Ai Sol and Neptune Apex

Joel_155 · 12/11/2011, 11:46 AM

Hey Guys,
So I'm planning my build and I'm no where near ready for lights yet but I like to plan stuff out and know what to expect so I have a question. If you get Ai Sol's and a neptune apex do you need the separate controller from AI? It seems like if you are going to get both you could save some money and skip the controller from AI and just use the apex instead. Also..do you need the display to operate the Neptune Apex system? To me it seems it would be easier just to skip the display and use my computer and my droid to control it. Any reason why you would need the display for the apex?

jordancemery65 · 01/28/2012, 12:10 PM

That is a very good question! I am currently looking into getting the AI Sol, and was just wondering the same thing about getting the AI controller, because i already have the Apex. I dont see why you would need the controller for the AI if you are going through the apex... But hopefully someone else can chime in!

BBRC2 · 01/28/2012, 01:41 PM

You need the vdm module for the ai. You do not need the ai control if your going to control it with the apex. That's how I run mine. As for the display I never touch it but it is nice to look at without the pc or phone for peace of mind.

bobafet1 · 02/01/2012, 10:14 AM

I use to own the Apex base unit and I can say that I never really used the Apex display to make changes or check on my parameters. For me, it was always easier to just go online and make all the changes that I needed. I'm in the market for another Apex system and after speaking to Neptune Systems I was told that it is a good idea to have the Apex display in case the network goes down. From the sound of the rep's voice, and from seeing other posts here, it seems like there have been network issues with the Apex lately. So, it's a gamble I guess. I would prefer not having one, based on prior experience, and because it might be cheaper just buying the components instead of the entire system.

12/11/2011, 11:46 AM	#1
Joel_155 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 1,402	Ai Sol and Neptune Apex Hey Guys, So I'm planning my build and I'm no where near ready for lights yet but I like to plan stuff out and know what to expect so I have a question. If you get Ai Sol's and a neptune apex do you need the separate controller from AI? It seems like if you are going to get both you could save some money and skip the controller from AI and just use the apex instead. Also..do you need the display to operate the Neptune Apex system? To me it seems it would be easier just to skip the display and use my computer and my droid to control it. Any reason why you would need the display for the apex?

01/28/2012, 12:10 PM	#2
jordancemery65 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Mechanic Falls, ME Posts: 239	That is a very good question! I am currently looking into getting the AI Sol, and was just wondering the same thing about getting the AI controller, because i already have the Apex. I dont see why you would need the controller for the AI if you are going through the apex... But hopefully someone else can chime in! __________________ Jordan Emery. 72 Gallon Bowfront - Mixed Reef 120 lbs liverock, 4-5" Deep Sand Bed, 1 - Vortech MP40W, 2 AI Sol Blues, all controlled with Neptune Apex Aquacontroller.

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01/28/2012, 01:41 PM	#3
BBRC2 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 2	You need the vdm module for the ai. You do not need the ai control if your going to control it with the apex. That's how I run mine. As for the display I never touch it but it is nice to look at without the pc or phone for peace of mind.

02/01/2012, 10:14 AM	#4
bobafet1 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: 92336 Posts: 1,822	I use to own the Apex base unit and I can say that I never really used the Apex display to make changes or check on my parameters. For me, it was always easier to just go online and make all the changes that I needed. I'm in the market for another Apex system and after speaking to Neptune Systems I was told that it is a good idea to have the Apex display in case the network goes down. From the sound of the rep's voice, and from seeing other posts here, it seems like there have been network issues with the Apex lately. So, it's a gamble I guess. I would prefer not having one, based on prior experience, and because it might be cheaper just buying the components instead of the entire system.