Apex?

[mx51]

If i was going to buy the apex what do i buy? I am new to this hobby and have no clue what model to buy? Any help will be greatly appreciated.. And model numbers would help to as like i said i am new to this...Thanks guys

 

[psteeleb]

You need to start by asking yourself what you want to control

lights - almost always
return pump - most everyone does for feeding
Ca reactor - if you use one
or dosing pumps - again if you use one
ATO - often a stand-alone unit works fine and costs less
heater - most likely
cooling fans - most likely
wave makers
other pumps


I went through several scenarios before settling in on the final decision

 

[rezaktp]

I went with the APEX Lite, and it work great for me...if I add a calcium reactor i will just add a PM1 for the additional PH control!

 

[doctorgori]

if you plan on getting Vortechs and/or controllable Tunzes or Led's get the Apex
if you aren't going to get those any time soon, get the Apex lite then add the module later

..the Jr is a fine choice also at $150, but to get the ATO/Break out box capability plus pH monitoring, you will end up spending more than the Apex lite in the long run

 

[wyattroa]

I just went through the same thing you are going through. I ended up getting the Apex since I hope to upgrade down the road possibly with lights also.

 

[mx51]

I bought the ATI 6x54 sunpower for lights. And i think I am going to go with the 2 vortech MP10's for powerheads. And I believe an ATO is a must beings i don't have time to babysit the water level.LOL so i will want to run all of that off the apex. I'm just not sure what one to get and was hoping that someone with experience with one could point me in the right direction. I don't want to have to add a bunch of stuff to it down the road if you know what i mean... Thank you for all your input guys

 

[Tethered_Limbs]

if you plan on getting Vortechs and/or controllable Tunzes or Led's get the Apex
if you aren't going to get those any time soon, get the Apex lite then add the module later

..the Jr is a fine choice also at $150, but to get the ATO/Break out box capability plus pH monitoring, you will end up spending more than the Apex lite in the long run

dun you have to buy a module either way for vortechs

 

[cobra9]

If you are not going to run anything with a analog signal(IE, tunzes, led dim able driver, T5 dim able ballast) then the Apex lite should do anything you need.

The Difference between the APEX and APEX Lite is the full apex has a second pH/orp port, and 0-10volt ports to drive analog devices.

If you will want/need a second pH port for a calcium reactor or something then you will need either the full apex of a PM1 added to a apex lite.

If you want vortech control from the apex or apex lite you will need a WXM module.

 

[mx51]

Would the apex base unit be a good one to go with? And get the wxm module for my powerheads?

 

[cobra9]

yup