Apex with Kessil's - use Spectral Controller?

[Blitzer]

I recently purchased 2 x Kessil A160WE & Spectral Controller for my upcoming Red Sea Reefer 250 build. I initially thought I'd holdoff on purchasing a controller, but the more research I do, the more it seems this may be a good investment to make now instead of later. I'm going to get the Apex, but now I'm wondering whether I should run the Kessil's through the Spectral Controller or through the Apex.

Seems like going Apex is the way to go, and I can always sell the Spectral Controller, but wondering if I'm sacrificing greater control over my lights for simplicity in being able to control the entire tank from a single app.

Thoughts?

 

[Hentz]

Afternoon Blitzer,

I would recommend the use of your Apex for controlling your lights. The Spectral Controller is a great addition, however, it is in my opinion that it is best to have everything on one controller for easy access. However, if you're limited on outlet space, I'd suggest using the Spectral Controller.

Great choice on the Apex. I myself thought controllers were a bit of a waste of money at one point, along with ATO's. Why spend $$$ when you can do something so simply? I purchased a Reefkeeper Lite on my old SPS Dominant 75. Set it up and sold it a month later because it felt useless, as it was on that tank. The more I got into SPS, the more I realized stability is key and a controller essentially assured that. Stable temp, adding water to keep my Salinity stable. Controlling when to add Calcium/Alkalinity on my BRS dosers, when to run my ZEOvit reactor after a stone change.

Would I go without a controller again? Heck no!!

Plus the money made from selling the Spectral Controller can help with the cost of the Apex or even corals

:beer:

 

[Blitzer]

Afternoon Blitzer,

I would recommend the use of your Apex for controlling your lights. The Spectral Controller is a great addition, however, it is in my opinion that it is best to have everything on one controller for easy access. However, if you're limited on outlet space, I'd suggest using the Spectral Controller.

Great choice on the Apex. I myself thought controllers were a bit of a waste of money at one point, along with ATO's. Why spend $$$ when you can do something so simply? I purchased a Reefkeeper Lite on my old SPS Dominant 75. Set it up and sold it a month later because it felt useless, as it was on that tank. The more I got into SPS, the more I realized stability is key and a controller essentially assured that. Stable temp, adding water to keep my Salinity stable. Controlling when to add Calcium/Alkalinity on my BRS dosers, when to run my ZEOvit reactor after a stone change.

Would I go without a controller again? Heck no!!

Plus the money made from selling the Spectral Controller can help with the cost of the Apex or even corals

:beer:

Awesome, thanks for your reply! And yes, selling the Spectral Controller definitely helps to offset some costs. I haven't even opened yet, so going to see if I can return it as well.

:beer:

 

[ca1ore]

The spectral controller gives you better low dimming control, but that's about it. If you don't care about that go apex.