Different types and best fit

[Ninja1]

Hello people of Neptune!

I Was curious how one should decide on the right controller for their tank. I'm interested in the Apex Jr but curious if it's functionality is limited for my tank needs.

I know that you need additional equipment to control different things. I would like my controller to mainly work with the following:
Tunze ATO
2 DIY LED fixtures
PH and temp

I liked the apex jr Bc of the network capability and lack of a screen(don't need it). What do you guys think- should I go for a premium apex?

 

[theplatypus]

I'm having similar problems.

I want to use it to control MH and T5 lights, ATO, pH, and possibly control my Tunze Streams. In order to do this with an Apexjr I would have to add a PM1($75),Breakout Box($40), and a VDM($100). At that point I'm at $365 and there are only four outlets.

 

[coralrookie]

Personally, i like the screen. I like to be able to toggle the feed modes at the tank instead of running to the puter. It is also nice to be able to turnoff devices on the display instead of getting underneath the tank and unplugging. or gain going to puter. I guess i could always do it through the phone, but now you are depending on the connection being up.

 

[RussM]

There's no fast answer to this question.

The Apex Jr will be a great choice for those who want better aquarium automation than timers and power strips. There are 4 distinct advantages of a basic Apex Jr over the use of traditional timers (as I see it):

1. More powerful programming of times for on/off
2. wavemaker functionality for suitable powerheads
3. the ability to program actions based on temperature.
4. network connectivity for ease of programming, emailed alerts, monitoring, and remote control of outlet states

Yes, one can add PM1/PM2/PM3 and other Apex modules as desired as the system grows (up to a limit of 5 for the Jr). But, from a pure cost perspective, if you know you want more advanced capabilities (pH/ORP, Tunze Stream control, dimmable T5HO/VHO/LED lighting control, etc) now or expect to do so in the foreseeable future, it makes much more sense to me to just go for a more advanced model (Apex Lite or original full Apex) from the start.

The above is greatly simplified, but I think it hits the mark.

Platypus and Ninja... based on your own words, the Apex Jr is likely NOT the right controller for you. Ninja, in your case, I'm assuming that your DIY LEDs are/will be 0-10VDC dimmable.

coralrookie, you make a great point. The thing about the forthcoming firmware is the the display becomes optional. For you, a display is definitely desirable. For others, perhaps not a big deal. Personally, I'll keep the display.... it may be stored in a drawer somewhere, but I will have it readily available if needed. My iPhone is always with me, so that is my preferred method method of monitoring, feed control, and ad-hoc override control of automatic outlet states.

 

[Ninja1]

Thanks- looks like I'll have to dig up more info. I just wanted to keep things simple and the jr seemed nice and small. When everyone says 4 outlets on the jr- that makes me think they mean it as if you can't expand it. My tank isn't too big and that's why I liked the jr plus I've read the advanced model is if you have multiple tanks.

 

[RussM]

I've read the advanced model is if you have multiple tanks.

That is a great reason to use an advanced model, but is by no means the primary of only reason to do so.

For example, if your wants/needs are to monitor pH, ORP (or a 2nd pH probe), and use the Variable Speeds ports for dimmable lighting and/or Tunze controllable pumps, then the full Apex is most likely the way to go, because those capabilities are already embedded in the full Apex system's base unit.

I know it can be a confusing decision, especially with the Jr coming into the mix, because the current Apex family offers so many options and so much flexibility.

 

[Ninja1]

Thanks for putting up with me Russ- Im very new to all of the equipments. I just want to give it a shot with a Apex unit b/c I've heard the expanding options are so vast.

I don't need think Ill use a 2nd probe or the speed ports. I just want to do temperature, ph and 2 dimming fixtures. I don't need the monitor b/c I love the idea of using your phone or a computer- that is so efficient!! Do you think Ill be ok with the AC Jr?

Im guessing I will need the following to add to the Jr:
Ph Probe
Additional outlet strip b/c my DIY LED will take up 3 outlets
The unit that will allow diming

I looked up the Apex Lite but it just comes with all this stuff that Im not familiar with.

 

[aquamanic]

You can't run a pH probe on the Jr - you would have to buy the PM1 module to add that.

By the time you add the PM1 and the VDM for the variable voltage/speed ports you're probably going to be close to what the Apex would cost, especially since you need the EB8 anyway. And, on day 1 you'd be using 3 of your possible 5 expansion modules.

 

[Ninja1]

Thanks! I will look into the apex lite- I hope it will have network capabilities like the Jr (email/txt).

 

[RussM]

Thanks! I will look into the apex lite- I hope it will have network capabilities like the Jr (email/txt).

It does.