Apex Classic Controller - Newbie

[Andrewdb]

Hi Everyone - I've seen a lot of earlier post circa 2014, but not really seen anything in 2016/17 about which system is better.

2 QUESTIONS

Question 1:

I'm setting up my first reef aquarium 250g with an Apex Classic Controller. I also have 2 VorTech Gen 3 MP40w LED Lighting and Ecotech Gen3 Pro XR30w's.

My question which system is better to run/monitor my equipment: Neptune WXM Wireless Controller or Reeflink Ecotech Wireless Controller?

Question 2:

My tank is 250g with dual overflow reef ready. I plan on using a dual Herbie and will be using a Eschopps Gen 3 R-300 Refugium with a Reef Octopus SRO 2000 EXT. I don't know how to plum my skimmer into this refugium.

TECHNICAL SPECS: Eschopps Gen 3 R-300 Refugium
Dimensions: 36"x16"x16"
Skimmer Compartment: 16"x15.5"
Refugium Compartment: 12"x10"
Tank Usage 225 - 300g/ Dual



TECHNICAL SPECS: Reef Octopus SRO 2000 Ext
Body Size: 6in
Footprint: 12.6in x 8.7in
Neck Size: 4in
Total Height: 22in
Output Size: 40mm/1.25in pvc
Output Height: 7.5in
Recommended Sump Water Height: 6-6.5in


Can any help me understand how best to plump this?

 

[CafeReef]

Question 1: They give you different capabilities. The WXM will give you more streamlined simplistic control of the LED's, giving you the ability to set control points throughout the day and adjust intensity and color spectrum. Reeflink does the exact same thing, but has the added functionality of being able to upload a schedule that someone else is having success with. The Vortech functionality is identical.

Personally, I like many others had nothing but issues in setting up reeflink. I got it finally configured and set how I liked it, but eventually my vortechs disconnected and just didnt work how I wanted.

I wanted the ability to have my apex put my vortechs in feed mode automatically when I feed and then go into nutrient export mode once the feed mode ends. So I bought a WXM. I have 0 regrets in doing this. I am much happier with the level of control I get from the WXM and will be selling my reeflink shortly.

 

[Andrewdb]

Thanks CafeReef, sounds like you're experienced in both, which is exactly what I was looking for. All of my research has led to me to the same conclusion that WXM was a better choice.

 

[Andrewdb]

Anyone have advice on how to plumb the Eschopps Gen 3 R-300?