Yes they can work with no controller. There is a potentiometer knob that you can manually adjust, but it will only stay at that level. The description of the pumps should also contain its flow rates, like the 6105 being 792 to 3,434 GPH....the knob could adjust anywhere in that range.
The only thing needed to control them with the Apex, assuming you have the full Apex that has dimming ports built in or the VDM module, is the Apex to Tunze cable. It is an Ethernet cable that plugs into the Apex and allows connection and separate control of two Tunze pumps. You can DIY one to save a few bucks, but they are only $20 IIRC