Apex Controller Temperature Probe Reliability?

LouH · 04/08/2011, 09:59 PM

I'm close to pulling the trigger on an Apex controller. However, after reading some reviews it sounds like they have had some quality issues with their temperature probe which is concerning. I did notice though that the posts/reviews were from 2008 and 2009. Does anyone know if they have addressed this particular issue?

Also from what I've read, they seem to have a higher failure rate right out of the box compared to other electronics. I've been running a now discontinued Medusa temperature controller, and it has performed flawlessly for over four years on the same probe.

Although I read that their customer service is outstanding, I still have some questions regarding the quality of these units. I'd rather have something work perfectly right out of the box than deal with shipping it back and waiting for a replacement. Sounds like a PITA to me.

On the other hand, they features/functions that the unit offers are unbelievable. I'm torn.

Can any users of this unit comment on their experience?

Lou

pbnj · 04/08/2011, 10:36 PM

I've had my APEX for a little over 3 months and the temp reading is always within 0.5 degrees of the temp reading on my chiller.

jimsplace · 04/09/2011, 05:10 AM

I have had my apex lite for over a year now, no problems, great piece of equipment and easy to use.

LouH · 04/09/2011, 06:53 AM

Has anyone had one for a couple of years?

tinnghe · 04/09/2011, 07:40 AM

Apex came out not too long ago. You will have to ask the early adoptee. As for me, I had more trouble w my ac3 than apex. However, beside the cost of shipping to them I have never pay for anything else.

slief · 04/09/2011, 08:08 AM

I've had mine for a year. Its been pretty accurate. I have had cheap ($15) digital temp monitor in my sump and it was about 1 degree off from the Apex before the battery died which left me to wonder which was wrong. About 6 months ago I picked up a hand held digital salinity monitor with temp and it matches the Apex so I now believe my Apex is accurate and the cheap temp monitor was off.

That said, if you have seen any of my Apex related posts, you'll know that I love my Apex and couldn't really imagine living without it.

LouH · 04/09/2011, 11:43 AM

Regarding accurate temperature readings, I've looked for mercury filled thermometers to verify the accuracy of my electronic devices. You can get them in .1 degree F increments with a certification of accuracy for about $75. I'm going to pick one of them up one of these days. You probably don't need that level of accuracy, but I feel better knowing that a measurement is giving me the correct information. I'm pretty sure I'm not alone on this.

04/08/2011, 09:59 PM	#1
LouH LouH Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 681	Apex Controller Temperature Probe Reliability? I'm close to pulling the trigger on an Apex controller. However, after reading some reviews it sounds like they have had some quality issues with their temperature probe which is concerning. I did notice though that the posts/reviews were from 2008 and 2009. Does anyone know if they have addressed this particular issue? Also from what I've read, they seem to have a higher failure rate right out of the box compared to other electronics. I've been running a now discontinued Medusa temperature controller, and it has performed flawlessly for over four years on the same probe. Although I read that their customer service is outstanding, I still have some questions regarding the quality of these units. I'd rather have something work perfectly right out of the box than deal with shipping it back and waiting for a replacement. Sounds like a PITA to me. On the other hand, they features/functions that the unit offers are unbelievable. I'm torn. Can any users of this unit comment on their experience? Lou

04/09/2011, 05:10 AM	#3
jimsplace Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 633	I have had my apex lite for over a year now, no problems, great piece of equipment and easy to use. __________________ Jim Current Tank Information; - 90 Gallon DT / 30 Gallon Sump - SPS Dominate - IC VHO Lighting

04/09/2011, 08:08 AM	#6
slief RC Sponsor Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 14,173	I've had mine for a year. Its been pretty accurate. I have had cheap ($15) digital temp monitor in my sump and it was about 1 degree off from the Apex before the battery died which left me to wonder which was wrong. About 6 months ago I picked up a hand held digital salinity monitor with temp and it matches the Apex so I now believe my Apex is accurate and the cheap temp monitor was off. That said, if you have seen any of my Apex related posts, you'll know that I love my Apex and couldn't really imagine living without it. __________________ Director Customer Support Royal Exclusiv USA For All Royal Exclusiv & Bubble King questions please refer to our Sponsor forum: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=745 Current Tank Info: 480G display mixed reef, 90G sump, 90G refugium, 60G display refugium. Check out my build thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1783476

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04/08/2011, 10:36 PM	#2
pbnj Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 381	I've had my APEX for a little over 3 months and the temp reading is always within 0.5 degrees of the temp reading on my chiller.

04/09/2011, 06:53 AM	#4
LouH LouH Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 681	Has anyone had one for a couple of years?

04/09/2011, 07:40 AM	#5
tinnghe Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 800	Apex came out not too long ago. You will have to ask the early adoptee. As for me, I had more trouble w my ac3 than apex. However, beside the cost of shipping to them I have never pay for anything else.

04/09/2011, 11:43 AM	#7
LouH LouH Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 681	Regarding accurate temperature readings, I've looked for mercury filled thermometers to verify the accuracy of my electronic devices. You can get them in .1 degree F increments with a certification of accuracy for about $75. I'm going to pick one of them up one of these days. You probably don't need that level of accuracy, but I feel better knowing that a measurement is giving me the correct information. I'm pretty sure I'm not alone on this.