Who is still running Reefkeeper controller?

[afboundguy]

I received a RKE setup from a local reef club member years ago for free as he wasn't using it anymore. It sat in my pile of stuff for years and I finally set it up with my new tank upgrade that's been running for about 6 months.

I have spent around $200 adding extra power strips and a few modules and while this is still much cheaper than Apex or Hydros I am wondering if it's worth it to bite the bullet and start swapping over to probably Hydros so I can have more control? My biggest issue with RKE is it's lack of online connectivity since it's not longer supported and it's my understanding the NET module is useless now.

 

[tbrown]

@Reefing_addiction is this what you're running?

 

[Reefing_addiction]

@Reefing_addiction is this what you're running?

Nope. But close Reef Factory is my dosing pumps and the KH Keeper Plus

 

[Crabs McJones]

@n2585722

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

All the Digital Aquatics guys I knew locally got out of it during the post covid period. Cheap enough used A1 & A2 apex's around.

I'd look for a A1/ Apex classic or A2. You can find the classics often enough for under 200$ turnkey with a lot of modules and usually a few eb8's (prefer them over the eb832's).

I recently bought a apex classic for 100$ with 3 eb8's (which 2 were near new) and FMM module (with prism sensors) along with a atk kit. Guy didn't know what he was selling and had NO interest.

Hydros is starting to get a secondary market, but those prices are still too rich for my blood atm. I like the better waterproofing aspect of the controllers and much more open ecosystem for non hydros equipment.

 

[n2585722]

I moved the Hydros and the only thing still on my Archon is my moon lights. Everything else is now under Hydros control. I am happy with the Hydros. It is similar in a way to the Digital Aquatics systems. I slowly moved over and was passing signals back and forth using relays and sense port inputs on the Hydros and switch inputs on the Digital Aquatics when I needed to pass a signal. The first things I switched over was ATO and AWC. I started with the Hydros in my garage where my RODI and mixing station is at. I have lots of info on both systems on my build thread here if interested. Just click on my tank thread banner,

 

[afboundguy]

All the Digital Aquatics guys I knew locally got out of it during the post covid period. Cheap enough used A1 & A2 apex's around.

I'd look for a A1/ Apex classic or A2. You can find the classics often enough for under 200$ turnkey with a lot of modules and usually a few eb8's (prefer them over the eb832's).

I recently bought a apex classic for 100$ with 3 eb8's (which 2 were near new) and FMM module (with prism sensors) along with a atk kit. Guy didn't know what he was selling and had NO interest.

Hydros is starting to get a secondary market, but those prices are still too rich for my blood atm. I like the better waterproofing aspect of the controllers and much more open ecosystem for non hydros equipment.

I'll have to keep an eye out. I can probably sell my RKE stuff to help fund it.

I moved the Hydros and the only thing still on my Archon is my moon lights. Everything else is now under Hydros control. I am happy with the Hydros. It is similar in a way to the Digital Aquatics systems. I slowly moved over and was passing signals back and forth using relays and sense port inputs on the Hydros and switch inputs on the Digital Aquatics when I needed to pass a signal. The first things I switched over was ATO and AWC. I started with the Hydros in my garage where my RODI and mixing station is at. I have lots of info on both systems on my build thread here if interested. Just click on my tank thread banner,

Thanks!

 

[afboundguy]

Anyone have luck with the reefpi set ups? I have a bunch of Arduino chips from my model trains layout and curious if that is more cost effective?