Apex Research

[pkane11384]

Alright guys i'm looking to possibly make the plunge and purchase an Apex Controller. Who here runs them on their tanks? Is it going to be overkill on a BC 29? What expansions do I need or should I run? Have an LED conversion going in this weekend so I guess the dimming module? Really a newb on these so I would like as much input as I can get. Thanks

 

[BrokenSpoke]

I don't use an Apex controller, I use another brand, but I will address the 'overkill' aspect of your question.

NO, it is not overkill. I lost an established 7 year old reef tank due to not having a controller. Like you, I had been researching them, putting it off due to cost, researching some more, when I went away for a 3 day weekend. During that time the heater stuck on. When I got home the tank water was a balmy 92 degrees. Great for swimming but it killed everything in my tank.

So, back to your question, any controller is worth it.

 

[capt85]

You will not need the VDM (led module) with the complete APEX.

It will come with 4 0-10v adjustable inputs. Make sure your LED is not a manual dimmer.

Oh yea I have an APEX and LOVE IT!

 

[bu11itt]

I'm new to the hobby and I started my tank with the Apex. Now I can't imagine running one without a controller of some kind. The peace of mind always knowing what's going on with the tank and the ability to shutdown things automatically (heaters, lights, pumps, etc...) if something goes wrong is great.

With the Apex there is also a great deal of control available for your equipment. I can dial my PO4 in an hold it by controlling how long my GFO reactor is running a day, it's currently on a 5 min on/10 min off cycle.

Finally, I went on vacation for a week this year and my house/tank sitter wasn't what you'd called very technical. With the Apex for her to feed all she had to do was hit one button before she added the food, all pumps and equipment automatically shut down and then turned back on once the feed cycle was done. It made it very easy for her and if I'd ever setup my ATO then she wouldn't have even had to top off.

I say +1 for a controller of some kind, I only know the Apex so that's all I can speak on.

 

[summitwynds]

I agree on the above comments.. My corals have never looked better. I credit it to the stability of using an Apex for my top offs and dosing. I love that they are expandable. I'm upgrading and going to add a WXM for 2 vortechs as well as a PM2 to monitor the temp and salinity of the water for my water change water.

 

[pkane11384]

@capt85 I'm using the MeanWell ELN-60-48D drivers. If I need to get new ones to use the Apex I'd be willing to do it

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

 

[bu11itt]

I don't want to speak for capt85, but I used the ELN-60-48D drivers for my DIY LED's and they worked great with the Apex. If you will only need four channels then you won't need an extra module (if you get the full Apex and not the lite) as the base unit has 4 variable speed ports. There are lots of helpful thread on the Neptune System sponsor forum on this board to help you hook this up.

 

[capt85]

bu11itt is correct

 

[saf1]

I have a controller on my BioCube 29 (Oceanic). I controll pump to feed, powerhead and pump for water change and other maint. I use temp and Ph probes. Also use it to drive my LED's via PWM signals.

Not overkill at all. The question comes down to what you want to do and if the controller of choice has the accessories as a default / base package. Mine did and I love it.

 

[pkane11384]

I pretty much want to control my lights, monitor the salinity, pH and my pumps. Thanks for the information

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Tickle]

I use another brand on my 40 and I thought it may be overkill but like stated the piece of mind it great. I had the stuck heater thing happen and didn't even know because of my controller running secondary to the heaters thermostat. Id say if you don't have a large upgrade planned in the future then a Jr would be a good choice. I have a controller that's limited to 4 expansions and I only use the supplied power strip and a dimming module. Best decision I ever made.

Sent from my PB99400 using Tapatalk 2

 

[sminker]

Get the Full Apex. Its not overkill. Look at my current dashboard. There's more than this. Once you get it you will be glad you did. With the full Apex, right out of the box you get pH, variable ports, extra pH/ORP port, and near limitless upgrade potential.