I am leaning more towards the Jr. as I believe (?) you can upgrade to the Gold capabilities over time.

 

[sethsolomon]

That is my mindset - spend the money once upfront. The thing is......do I purchase the Jr., Lab-Grade Probe, or the Gold? I am leaning more towards the Jr. as I believe (?) you can upgrade to the Gold capabilities over time.

The Junior has a lower memory cache in it. It can handle 1/2 the modules that the apex gold can and 1/3 the virtual outlets.

 

[zombie]

That is my mindset - spend the money once upfront. The thing is......do I purchase the Jr., Lab-Grade Probe, or the Gold? I am leaning more towards the Jr. as I believe (?) you can upgrade to the Gold capabilities over time.

Get the standard apex with lab grade pH probe. The Jr is limited to 4 add on modules (display counts as one FYI) so you will run out of the module room needed for a large tank. The gold is just the standard apex with the addition of a PM2, conductivity probe, and orp probe. If you have no need to measure conductivity or orp on your current system, you can get away with the standard apex and it will only cost you like $20 more than the gold price to add those on later if you end up wanting those measurements

 

[whyamisofly]

The Junior has a lower memory cache in it. It can handle 1/2 the modules that the apex gold can and 1/3 the virtual outlets.

So the Apex with Lab grade probe would be the cheapest entry level for future expansion?

 

[sethsolomon]

Get the standard apex with lab grade pH probe. The Jr is limited to 4 add on modules (display counts as one FYI) so you will run out of the module room needed for a large tank. The gold is just the standard apex with the addition of a PM2, conductivity probe, and orp probe. If you have no need to measure conductivity or orp on your current system, you can get away with the standard apex and it will only cost you like $20 more than the gold price to add those on later if you end up wanting those measurements

Woah its like 1/20 of the gold.

 

[whyamisofly]

Thanks everyone!