Apex jr without display
- Thread starter nurjrk
- Start date
cordell
New member
I was told by Premium Aquatics that they no longer offer the Jr without the display. They didn't have a reason why at the time, but that it was Neptune, and not PA or any other vendor causing this.
IMHO, I believe Neptune is changing direction, at least slightly, in the way they sell the Apex. Force people to buy the display, whether they will use it or not, and see what happens to sales. (All speculation, of course..)
I went ahead and bought a model with the display recently, and I find that since I have the display, I use it quite often. I don't always have my phone on me when I go into the fish room to feed the fish or do water changes (feed mode). And it's nice to get a quick glance at the temp and pH while peeping at the fish tank. Sorry, this adds nothing to your question, but is something to consider.
IMHO, I believe Neptune is changing direction, at least slightly, in the way they sell the Apex. Force people to buy the display, whether they will use it or not, and see what happens to sales. (All speculation, of course..)
I went ahead and bought a model with the display recently, and I find that since I have the display, I use it quite often. I don't always have my phone on me when I go into the fish room to feed the fish or do water changes (feed mode). And it's nice to get a quick glance at the temp and pH while peeping at the fish tank. Sorry, this adds nothing to your question, but is something to consider.
NTP66
New member
Neptune told me last year (around Thanksgiving) that they had discontinued the SKU for the Apex Jr. without a display, and were dropping the price on the unit that did come with a display (which they did, about $25). I originally wanted one without the display, intending on using my iPhone or PC for everything, but I have to admit - I'm glad that I got the display. It's so much more convenient to use for stuff like feed mode, etc., especially if you're in a rush.
I think it is a mistake. Even with dropping the price to $225. This puts the JR up against the full featured Reef Angel. The Jr without the display was the cheapest internet enabled controller out there. Many people bought it because timers and a Ranco temperature controller cost almost as much. Increasing the entry level price by 50% will just push controllers back to being more of a luxury.
One thing that I think they overlooked in selling it without a display is that any of the audible alarms and alerts became useless because the sounds came out of the display. No display = no audible alarms. Maybe that's why they decided to make the display part of the package - so they could truthfully advertise audible alarms. Just thinking out loud...
James77
Team RC
My audible alarm is a text to my phone or email 
I agree that it is a mistake to make it at least not an option. I can only assume they did it because people were assuming it came with? I have 2 of them and have never missed the displays. The only PITA time is when I calibrate a pH probe, I have to use my computer. Everything else is done on my phone.
I agree that it is a mistake to make it at least not an option. I can only assume they did it because people were assuming it came with? I have 2 of them and have never missed the displays. The only PITA time is when I calibrate a pH probe, I have to use my computer. Everything else is done on my phone.
Could also be an different way of raising the price to temporarily slow down demand. A bunch of new users of a low priced controller can perhaps mess with your ability to provide customer service if you weren't prepared for the onslaught of new users that bought it thinking the thing works like a Nest thermostat - hook it up and walk away!
