Economic Controller

[fishkeeper2]

I am looking to setup a controller to monitor my system for the basics:

- temp
- pH
- nitrate

But, I am curious to know what is the most economical solution.

1 - Neptune Apex Jr.
Runs for $240, includes temp probe.
pH probe is $60
No nitrate probe exists from what I understand
Calibration liquids cost $1.99 per pack for pH.
I actually get a controller.

2 - SenEye Reef Monitor
$199 for the device.
Includes temp, pH, and ammonia.
No nitrate probe available, but I do get PAR
Probe pack/slide costs $30 for a set of 3. One is needed per month.
I get a monitor, not a controller.

Using the above it is evident that the apex jr is cheaper in the long run (1 year or longer).

Am I missing anything? Any other controller worth looking at? Best way to monitor nitrate is manual testing using Red Sea kit?

 

[reeferfoxx]

I am looking to setup a controller to monitor my system for the basics:

- temp
- pH
- nitrate

But, I am curious to know what is the most economical solution.

1 - Neptune Apex Jr.
Runs for $240, includes temp probe.
pH probe is $60
No nitrate probe exists from what I understand
Calibration liquids cost $1.99 per pack for pH.
I actually get a controller.

2 - SenEye Reef Monitor
$199 for the device.
Includes temp, pH, and ammonia.
No nitrate probe available, but I do get PAR
Probe pack/slide costs $30 for a set of 3. One is needed per month.
I get a monitor, not a controller.

Using the above it is evident that the apex jr is cheaper in the long run (1 year or longer).

Am I missing anything? Any other controller worth looking at? Best way to monitor nitrate is manual testing using Red Sea kit?

Nitrate probes are very expensive and the more affordable ones aren't very accurate. Nitrates really only need to be tested once a week or after dosing nitrate supplements. I would just get a salifert nitrate kit.

 

[MaccaPopEye]

I second Salifert over Red Sea for Nitrate testing, and for Alk, Ca & Mag too. Way easier to use the Salifert Nitrate test and the Alk, Ca & Mag tests are way easier to read the colour change than with the Red Sea kits (Red Sea are easier to use though, but seriously terrible colour changes).

As for the controller maybe look into a Reef Angel or a Reef Keeper. My understanding is that they are both very good (and very easy to use) budget friendly options. Unfortunately Reef Keeper don't sell a controller for 240V and Reef Angel are not very price competitive after currency conversion and shipping to Aus so I haven't had a chance to try either.

 

[reeferfoxx]

And don't quote me on this but as far as the neptune apex jr. goes, i believe it's compatible with off brand pH probes. Now, the 'NEW' Apex full controller is not compatible with off-brand/aftermarket probes.

 

[reefwiser]

You would be best served by getting g test kits you can use regularly. A controller is really useful to make task's easier by allowing you turn off and on pumps heaters and lighting for maintenance and water changes. What test kits one uses can be very subjective as some people like different brands. I have a the major brands of test kits and use them to cross check readings so I don't make a bad decision. On test I do daily is alk I use the Hanna checker everyday. It's a fast An simple test when done correctly.

 

[gus6464]

I am looking to setup a controller to monitor my system for the basics:

- temp
- pH
- nitrate

But, I am curious to know what is the most economical solution.

1 - Neptune Apex Jr.
Runs for $240, includes temp probe.
pH probe is $60
No nitrate probe exists from what I understand
Calibration liquids cost $1.99 per pack for pH.
I actually get a controller.

2 - SenEye Reef Monitor
$199 for the device.
Includes temp, pH, and ammonia.
No nitrate probe available, but I do get PAR
Probe pack/slide costs $30 for a set of 3. One is needed per month.
I get a monitor, not a controller.

Using the above it is evident that the apex jr is cheaper in the long run (1 year or longer).

Am I missing anything? Any other controller worth looking at? Best way to monitor nitrate is manual testing using Red Sea kit?

You can't use a pH probe on an apex jr without a PM1, that's extra cost. The Jr only has a port for temp. Once you add a PM1 and pH probe to the Jr you are within $100 of the Classic.

 

[gus6464]

And don't quote me on this but as far as the neptune apex jr. goes, i believe it's compatible with off brand pH probes. Now, the 'NEW' Apex full controller is not compatible with off-brand/aftermarket probes.

The new Apex still uses BNC for ph and orp, all probes that you could use with the classic still apply. The only probe that is proprietary on the apex is conductivity.

 

[n2585722]

If you need pH you might try Reefkeeper Lite Plus. BRS has them for about $280. If you do outgrow the Lite you can alwas upgrade to an Elite or the Archon and still use the modules from the Lite.

 

[fishkeeper2]

Great suggestion, thank you. I will look into that one too. Looks pretty good.

 

[fishkeeper2]

I ended up buying the RKL with the temperature and pH probes, since pH is what concerns me the most in a closed system. $199.

 

[fishkeeper2]

After using RKL for a week it seems to be a good product for the money.

I tested pH using a Salifert kit as well to compare results. They were spot on.

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

 

[n2585722]

Great

 

[fishkeeper2]

Does anyone know if I can add a module or probe of some sort to continually monitor alkalinity using an RKL?

How about with a different controller?

 

[MaccaPopEye]

Hook up to the RKL? No. But alk monitors have just started hitting the market. Neptune and GHL are both developing one and the KH guardian is a standalone unit that is already available. But they aren't cheap.

 

[cbear44]

Add profilux mini and lite to the list.

I have the seneye and it's not reliable for pH. Reads 8.5 which is way higher than test kits or profilux which is calibrated. PAR is best feature and temp is useful.

https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/products/profilux-aquarium-controller/profilux-mini/

 

[fishkeeper2]

Add profilux mini and lite to the list.

I have the seneye and it's not reliable for pH. Reads 8.5 which is way higher than test kits or profilux which is calibrated. PAR is best feature and temp is useful.

https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/products/profilux-aquarium-controller/profilux-mini/

I agree. Seneye is only good for PAR monitoring, their pH calibration packets are also much more expensive than RKL.

 

[fishkeeper2]

I went with RKL. Works perfectly for reading pH. I recalibrate it 1/year. Very accurate. Decided not to automate testing alkalinity. Too pricey.