Apex Base Unit Poor Design

[pwrmac2]

My AquaContoller Apex arrived this week and I was very excited about it until I unboxed it. Definitely not the quality I was expecting. Everything feels very cheaply made and it shows. My main issue is with the Apex base unit. The probe ports are crooked and the pH/ORP port is loose and cross threaded. I contacted Neptune Systems right away and asked for a replacement base unit to be sent out and received a reply back from Curt Pansegrau.

His response was they are all pretty much like that and instead of fixing the issue due to cost and schedule they choose to ship it that way.

If I exchange it whats the point? More than likely according to Curt I will have the same issue.

Is this really the case? The majority of you who own this product live with bent, loose and cross threaded probe ports?

Bill S.

 

[unbreakable]

if you mean it feels cheap because the products feel light or not as heavy as you thought, then I can tell you other controllers products will feel the same I'm not sure about it being bent or cross threaded but never had a problem with APEX. I invested in a different controller so I no longer have the APEX but enjoyed the ease of use it.

 

[SPotter]

+1 on quality compared to others. I've had no issues with mine and one of the ports wast straight but it still does an amazing job. Customer service is top notch too which in my mind makes up for any other short comings you might come across. I think once you get it up and running you'll be extremely pleased!


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[aleonn]

My base unit looks good out of the box. Take pix though and post, in case there's something unusual to, us we'll point it out.

 

[mike_dani]

My AquaContoller Apex arrived this week and I was very excited about it until I unboxed it. Definitely not the quality I was expecting. Everything feels very cheaply made and it shows. My main issue is with the Apex base unit. The probe ports are crooked and the pH/ORP port is loose and cross threaded. I contacted Neptune Systems right away and asked for a replacement base unit to be sent out and received a reply back from Curt Pansegrau.

His response was they are all pretty much like that and instead of fixing the issue due to cost and schedule they choose to ship it that way.

If I exchange it whats the point? More than likely according to Curt I will have the same issue.

Is this really the case? The majority of you who own this product live with bent, loose and cross threaded probe ports?

Bill S.

Dude it ain't no darn car........ Love it or go buy an Reef Keeper product you will then see the difference when all your crap is dead due to it breaking...

Peace my .02

 

[pwrmac2]

My base unit looks good out of the box. Take pix though and post, in case there's something unusual to, us we'll point it out.

This is the one I sent to Curt

 

[pwrmac2]

Dude it ain't no darn car........ Love it or go buy an Reef Keeper product you will then see the difference when all your crap is dead due to it breaking...

Peace my .02

What does that matter? I paid over 5 bills for this controller. Am I not to expect a quality product? The reason I went with Apex was because their customer service is supposed to be the best. I understand nothing is perfect. I just want a replacement Base unit that has no loose or bent parts.

 

[superray2002]

Since the BNC connectors are soldered to the PC board inside, the locking nut really secures the outside case in place more than anything. Yes, the connectors are too close for the hex nut to fit properly and mine didn't even come with one on one of the posts (which is the insulated/isolated white one anyway). I don't remove the probes from the connectors often so it's a non-issue for me.

 

[unbreakable]

What does that matter? I paid over 5 bills for this controller. Am I not to expect a quality product? The reason I went with Apex was because their customer service is supposed to be the best. I understand nothing is perfect. I just want a replacement Base unit that has no loose or bent parts.

my base unit was not bent like that

 

[aquamanic]

I think I agree with the OP - that looks pretty bad. I wouldn't like it. I'd push to get it replaced. Did you buy direct from Neptune or through a retailer?

It may not have anything to do with its operation but that should never have been shipped.

 

[JG1]

mine doesn't look like that either.

If Curt said it's exceptable, I do not agree

 

[SPotter]

After seeing the picture I would expect a replacement as well. I really hope they make good on it.


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[unbreakable]

If you got it from marine depot, reefgeek, or some other online store i would talk to them first. if it was directly from neptune, i would send curt the pictures and ask about a replacement

 

[ieatchinese]

Mine is the same. I bought mine about 3 months ago directly from Neptune. I haven't tried to get a replacement, but think that it would be an outstanding move if it was replaced.

I don't expect that it will be though. It works, it is just not pretty and while it performs, it is not what one would expect to get. I just can't afford to do with out the controller and would require that Neptune send me one with the promise that I will send the one that I have back to them once I receive the replacement....many times this is not acceptable to the supplier. I will give it a try though.

 

[JG1]

Even if it works you have to take in account how that flaw will affect resale value. And Curt should understand this as well.

 

[Orcrone]

Mine is the same. I bought mine about 3 months ago directly from Neptune. I haven't tried to get a replacement, but think that it would be an outstanding move if it was replaced.

I don't expect that it will be though. It works, it is just not pretty and while it performs, it is not what one would expect to get. I just can't afford to do with out the controller and would require that Neptune send me one with the promise that I will send the one that I have back to them once I receive the replacement....many times this is not acceptable to the supplier. I will give it a try though.

I can understand them not sending you another with the promise that you'll return it. But they may be willing to sell you another and then credit the cost upon receipt of the defective unit.

 

[tmgrash]

I hope mine doesnt show up like that tomorrow.

 

[Bluefool]

I've had big issues with Neptune Quality. My base unit looks similar, but wait until you see a "switch breakout box". Flimsy, falls apart easily, and way over priced.

I've got to admit, for what I paid for it, so far I am *very* unhappy with the Apex, largely due to crap documentation and poor quality.

I thought I was buying a premier high end product. I was wrong.

 

[Bluefool]

I've had big issues with Neptune Quality. My base unit looks similar, but wait until you see a "switch breakout box". Flimsy, falls apart easily, and way over priced.

I've got to admit, for what I paid for it, so far I am *very* unhappy with the Apex, largely due to crap documentation and poor quality.

I thought I was buying a premier high end product. I was wrong.

 

[coffeenut]

Well, I have had the APEX system running my 650 gal system since last april, and I LOVE IT..
I agree you should get that unit replaced..

But for operational quality it it great...
The break out box is a very inexpensive component, and not designed to be " durable".
Just FYI to qualify my experience with the product.
I have:
2 displays
1 main control box ( and a back up...)
6 Eb8s
2 break out boxes
2 pm boxes
3 ph probes
1 orp probe
4 float switches
3 temp probes

ALL running in unison perfectly..
APEX does the best job of any low priced controller out there..
If you want rugged quality..
BUY A PLC, relays and build a Control cabinet.. and see how much that costs..