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Unread 06/12/2013, 03:32 PM   #1
GrimReefer555
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Apex coupon code or sale? Ever?

Looking for a deal on a full apex system, anyone know of anything? Even just 10% would be at least $50. Also interested in combos with vdm, wxm, eb8, upgraded probes, or an orp probe. Thanks!


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Unread 06/12/2013, 03:40 PM   #2
SeedlessOne
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Kinda of a jerk move on my part considering you didn't ask but.....

Give reefangel a solid look. It will come out cheaper than Apex and has way more possibilities.


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Unread 06/12/2013, 07:40 PM   #3
azjohnny
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GrimReefer555 View Post
Looking for a deal on a full apex system, anyone know of anything? Even just 10% would be at least $50. Also interested in combos with vdm, wxm, eb8, upgraded probes, or an orp probe. Thanks!
Some places wont give you money off directly but give you points that you can use on future purchases

Neptune is like Ecotech they use MAP pricing

You can buy a used unit from a local reefer for good price, I have seen a few recently in my area


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Unread 06/12/2013, 07:42 PM   #4
GrimReefer555
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I've looked at the RA, but I like the graphs, phone/tablet control, relative user friendliness, and web cam ability. I'll admit I haven't done extensive reading about the RA, but from what I have seen I've been sold... So, why do you prefer the RA? And thanks for the input.


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Unread 06/12/2013, 07:43 PM   #5
azjohnny
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I would get the Neptune for pretty much the same reasons you have just stated


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Unread 06/12/2013, 07:46 PM   #6
GrimReefer555
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Quote:
Originally Posted by azjohnny View Post
Some places wont give you money off directly but give you points that you can use on future purchases

Neptune is like Ecotech they use MAP pricing

You can buy a used unit from a local reefer for good price, I have seen a few recently in my area
I agree on grabbing a good deal on a used set up, but everyone seems to either want top dollar plus shipping and PP, or it's sold before I see it. If I'm going to pay top dollar, I'd rather have a new unit, as its such an intricate and delicate component. Plus, if a probe goes bad soon after buying, you may as well have bought new...


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Unread 06/12/2013, 07:47 PM   #7
GrimReefer555
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Thumbs up

Quote:
Originally Posted by azjohnny View Post
I would get the Neptune for pretty much the same reasons you have just stated
Worth the money, IMO.


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Unread 06/12/2013, 07:56 PM   #8
SeedlessOne
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GrimReefer555 View Post
I've looked at the RA, but I like the graphs, phone/tablet control, relative user friendliness, and web cam ability. I'll admit I haven't done extensive reading about the RA, but from what I have seen I've been sold... So, why do you prefer the RA? And thanks for the input.
All that is capable with the RA.

Why do I prefer RA. It's open source and has endless capabilities. Want your powerheads to simulate your local tides....done.

You want custom wave profiles for vortech, tunze , jebao...done.

Want your tank to talk to you every time you walk by....done. Seriously there is a member that did this. Lol.

Seriously you think it and most likely it can be done.


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Unread 06/12/2013, 07:56 PM   #9
James77
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Neptune has in the past been pretty lax on the MAP, but I notice them enforcing it more and more. Some sites MAY still have a general coupon that works. But there are very few. I've never liked 100% strict MAP.

Oh well....but the Neptune is great, with great service. Gordon there spent an hour with me to iron out a hiccup I had, by taking over my computer.


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Unread 06/12/2013, 08:04 PM   #10
GrimReefer555
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Maybe I'll research a bit more, maybe I'll save some money... Definitely appreciate all the input.


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Unread 06/13/2013, 01:40 PM   #11
Timber77
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I would say your kinda tying your hands with the apex once you fully set them both up the open souce RA really starts to shine...Both will do graphs, cell phone, portal access, etc. the RA just does everything the apex can and then plenty more. Really its up to your imagination with the RA. Like controlling salinity instead of just monitoring it, controlling the cheap wp 40's like tunzes for 1/4 the price. Add in a humidity probe and control your dehumidifers, fans etc... its really nice to have open source and not be locked into whatever programming options neptune lets you have access to.


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Unread 06/15/2013, 01:37 PM   #12
DaveMorris
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With all this push on the Reef Angel, I would like to know...what can you set up on the RA with its highly touted open source programming that you can not do on the Apex?


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Unread 06/15/2013, 02:12 PM   #13
azjohnny
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FYI... The Apex is much more user friendly


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Unread 06/15/2013, 07:50 PM   #14
SeedlessOne
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Quote:
Originally Posted by azjohnny View Post
FYI... The Apex is much more user friendly
Do you own a reef angel?


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Unread 06/15/2013, 08:31 PM   #15
James77
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SeedlessOne View Post
Do you own a reef angel?
Do you own an Apex?


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Unread 06/15/2013, 10:01 PM   #16
Jewlover
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I've have a RA. I sold my Apex to get it and wouldn't go back. Sure there is a learning curve as with anything. The RA has a setup wizard just like the apex. Once you get the coding down the possibilitys are endless. And for the times your stuck and can't figure out what you F#*+ed up there are tons of people waiting to help. I once had an issue with my heater not kicking on and couldn't for the life of me figure it out. Posted in the help section and with in 5 minutes had the answer and fixed it.


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Unread 06/15/2013, 10:51 PM   #17
matty0206
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I know that after doing a ton of research I liked the ease of use the Apex has but that price, good god. I opted for a RA+ with Wifi that I got for $240 used, I have not received it yet but I am excited, the coding will be a learning curve as I am not so good at that but looking through their forum I can tell I will have plenty of help.
I must say also that I have no experience with either controller, I have only used a Reefkeeper and I knew I wasn't going back to that.


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Unread 06/16/2013, 04:59 AM   #18
jaynigz
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Neptune apex is worth every dime.


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Unread 06/16/2013, 06:37 AM   #19
SeedlessOne
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Quote:
Originally Posted by James77 View Post
Do you own an Apex?
Nope sure don't. But I know statements like Apex is more user friendly is incorrect. I also know Apex makes a solid product. I also know there are people that have switched to a RA and never looked back. I would love to hear of someone ditching their RA for an Apex.

You can't go wrong with either one at the end of the day just know one will leave limitations.


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Unread 06/16/2013, 07:51 AM   #20
DaveMorris
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Still waiting to hear what you can do with a Reef Angel that can not be done with an Apex. Why buy a controller that "has plenty of help available", which is nice, but should't be necessary. The Apex has a lot of people available to help too, but typically you won't need the help because you don't need to learn how to write code.


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Unread 06/16/2013, 07:58 AM   #21
SeedlessOne
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveMorris View Post
Still waiting to hear what you can do with a Reef Angel that can not be done with an Apex. Why buy a controller that "has plenty of help available", which is nice, but should't be necessary. The Apex has a lot of people available to help too, but typically you won't need the help because you don't need to learn how to write code.
One is open source. That alone should tell you that there are far greater possibilities. Zero coding is needed to setup a RA. It can be setup with a GUI.

At the end of the day they are both great controllers. One will have more limitations than the other.....


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Unread 06/16/2013, 02:44 PM   #22
Rambomessiah
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Love my APEX!


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Unread 06/16/2013, 04:48 PM   #23
James77
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Originally Posted by SeedlessOne View Post
Nope sure don't. But I know statements like Apex is more user friendly is incorrect. I also know Apex makes a solid product. I also know there are people that have switched to a RA and never looked back. I would love to hear of someone ditching their RA for an Apex.

You can't go wrong with either one at the end of the day just know one will leave limitations.
I have owned Neptune products for many years, and not once have I felt that I was limited no matter what I wished to do.

Yes, both are solid products, and are actually the only 2 controllers I would consider at this point. I came close to trying out the RA last week because of a problem with Apex...but they followed through and solved it. I'll give RA the thumbs up on being aggressive in bringing new features out, especially for a ne controller(fairly new).

I keep seeing that the RA is "not limited" compared to the Apex(or any other controller) as far as programming. I would be interested to see an example of something the RA can do programming wise that the Apex cannot do.


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Unread 06/16/2013, 05:59 PM   #24
SeedlessOne
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Quote:
Originally Posted by James77 View Post
I have owned Neptune products for many years, and not once have I felt that I was limited no matter what I wished to do.

Yes, both are solid products, and are actually the only 2 controllers I would consider at this point. I came close to trying out the RA last week because of a problem with Apex...but they followed through and solved it. I'll give RA the thumbs up on being aggressive in bringing new features out, especially for a ne controller(fairly new).

I keep seeing that the RA is "not limited" compared to the Apex(or any other controller) as far as programming. I would be interested to see an example of something the RA can do programming wise that the Apex cannot do.
Can an Apex run LED lighting to the lunar cycle? How about power heads that simulate your local tides, matching high and low tides? Set up
Your lighting to match your time zone? Can you create custom wave pattern for vortech, tunze or jebao?


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Unread 06/16/2013, 06:03 PM   #25
GrimReefer555
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I appreciate all the input. I feel the look of the apex, both hardware and software, is much more refined. I know that shouldn't play a large factor, but as I want every part of my system to be sexy, it is considered. I would use the controller primarily from my ipad, and want a very smooth clean app. I realize the RA can do more, but I don't run chillers, dehumidifiers, Ca reactors, etc, so I don't see what I would want to do that the RA could and the Apex could not. The suggestions have sounded very cool, just not on my horizon. I know it'd cost me more money, but I'd rather save and end up with something I love. I'm willing to pay the difference if that means enjoying every time I pick up my ipad and have a friendly sexy interface to work with.

Also, do you guys think I should buy new? The used prices don't provide much of a break, and I feel it may be smart to spend a few more bucks to get new probes and a new display and brain...
For example, you get $80 off a used unit, the probe goes out soon after, you're at the price of a new unit. Then the brain dies...

Once again, Thank You All for your time!


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