what aquarium controller is best for me?

Ive been doing my reasearch, and i still can't decide on what type of controller id like to use. My set up is going to be a 70g cube with corner overflow.i have 2 120w tao tronics-like lights that are fully dimmable. Im not very good with programming, so the reef angel might be out of my eyes, but I've beef looking at the reef keeper lite with net module,or the apex lite. I have an Android smartphone and would like to be able to control my system from my phone. I'm eventually going to put in an ato, i do have a sump though. Id like to be able to control my lights, pumps, and heater plus the ato when the time comes. I know there's many other threads about this, but i can't decide what is best from me and i would kind of like to hear from others that actually have these systems. I also have a 2 mp10s and would kind of like to be able to have that connected also, but that's not a major determining factor because they already have their own controller. Any input, pics, suggestions would be great!

 

Does anyone have these types of controllers?

 

I have 2 Reef Angels. They can do everything you mentioned. But they do require at least a basic knowledge of how to code (I mean very basic) to do things such as control lights or Vortechs. The forum is amazing though and you can not beat the customer support.

 

I know basic code I I was required to take the class in college, but I just hated it lol. Are they controlable from phones? What do the packages come with i know that the reef keeper lite has a temp and ph probe and the option of salinity and float valves.. Id like to be able to control as much as possible, without burning a hole in my pocket either. ;D

 

I have one DA Elite and 4 Lite's. When it comes to controllers, the only two that I personally consider worth the investment, are DA's & Apex's. For the majority, I've been pleased with Digital Aquatics over the years and will continue to use their equipment.

However, a few complaints I do have about the system would be:

1. Float's are cheaply made for the price. Easily fail. Would highly recommend JBJ's over DA's.
2. Doesn't integrate direct LAN connectivity into the controller, requiring an additional module and expense. APEX win's here. I hope in the near future, WiFi will be integrated into the controller.

Pro's include:

1. Simply programmable.
2. Dependable.
3. Very affordable for the Basic LITE.
4. Very expandable. Especially the Elite.
5. Probes are accurate.
6. Reasonable support from DA's Forum. Typically quick responses.

With that said, there are advantages that the APEX has in conjunction with Ecotech, that DA doesn't.

 

Apex all the way!! I have the Full Apex running my cube with two MP10s and so on.

Very solid product and easy to use, it also has GREAT after sales support.

 

Reef Angels come with temp, pH, 2 float valves (can use both for ATO, or one for ATO and one for high water alarm, etc), wavemaker, and lighting control. That is there basic out of the box package. You can add a wireless adapter for either $90 or $100 so you can control it from your Android. You can then also add other components as needed.