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Neptune vs Hydros vs Red Sea

DEL

DEL

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Ok NJRC. Lets hear it. This will be the ultimate controller discussion. When it comes to choosing a controller for your aquarium. What do you like, not like, want, wish for, etc. Remember, these are all opinions and there are no right or wrong answers.
 
kevin

kevin

NJRC Member
I have not used redsea.

Neptune I used 12 years ago, so I'm not sure how the newer versions work. I found it more like being a programmer to get things to work

However, I have the hydros and I love it. Its super simple to use.
I like that if one controller fails or loses connection it then puts another controller in charge.
I have the hydros kraken hooked up to a big battery to run my pumps and other small things if I lose power.
Super Customizable.
I dont have it doing any type of testing, so I cant comment on that. I know they said the maven is coming out.. Who knows when.
I honestly dont have to worry about much. I go on vacation for a week and just have the wifi fish feeders feed the fish
 

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Yates273

Yates273

I can only speak for Neptune since that is what I have had for several years. I’m still using the Neptune El with everything else attached using the modules. I can say I have shad a few issues but Neptune support took care of it for me. Other than that I love it. It completely automated my system. I am not computer savvy but as far as programming it’s not that hard. Plenty of info on the forums to help with it.
 
radiata

radiata

NJRC Member
Yates273 said:
I can only speak for Neptune since that is what I have had for several years. I’m still using the Neptune El with everything else attached using the modules. I can say I have shad a few issues but Neptune support took care of it for me. Other than that I love it. It completely automated my system. I am not computer savvy but as far as programming it’s not that hard. Plenty of info on the forums to help with it.
Click to expand...
I've used my bot a few times now to build the code for my old Apex.
 
radiata

radiata

NJRC Member
I've had my Apex for years & years now. I got into Hydros when I saw how easy it would be to run my four Reef Octopus Octo Pulse 4s on a Wave V2. I've since added two Maxpect Gyre 350s and another Wave for them. I even picked up a Launch at the last Reef-a-Palooza, but don't really know how I'm going to fully utilize it (duh).

FWIW, there is one thing about the Hydros that makes me totally bonkers. It is sadly lacking any LOOPING capabilities - the Apex has the OSC command, which is a bit tricky, but allows you to repeat actions forever. I'm extending my Apex to my DT a second time, just co I can make the OSC available there where want it.

With regards to Red Sea, didn't they introduce tank failures when they decided to market tanks? I hope they haven't rushed their controller out the door.

PS: Reef Octopus Octo Pulse 4 power-heads are one hell of a pump. I bought mine used from a guy who ran them for two years, and I've since put another 5 years on them. They are my kind of set-it-and-forget-it. I've never even had to replace an impeller.
 
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radiata

radiata

NJRC Member
DEL said:
@kevin hows the alk and cal testing with Hydros?
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Does someone actually have a Hydros Maven? Their automated tester has been on Pre-Order for a good two years now. SaltwaterAquarium.com says this about them - NO ESTIMATED LAUNCH DATE!
 
kevin

kevin

NJRC Member
DEL said:
@kevin hows the alk and cal testing with Hydros?
Click to expand...

Thats the only thing I dont have automated. I use hanna for alk and salifert for cal. Actually just sent out a ATI icp test to check my levels .
radiata said:
Does someone actually have a Hydros Maven? Their automated tester has been on Pre-Order for a good two years now. SaltwaterAquarium.com says this about them - NO ESTIMATED LAUNCH DATE!
Click to expand...

Theyve been saying its going to be coming out for ever
 
S

Savery

NJRC Member
Love my neptune. Have Apex3 Pro, the cor pump, both tridents(ones going back for service), 2x dos, LLS, atk, and all the probes. Everything on my tank is through fusion. Had the hydros waveengine LE(still have if anyone needs) to run my gyres, but just got two jebaos to run on that app with another pump i have. Hydros was good just wanted one less app
 
Trio91

Trio91

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I use the Red Sea and I love it. I will be purchasing the new power bar but may not get the reef controller.
 

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Trio91

Trio91

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Trio91 said:
I use the Red Sea and I love it. I will be purchasing the new power bar but may not get the reef controller.
Click to expand...
The main issue is have with Red Sea is that the new controller is a bit on the pricey side.
 
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