Which Apex?

AndysReef · 01/03/2014, 05:49 PM

Hey guys, right now I have a 55 gallon reef tank with a 30 gallon sump. Someday I want to get a controller to allow more automation. Which do you think would be best, the Apex, Apex lite, or Apex Jr? I want to be able to control most of my tank like when I'm gone and stuff. I also don't want to spend $500 on the apex if I would be fine with the apex lite or the jr. How hard are these to program/setup? I'm pretty good with tech stuff but I want to know how easy these are to use.
Thanks

AndysReef · 01/03/2014, 06:43 PM

Come one, any help please?

maddmaxx · 01/03/2014, 07:41 PM

depends on what you wanna control honestly. obviously the jr only has 4 outlets. the lite as more options, and the apex has the most options. on a 55 i highly doubt you need the top apex controller. so that right there saves you around $140. if you want to control your heater/s, pump, skimmer, powerheads, lights, then your looking at the Lite. if you just want lights then ur looking at the Jr...again all depends on what you wanna control, and how much you wanna spend. more info is really needed to give you proper advice...

MHG · 01/03/2014, 07:59 PM

I outgrew my apex. For me a lite or a jr is never an option....

ClownsRCoo · 01/03/2014, 08:02 PM

Apex lite is discontinued also so by the time you get ready to buy it may no longer be available

AndysReef · 01/03/2014, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClownsRCoo

Apex lite is discontinued also so by the time you get ready to buy it may no longer be available

Hmmm that's interesting do you know why? And I think I should probably cross the jr off my list, I would like some more controllability

Mark Bianco · 01/03/2014, 09:19 PM

Per Neptune website: As of 1/1/2014 the Apex Lite has been discontinued. However some systems may still be available from retailers in the US for a limited time.

Wow never thought They would go this route.

Mr.C · 01/03/2014, 09:23 PM

Well what do you want to do with it? I just got my full apex in. How much control do you want? Turn them on/off or run wave makers($), control lights and intensity($), probes($) etc. This hobby seems to be more about spending money than keeping fish haha, so if you love spending money and like fish and coral then it's the hobby for you.

AndysReef · 01/03/2014, 09:54 PM

Control lights, intensity, pumps, power heads, water on floor and other warnings, top off, probes pretty much. And yeah I have noticed that it seems to be more about the gear, but it all ends up benefiting the livestock, right? :

:

Mark Bianco · 01/04/2014, 05:56 AM

True it will benefit the livestock, but nothing you can not do your self. However where the most benefits are is it makes your life easier and gives you peace of mind. Mine controls everything including mixing stations and automatic water changes,

Mark

Dave & Monica · 01/04/2014, 07:45 AM

This April will be 8yrs in the hobby for me. Didn't buy a controller, apex, until yr 5. After 3 yrs now, can tell you this was the hands down best investment ever made for my reef. You going to be around for a few years.... Buy the full apex.

http://www.reeftronics.net/d-m/apex-status

Crimson · 01/04/2014, 10:04 AM

You can see the topic here:

http://forum.neptunesystems.com/show...e-discontinued

I know RussM can be and has been helpful, but for some reason he rubs me the wrong way.

gregr · 01/04/2014, 11:09 AM

One important thing to add to the conversation-- learning, setting up and fine tuning the Apex is FUN. At least to some people- if you find this sort of tinkering fun then it's a no-brainer- get the Apex, some float switches, a PM2 module, maybe a WXM for LEDS and controllable pumps and have a blast.
If, on the other hand, this sort of tinkering is not fun then maybe it's not such a good idea as you get as much out of the Apex as you're willing to put into it.

AndysReef · 01/04/2014, 12:23 PM

What are the requirements/things needed for an apex(besides the unit)?

jokeefe727@aol.com · 01/04/2014, 08:57 PM

This has been a nightmare since I first purchased it. The unit that was sent to me was defective. They tried for weeks to fix it and then decided it was the unit and they replaced it.Finally got it to work. worked for a couple of months. Now the same thing. It took a couple of I T guys to finally set it up on my computer and phone so I could program my lights and chiller. NOW here I go again. My tank is looking sad this is taking to long to get them to help me Holiday and weekend. PLEASE HELP OKeefes reef the fish and corals need HELP ASAP. Probably going to have to send it back or replace it again. Well over $500 invested. Think twice before you spend this kind of money for a controller.
Now I find out they have discontinued Apex Light I'm now out over $500.if they cant fix it. Good Luck

AndysReef · 01/04/2014, 09:30 PM

What's wrong with it( and what was wrong with it?)

raybyrne67 · 01/04/2014, 09:47 PM

My Apex lite was worth every penny. I love being able to control my tank with my iPhone from anywhere. No regrets about not buying the full Apex. Echotech has a great interface for its lights and pumps.

slief · 01/05/2014, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndysReef

Control lights, intensity, pumps, power heads, water on floor and other warnings, top off, probes pretty much. And yeah I have noticed that it seems to be more about the gear, but it all ends up benefiting the livestock, right? :

:

Full Apex. I do everything you mentioned, have 7 EB8's with over 40 active outlets, countless virtual outlets, monitor salinity, PH, ORP, Temp, water on the floor, sump levels etc. I manage ATO, skimmer SCH, mixing pump, lights, lunar lights, pumps, tunzes and everything else I never imagined being able to do. I'm on 3 years with my Apex and it was the best investment in my system that I've ever made. That said, there is no way I would have gone with anything but the full Apex.

jokeefe727@aol.com · 01/05/2014, 10:31 AM

2nd week with no apex to control my 240 gal. They have finally setup a phone fix for Monday . I pray that works. Corals not looking to good when you lose control.

AndysReef · 01/05/2014, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slief

Full Apex. I do everything you mentioned, have 7 EB8's with over 40 active outlets, countless virtual outlets, monitor salinity, PH, ORP, Temp, water on the floor, sump levels etc. I manage ATO, skimmer SCH, mixing pump, lights, lunar lights, pumps, tunzes and everything else I never imagined being able to do. I'm on 3 years with my Apex and it was the best investment in my system that I've ever made. That said, there is no way I would have gone with anything but the full Apex.

Your tank is a tad bigger than mine though

kurt_n · 01/05/2014, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jokeefe727@aol.com

2nd week with no apex to control my 240 gal. They have finally setup a phone fix for Monday . I pray that works. Corals not looking to good when you lose control.

Lots of people on Netpune's forum here and on Neptune's website that are available to help. Sometimes asking for help is better than just posting the same complaints on a bunch of boards here.

ilikefish34 · 01/06/2014, 10:15 AM

I would go with the Full Apex as well. For me, this purchase is about redundancy for failsafe. For example, this can run your ATO, but more importantly, the salinity probe can tell if the ATO has failed and can stop the continuous pumping of fresh water into the sump. There are several other protections that can be provided like the leak detection you mentioned. The mistake that plenty make, is that they believe that many of the probes and accessories can be plugged into the base unit (this applies to all versions of the Apex). Make sure that when pricing things out, that the appropriate expansion module or break out box is accounted for. The final price can be intimidating but is worth it in the long run. Also, everything doesn't need to be bought in the beginning. Many features can easily be added over time to spread out the funds but figure out all that would be wanted now so that space can be allotted for them.

jokeefe727@aol.com · 01/11/2014, 12:38 PM

Update sent the unit back to Apex.

01/03/2014, 05:49 PM	#1
AndysReef Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Sylvan Lake, MI Posts: 260	Which Apex? Hey guys, right now I have a 55 gallon reef tank with a 30 gallon sump. Someday I want to get a controller to allow more automation. Which do you think would be best, the Apex, Apex lite, or Apex Jr? I want to be able to control most of my tank like when I'm gone and stuff. I also don't want to spend $500 on the apex if I would be fine with the apex lite or the jr. How hard are these to program/setup? I'm pretty good with tech stuff but I want to know how easy these are to use. Thanks __________________ Reefing... Current Tank Info: 55g reef with 30g sump and refugium.

01/03/2014, 06:43 PM	#2
AndysReef Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Sylvan Lake, MI Posts: 260	Come one, any help please? __________________ Reefing... Current Tank Info: 55g reef with 30g sump and refugium.

01/03/2014, 07:41 PM	#3
maddmaxx Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Jersey Shore Posts: 3,003	depends on what you wanna control honestly. obviously the jr only has 4 outlets. the lite as more options, and the apex has the most options. on a 55 i highly doubt you need the top apex controller. so that right there saves you around $140. if you want to control your heater/s, pump, skimmer, powerheads, lights, then your looking at the Lite. if you just want lights then ur looking at the Jr...again all depends on what you wanna control, and how much you wanna spend. more info is really needed to give you proper advice... __________________ One Life One Shot Current Tank Info: 40B Mixed reef

01/03/2014, 07:59 PM	#4
MHG Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 2,919	I outgrew my apex. For me a lite or a jr is never an option.... __________________ MHG (LIRA Member) 60G Cube, Kessil 360's

01/03/2014, 09:54 PM	#9
AndysReef Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Sylvan Lake, MI Posts: 260	Control lights, intensity, pumps, power heads, water on floor and other warnings, top off, probes pretty much. And yeah I have noticed that it seems to be more about the gear, but it all ends up benefiting the livestock, right? :: __________________ Reefing... Current Tank Info: 55g reef with 30g sump and refugium.

01/03/2014, 08:02 PM	#5
ClownsRCoo Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 813	Apex lite is discontinued also so by the time you get ready to buy it may no longer be available

01/03/2014, 09:19 PM	#7
Mark Bianco In Memoriam Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Infinity and Beyond Posts: 2,445	Per Neptune website: As of 1/1/2014 the Apex Lite has been discontinued. However some systems may still be available from retailers in the US for a limited time. Wow never thought They would go this route.

01/03/2014, 09:23 PM	#8
Mr.C Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 49	Well what do you want to do with it? I just got my full apex in. How much control do you want? Turn them on/off or run wave makers($), control lights and intensity($), probes($) etc. This hobby seems to be more about spending money than keeping fish haha, so if you love spending money and like fish and coral then it's the hobby for you.

01/04/2014, 05:56 AM	#10
Mark Bianco In Memoriam Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Infinity and Beyond Posts: 2,445	True it will benefit the livestock, but nothing you can not do your self. However where the most benefits are is it makes your life easier and gives you peace of mind. Mine controls everything including mixing stations and automatic water changes, Mark

01/04/2014, 07:45 AM	#11
Dave & Monica Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Aurora, CO Posts: 1,255	This April will be 8yrs in the hobby for me. Didn't buy a controller, apex, until yr 5. After 3 yrs now, can tell you this was the hands down best investment ever made for my reef. You going to be around for a few years.... Buy the full apex. http://www.reeftronics.net/d-m/apex-status

01/04/2014, 10:04 AM	#12
Crimson Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: South Jersey Posts: 421	You can see the topic here: http://forum.neptunesystems.com/show...e-discontinued I know RussM can be and has been helpful, but for some reason he rubs me the wrong way. __________________ -Paul New years resolution... staying out of the lounge. Current Tank Info: 36x18x12 AIO Peninsula, T5's 2x Kessil a160we

01/04/2014, 11:09 AM	#13
gregr Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Studio City, Ca Posts: 7,011	One important thing to add to the conversation-- learning, setting up and fine tuning the Apex is FUN. At least to some people- if you find this sort of tinkering fun then it's a no-brainer- get the Apex, some float switches, a PM2 module, maybe a WXM for LEDS and controllable pumps and have a blast. If, on the other hand, this sort of tinkering is not fun then maybe it's not such a good idea as you get as much out of the Apex as you're willing to put into it. __________________ 150g mixed reef Apex, 60g sump, MTC MVX-26 skimmer, MTC Minical, Geo kalk reactor, Tunze 6095s, closed loop, Orphek Atlantiks. Utube video: https://youtu.be/pAzqzxVnrUw

01/04/2014, 12:23 PM	#14
AndysReef Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Sylvan Lake, MI Posts: 260	What are the requirements/things needed for an apex(besides the unit)? __________________ Reefing... Current Tank Info: 55g reef with 30g sump and refugium.

01/04/2014, 08:57 PM	#15
jokeefe727@aol.com Okeefes Reef Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hudson FL. Posts: 477	This has been a nightmare since I first purchased it. The unit that was sent to me was defective. They tried for weeks to fix it and then decided it was the unit and they replaced it.Finally got it to work. worked for a couple of months. Now the same thing. It took a couple of I T guys to finally set it up on my computer and phone so I could program my lights and chiller. NOW here I go again. My tank is looking sad this is taking to long to get them to help me Holiday and weekend. PLEASE HELP OKeefes reef the fish and corals need HELP ASAP. Probably going to have to send it back or replace it again. Well over $500 invested. Think twice before you spend this kind of money for a controller. Now I find out they have discontinued Apex Light I'm now out over $500.if they cant fix it. Good Luck

01/04/2014, 09:30 PM	#16
AndysReef Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Sylvan Lake, MI Posts: 260	What's wrong with it( and what was wrong with it?) __________________ Reefing... Current Tank Info: 55g reef with 30g sump and refugium.

01/04/2014, 09:47 PM	#17
raybyrne67 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 353	My Apex lite was worth every penny. I love being able to control my tank with my iPhone from anywhere. No regrets about not buying the full Apex. Echotech has a great interface for its lights and pumps. __________________ Ray, Current Tank Info: 75G, Salinity 1.025, Temp 80.5, Ca 430, Alk 9, Mg 1260, mixed reef, Radion XR30w Gen 2 x2, MP10w ES x2,Vertex 130, Eheim 1260 return, Apex, Tunze ATO

01/05/2014, 10:31 AM	#19
jokeefe727@aol.com Okeefes Reef Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hudson FL. Posts: 477	2nd week with no apex to control my 240 gal. They have finally setup a phone fix for Monday . I pray that works. Corals not looking to good when you lose control.

01/06/2014, 10:15 AM	#22
ilikefish34 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: virginia Posts: 399	I would go with the Full Apex as well. For me, this purchase is about redundancy for failsafe. For example, this can run your ATO, but more importantly, the salinity probe can tell if the ATO has failed and can stop the continuous pumping of fresh water into the sump. There are several other protections that can be provided like the leak detection you mentioned. The mistake that plenty make, is that they believe that many of the probes and accessories can be plugged into the base unit (this applies to all versions of the Apex). Make sure that when pricing things out, that the appropriate expansion module or break out box is accounted for. The final price can be intimidating but is worth it in the long run. Also, everything doesn't need to be bought in the beginning. Many features can easily be added over time to spread out the funds but figure out all that would be wanted now so that space can be allotted for them.

01/11/2014, 12:38 PM	#23
jokeefe727@aol.com Okeefes Reef Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hudson FL. Posts: 477	Update sent the unit back to Apex.