Apex or Reef Keeper

M

mwilk19

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I'm just about finished with my DIY led light fixture and I'm going to need a controller. Any recommendations for one as opposed to the other?
 
Well I'm going to recommend the full blown Apex because it comes with the variable speed dimming ports already installed. I love mine and have found so much more that I can do with it than I ever dreamed!
 
Thanks for the recommendations everyone.

@DoctaReefer wrote:
To keep with the theme you should buy a pic kit and make your own said:
Ok, I'll bite. What's a "pic kit"?
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It's a micro controller you can program to do anything you want. I used them in my micro controller class. You program it in c++ it's a 16 bit and if I remember it has 8 outputs and 8 inputs. It would be a lot of work but would but fun for a project, the one I used was a pic kit 2 you can even get LCD screens
 
DoctaReefer,
Thanks for the explanation. I don't know. I was able to wire the light without too much trouble, but my electronics knowledge was just about pushed to its' limit. It's got to be cheaper than the Apex or reefkeeper, I'm sure.
 
I never make an investment this large without doing a lot of research before I pull the trigger. One of the things that makes me a little nervous about the Apex are numerous references to hardware problems. I don't want to spend nearly $500 and then find that I have to send my unit in for repair multiple times. Everything else I've read points to the Apex as being the way to go.
 
The Apex is an electronic device...they have problems. I am sure you will find more people that have been running them successfully without a problem than people with problems.
 
Even though mine is down for repair rite now I recommend the full apex. Its worth it and you will like the controller you can set with the vdm ports on the full apex.
 
OK guys, you convinced me. The full Apex is ordered. Hopefully it will be here by Wednesday. Thanks for the help.
 
@mwilk19 wrote:
OK guys said:
[smilie=clapping.gif] [smilie=clapping.gif] [smilie=clapping.gif]

i started with an aqua controller jr, then got a ac3, have an apex lite now, and cant wait to see what they come out with next so i can upgrade again!
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Wes,
I was going to go for the lite but I knew I would eventually get the module for the dimable lights. Like my wife says, "It's only money, I can make more."
 
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