Apex Controller Questions

[Jason R]

I’ve been going thinking about getting a controller. I am wavering back and forth between the Apex Jr and the Apex lite.

I have a 100 Gallon Tank with 2 MP40W ES units and an XR30W Radion light. They manage themselves perfectly so I don’t see a need to integrate them with a controller for wave-making or light control. I am not a huge SPS junkie so I have no intention of getting a Calcium reactor.

The only things I think I am positive would want the controller to manage are:
- Calcium, Alkalinity (Can a controller dose based off of PH?), and Magnesium dosing
- Temperature

Additional possible uses
- I have a refugium but it isn’t gigantic so I don’t know if its worth using a controller power socket to turn the lights on and off counter to the display tank lights.

- I’ve heard some people say it is good to turn your skimmer off on a scheduled basis throughout the day. Is that even a good idea though?

With this in mind do I really need the Lite or would I be better off with the Jr?

 

[Tank2379]

I have the JR and I woud recoomend the Lite, you would have to buy all the extra add on in the long run.

 

[Jason R]

I did a price comparison at AquaCave and I could get a Jr with the PM1 and a PH probe for $269. The Lite starts at $369. The $100 difference seems to be primarily because of the display and 4 additional power outlets. I don't think the display is worth the extra $100 when it is just a stripped down interface when compared to its web interface. The additional 4 outlets are a nice thing to have but since I really only plan on using 4 sockets I don't know if its necessary.

What add-ons do you find lacking from your Jr. that makes the Lite seem better?

 

[jayjigga]

If a ph controller can, I'm sure the there are enough rules to make it happen with the Apex.

At the very least, a controller is a glorified heater controller. If you're dead set on not having lights and wavemakers controlled, I guess you could just go with the Jr. How many things would you have plugged in? That's really the only big difference that I can remember. I tried pulling up their site, but it's not working for me for some reason.

I don't think the display is worth the extra $100 when it is just a stripped down interface when compared to its web interface. The additional 4 outlets are a nice thing to have but since I really only plan on using 4 sockets I don't know if its necessary.

I thought I wouldn't care for ma display, but since I'm too lazy to connect the Apex to ma router, I've been using the display to manually do things
One thread mentioned that all 4 outlets on the Jr. are relay outlets, while the EB8 on the lite has only 2. It has something to do with the outlets' issues with low current equip.

 

[Jason R]

I want to be able to dose magnesium, calcium, and alkalinity and control the temperature. I was thinking three dosing pumps and a heater.

I already have an ATO system and the Radion and Vortech pumps control themselves perfectly on their own.

 

[jayjigga]

I want to be able to dose magnesium, calcium, and alkalinity and control the temperature. I was thinking three dosing pumps and a heater.

I already have an ATO system and the Radion and Vortech pumps control themselves perfectly on their own.

If you're thinking about adding the skimmer, or any other equip, why not save the $ and put it towards another EB4 or EB8?

 

[Jason R]

If you're thinking about adding the skimmer, or any other equip, why not save the $ and put it towards another EB4 or EB8?

That's what I've been thinking. I'd have to buy the PM2 and a conductivity probe to check salinity with either controller.

 

[Tethered_Limbs]

i got a Jr. like the others have said its awesome if you only need to plug in 4 things. but once you start controlling more than that you may as well just get a lite

 

[jayjigga]

That's what I've been thinking. I'd have to buy the PM2 and a conductivity probe to check salinity with either controller.

If affording it was as simple as saying to buy it, I would say just go with the full Apex. I ran the numbers and from what I wanted out of a controller (led control and pump control), it didn't make sense to buy anything except the full. Run the numbers and you'll probably reason your way to $500 (at least mine was wifey approved)

 

[LegoZ]

You can order right from Neptune's website maybe BYO your system:
EB4 109.95
Apex Base Unit 224.95
Temp probe 29.95
Lab Grade pH 59.95
Aquabus 6' Cable 14.95

Total is $439.75 :/ ok that is not that good which is $7 more than the lite with pH probe but you get all relay outlets this way. I am going to use all EB4 from here on out, I have 2 triac outlets failing on my EB8

Edit: Well crap $7 more and no display... ok that sucks lol

 

[LegoZ]

Also be sure you keep in mine the Jr is limited to:
"Expandable to 5 AquaBus modules (1 Apex Display and 4 other AquaBus modules)"

Here is comparison matrix:
http://www.neptunesys.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=62&Itemid=40

 

[jayjigga]

You can order right from Neptune's website maybe BYO your system:
EB4 109.95
Apex Base Unit 224.95
Temp probe 29.95
Lab Grade pH 59.95
Aquabus 6' Cable 14.95

Total is $439.75 :/ ok that is not that good which is $7 more than the lite with pH probe but you get all relay outlets this way. I am going to use all EB4 from here on out, I have 2 triac outlets failing on my EB8

Edit: Well crap $7 more and no display... ok that sucks lol

Lol, if the OP isn't in a rush, and vendors have a Black Friday sale (Walt, yes that's me being racist), you can score the full Apex for roughly $455. It may be worth a couple months wait.

 

[jm23]

I bought mine at reefgeek a few months back. I called them on the phone and told them that I wanted the full apex setup, with temp probe, ph probe, and 2 ph calibration fluid sets, and free shipping all for $450 and they said ok. It wasn't as streamline as that, but I haggled with them for a little and it all worked out. Of course you could wait for Black Friday, but I think the deal I got would be comparable. Good luck deciding.

 

[Jason R]

Also be sure you keep in mine the Jr is limited to:
"Expandable to 5 AquaBus modules (1 Apex Display and 4 other AquaBus modules)"

Here is comparison matrix:
http://www.neptunesys.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=62&Itemid=40

I had looked at the matrix. I just haven't seen anything that makes me think I'll want to add more than 4 modules.

I've heard some people say that the full version is useful if you are running a fish store and have lots of stuff connected to it.

 

[jayjigga]

I had looked at the matrix. I just haven't seen anything that makes me think I'll want to add more than 4 modules.

I've heard some people say that the full version is useful if you are running a fish store and have lots of stuff connected to it.

Shhhhh!!! You say that loud enough and ma wife will hear ya! Don't give ma future plans away, lol...

 

[Tank2379]

I did a price comparison at AquaCave and I could get a Jr with the PM1 and a PH probe for $269. The Lite starts at $369. The $100 difference seems to be primarily because of the display and 4 additional power outlets. I don't think the display is worth the extra $100 when it is just a stripped down interface when compared to its web interface. The additional 4 outlets are a nice thing to have but since I really only plan on using 4 sockets I don't know if its necessary.

What add-ons do you find lacking from your Jr. that makes the Lite seem better?

Trust me the display is worth it, I ended up buying the display becasue my Network went out for a week and I was control less from my iPhone with my JR. If thats what your planning on doing. I had to put manual heaters on casue I didn't know what my heater temp was nor did I know if things were turning on and off like they are suppose to. I ended up buying the display, PM1 and a VDM module, in the future I might end up buying the WMX module to control my Vortech pumps.

I also already invested in an EB8 casue the 4 outlets weren't cuting it anymore. I suggested the lite becasue you wouldn't have to add that much in the long run. But in my truly opinion I would just go with Full Apex and get it over with.... We are all Addicted to this hobby and we all just keep spending money...

 

[capysolo]

I have the full Apex. Aside from the initial cost, I don't regret it at all. I have a great controller for my current setup, and the expandability for whatever upgrades i may do in the future. Worth the extra up front $ to not have to buy a bunch of stuff later.

 

[ghostman]

Trust me the display is worth it, I ended up buying the display becasue my Network went out for a week and I was control less from my iPhone with my JR. If thats what your planning on doing. I had to put manual heaters on casue I didn't know what my heater temp was nor did I know if things were turning on and off like they are suppose to. I ended up buying the display, PM1 and a VDM module, in the future I might end up buying the WMX module to control my Vortech pumps.

+1 to buying the Lite. The display is well worth the money, and gives you an instant idea of what's going on, rather than logging in to the system. I also highly recommend the WMX module to control the Vortech pumps, but note that they do not support all the ES modes available. I like that the feed function cuts power to everything I want with one easy button.

 

[Greg]

I have the regular apex. I really like it, mainly the iphone app.

 

[jayjigga]

+1 to buying the Lite. The display is well worth the money, and gives you an instant idea of what's going on, rather than logging in to the system. I also highly recommend the WMX module to control the Vortech pumps, but note that they do not support all the ES modes available. I like that the feed function cuts power to everything I want with one easy button.

With what the OP wants long-term, he's better off skipping the Lite. Honestly, they should just have 2 options and drive the price down, but what business would want to charge us less??