Reef angel controller

Hello all,
I am looking into getting a controller for my tank. Now, my tank is small (34 Gal) but I stil see the value in a controller and will be able to use it on the bigger tank in the next year. Out of the current choices I like the idea of the Reef Angel. The main thing that I about it is all the programing is open source, pretty much an explosion in development by ordinary reefers developing code to fit their need and sharing it. I think this will really open up the potential for the controller.
I am sure that being open source it will have some code that is not reliable or not up to industrial standards but I think the potential benefits out number the problems.
Anybody using one?

Why not just get a reef keeper light or aqua controller jr?

I use an Aqua Controller III, It does everything that I need. I'm limited on a few things, however the Apex controller can do just about anything you need to do in a reef aquarium, and I believe the same goes for the reef keeper.

I'm not too familiar with reef angel, what in particular are you wanting to have open source programming for?

I haven't seen reefangle, but I have always like Open source(use it to tune my car) that being said, I like the Apex Jr. You can add on 1 EB8 and the module for PH, between those you would be out maybe 400. but you would be able to completly control your tank, as well as monitor it from your phone. I am going to start with a Apex jr/wo the display. then in a few months get the EB8, then later the module. I may get another EB8 after that. One cool thing about the Apex line is the new ones can be programed in 1 sec intervals. I have read you can use those intervals to create waves with your powerheads.

DW, why are you going to buy the Jr and spend extra money upgrading the to what the lite offers for less money as a package?

Why not buy it right up front?

I just went online and its 415(lite) vs 420(Jr+)
the lite doesn't come with the PH probe.
For the 420, that would be 12 outles(8+4), but no display

In a way it would be better to get the lite. Its just not in my budget, so if I were going with the lite, it would be a much longer wait. If I go item by item with the Jr, I can at least get what I need now, and save up for the pieces as they are in my budget.

As for the lack of display, although it would be nice, I could easily go without it. And, I may be able to get the lite used, if so, then I mey get that. Also, I am waiting to sell my metal Halide before I get it, so if it doesn't sell before I go on vacation(primary reason to get it now), I may just hold out for the lite anyway.

I think that's a wise decision. Jumping the gun on a controller that just meets your needs knowing full well that you're going to upgrade later isn't a smart move, save up and get what you want right off the bat, that way you're wasting what sounds like hard earned money that you don't have much of on frivolous stuff.

Have you been looking around for a used lite? I bet it wouldn't take much searching to find one in your price range.

I have been looking for a used JR, and haven't found one. I will def look into a lite though. Its not like I would be wasting my money though. its really a difference of display vs outlets for the same price(5$ difference) since i would rather have the outlets than the display, new to new, there is a benifit of the JR. However, the lite is backwards compatible, so when I would get another eb8, I could get a dc8 instead(used, cheaper)

Either one would be fine, lite is better, but the Jr also is comparable.

I decided to list out my controller plans, lets see what you think...
List of things to be put on the controller:
1. Metal Halide lights(2, split into one of those relays they have for 40$ or just split)
2.Actinics
3.Return Pump
4.Skimmer
5.Fans(in the hood and sump)
6.Heater(2)
7.ATO
8.Kalk Pump
9.Kalk Stirrer
10.Fuge
11.Media reactor or carbon dosing pump
12.Calcium Reactor
13.Magnesium Reactor
14. Moon lights

Anything I am missing? From what I understand, the Apex controls the power heads, but doesn't actually use up slots.

way to hijack the thread. I have an apex lite that I haven't even hooked up. I figured it's too complicated for my tank. one of these days I'll hook it up but I don't see the point at the moment.

didn't really realize how far off topic I went... lol

Hello All,

Still have not decided yet. I like the open source aspect of the Reefangle. I like that they are coming out with a module to control the Vortech pumps and would imagine the Radion LED lighting. I think the the Reef angle has a lot of potential but is still in a growing stage. I can get the display, 8 outlets, wirless module, dual dosing pump, temp and PH probe for about $400. With the phone app I can not only moniter and recieve alerts but can control it all from my phone. My main worry is that they will get bought up by a company and the early users will get hung out to dry.
I also like the Apex and is what I will get if I decide to go the consevative route.

It certainly seems that the reef angel is starting to get some notoriety, people are starting to push it as a cheap and reliable controller, for a little 0ver $200 you can control 8 things and it's constantly being upgraded by those that use it. I can definitely see the downside to the last statement but i would imagine if you were careful you can avoid any headaches.

Hello all,

Ordered a Reef Angel controller today. Hope to have it by the weekend. will give you all my impressions of it once I get a chance to mess with it. Oredered the following:

Reef Angel controller (Display, 8 Outlets, Temp and PH probes).
WiFi module
Dual dosing pump
Extra temp probe
Temp probe extention cable
PH probe extention cable

They have the RF module available now, it not only can control the Ecotech pumps but can also control the new Radion LED light. I do not have either right now but might at some point.

did you get it yet?????

you get a lot with that kit... I am really starting to look at it as a very good alternative to the APEX. I have always like opensource, and the more i am reading about it, it looks sweet!

thanks.... SLP

LOL, it is being shipped today, hope to have it by Friday and play with it this weekend.

Reef Angel came in today. The standard software that is comes with works great but I am already trying to customize for my use. Going to take a little while to get it the way I want. I am not a great computer guy so have to learn some stuff. Think it is going to be great though.

How are you enjoying your controller?

Sorry for the slow reply,

I installed it and messed with it a little before going on a trip over Thanksgiving. I like it but only have it doing temp and lights right now due to time and did not want it doing anything else while I was out of time. Hope to learn more about it this weekend.

any updates?

I'm running a RA on my tank. Controls 16 relays and runs my ATO, stops my skimmer when collection bucket is full, dims by LEDs (sunrise/sunset effect as well), runs simulated lightning storms, runs a lunar cycle with my moonlights, and it's all logged on my computer. Working on setting up remote access. I have had everything to do it for 6 months now, just been lazy.

I'm impressed!

I like mine. The lerning curve for me was a little steep and I would go slower first. I kind of jumped into it all at once. The Reef Angle board has been great helping me out though. I now have remote access for monitoring and can turn everything on and off from my phone anywhere.
I have been messing with my signature banner like Alex and have been able to show it but cant get it to update real time yet, probably something small in my code.

it may just update as you reload the site. I *think* there is a code in html that you can add to make that part reload every x seconds, so it would be realtime, but I don't remember it.

The code in the controller pushes the data to a Reef Angel site that host and distributes the data. It is my code that I put in the controller, just have not look at it. Probably a bracket or other such thing is missing. The great thing is I can post my code on the Reef Angle site and somebody will point out the error in no time, really a great group of people on there making all kinds of stuff and sharing it.