Which Apex controller for a newb?

LeRenard · 02/19/2015, 09:44 AM

Hi,

I'm just getting started with saltwater, but I've got a few freshwater tanks so I'm not entirely clueless, just very nearly clueless

. On one of my cichlid tanks I just had *another* heater malfunction, and frankly I'm sick of having to save my tanks from these cheap pieces of crap. Considering that my little reef tank has considerably more to lose from equipment failures, I'm thinking of just ponying up the money for a network enabled controller that can let me know when something has happened. I've pretty much decided on an Apex.

The question I have now, is, which model/package represents what a new reef keeper would want in say the first year? I think the Jr would meet my immediate needs (I'd probably use it to monitor/control temps, set it up for my ATO, fuge light control, and vary my koralias timing) but since it's cheaper to buy the bigger packages than the parts individually, do I really need the Ph+ORP, or the Salinity/Conductivity sensors in the gold package now?

I'm an engineer so my mind always says the more data I have the better, but I don't want to spend 800 bucks now if I'm not really going to make use of it right now. Then again, if it will prevent losing 400 dollars or more of livestock it might be cheaper than it appears.

Your suggestions are appreciated!

ghostman · 02/19/2015, 09:53 AM

The junior model does have some limitations, and you may outgrow the system in time. The number of modules is limited so you have to see if your needs will outgrow that system. New Apex accessories come up all the time, so it's easy to "think" you're covered only to find out that you want to add an auto feeder or leak detector down the road. I prefer the Lite version as I do not use the variable speed ports. I have the display, but rarely use it since I use fusion to see my parameters. I also do not plug anything into the EB8 that is not necessary. this reduces the number of spaces used on the EB8 controllers. Just something to think about.

02/19/2015, 09:44 AM	#1
LeRenard Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 116	Which Apex controller for a newb? Hi, I'm just getting started with saltwater, but I've got a few freshwater tanks so I'm not entirely clueless, just very nearly clueless . On one of my cichlid tanks I just had another heater malfunction, and frankly I'm sick of having to save my tanks from these cheap pieces of crap. Considering that my little reef tank has considerably more to lose from equipment failures, I'm thinking of just ponying up the money for a network enabled controller that can let me know when something has happened. I've pretty much decided on an Apex. The question I have now, is, which model/package represents what a new reef keeper would want in say the first year? I think the Jr would meet my immediate needs (I'd probably use it to monitor/control temps, set it up for my ATO, fuge light control, and vary my koralias timing) but since it's cheaper to buy the bigger packages than the parts individually, do I really need the Ph+ORP, or the Salinity/Conductivity sensors in the gold package now? I'm an engineer so my mind always says the more data I have the better, but I don't want to spend 800 bucks now if I'm not really going to make use of it right now. Then again, if it will prevent losing 400 dollars or more of livestock it might be cheaper than it appears. Your suggestions are appreciated!

02/19/2015, 09:53 AM	#2
ghostman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Spring Hill, Florida Posts: 1,629	The junior model does have some limitations, and you may outgrow the system in time. The number of modules is limited so you have to see if your needs will outgrow that system. New Apex accessories come up all the time, so it's easy to "think" you're covered only to find out that you want to add an auto feeder or leak detector down the road. I prefer the Lite version as I do not use the variable speed ports. I have the display, but rarely use it since I use fusion to see my parameters. I also do not plug anything into the EB8 that is not necessary. this reduces the number of spaces used on the EB8 controllers. Just something to think about. __________________ When you die, you don't know you're dead. It's only difficult for the people around you. It's the same when you're stupid. Current Tank Info: 40IM Fusion, 40lbs of rock, and 20lbs of sand. Just a few fish and corals....for now.