Do I need an APEX?

[Punchanello]

Eg of 2 and 3?


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The VDM module for example. Why would the Kessil A160 be "Apex Ready", while the Maxspect Gyre requires a VDM module, when they both have simple 0-10v interfaces?

Another slightly different example is the Tunze Stream pumps. You need to buy a VDM module to interface with the Apex whereas the GHL Profilux 4 can do it with a $10 cable. Most other standard 0-10v hardware plugs straight in to the profilux without any additional cost. Why do you need a "lunar module" when clearly this is a programming function (if you have a decent set of lights) that can be set by the user on other products software interface. Then there's a separate module for each probe, flow monitoring etc etc. Again, not a necessary additional cost with other products out there

Anyway, I'm not saying the APEX isn't any good. It obviously has strengths other controllers don't.

 

[vhuang168]

You don't need the vdm module. The Apex base units have 2 vdm ports built in already.


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[vhuang168]

You also don't need the lunar module. If you have lights that can do it, why would you need the module?

The 2016 Apex comes with pH, Salinity, ORP and temp probes. What other probes do you need?

What other controller has built in flow monitoring with out buying something extra?


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[xCry0x]

Manually do what though? Use a test kit to check your pH and a refractometer to check your SG? To turn you lights on and off? Unless you are an advanced user of the Apex, it is mainly going to handle easy, repetitive tasks.

My controls my lights, heaters, and Alk/Cal dosers. The probs just replace other visual checks, just without the work to get to the checks.

I'm curious what you feel you would not learn by using an Apex early on?

- Lights: https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Timer-Programmable-Lights-Outlets/dp/B0026PZQHY --- $20

- Heater/Chiller(fans): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...d641-5120-953a-29aca76841bb&pf_rd_i=306533011 --- $15 for the module maybe $30 total for the DIY.

So at that point I am basically spending $550 for a wifi enabled PH monitor and doser?... I don't even own a PH test kit.

I test alk/ca every month, when algae starts growing I replace my GFO.

I might not have a tank of the month candidate by any stretch of the imagination but suggesting you need expensive controllers to get going in the hobby is a giant exaggeration.

I would -love- an automated alk/ca test, but to that extent I would only want to pay about $100 for the convenience of not having to manually test. But I am a cheap *** and also don't usually spend more than $20 on coral frags either =P

If I had a tank full of designer frags that I spent $400 for a 1" stub then yes, I would probably also spend money on every possible insurance policy I could get =)

 

[Etoimos]

but suggesting you need expensive controllers to get going in the hobby is a giant exaggeration.

And I never suggested that. I simply asked what a person would miss out on learning wise if they used a controller and listed out the basic chores of reef keeping that the Apex eliminates for me.

Can those things be done for less money, you bet. But the Apex can do a hell of a lot more than those things when you are ready for it.

 

[Scurvy Dawg]

I like to keep it simple, I wanted a controller to control my heater, a convenient way to shut things down for maintenance, and a way to control my algae reactor. Bought a Reefkeeper lite basic for $120 and it works great for what I want to control. Apex is nice, but frankly I don't really need all that info and control-ability and the price point is not to my liking. In my opinion it's highly over-priced, but then again, what isn't in this hobby?.

 

[Etoimos]

In my opinion it's highly over-priced, but then again, what isn't in this hobby?.

I agree with it being over priced... but I like cool things for my hobbies :uhoh3:

 

[Scurvy Dawg]

I agree with it being over priced... but I like cool things for my hobbies :uhoh3:

I hear ya. I am a sucker for any and all gadgets. If my wife knew how much I paid for that Harmony TV remote she's holding right now, she'd kill me!

 

[Etoimos]

I hear ya. I am a sucker for any and all gadgets. If my wife knew how much I paid for that Harmony TV remote she's holding right now, she'd kill me!

Lol, holding one of those right now as well.

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[hkgar]

And I never suggested that. I simply asked what a person would miss out on learning wise if they used a controller and listed out the basic chores of reef keeping that the Apex eliminates for me.

Can those things be done for less money, you bet. But the Apex can do a hell of a lot more than those things when you are ready for it.

And, my Apex never forgets to dose the carbon, top off the tank, do the continuous water change or turn the lights on/off at the prescribed times. Of course I have been known to turn an outlet from "auto" to "off" and forget to turn it back to "auto".

It also shuts down the RO pump when the storage tank is filled and shuts down the auto water change when that storage is empty.

 

[Sk8r]

Reef. Never used a controller. I do a lot of its work via kalk supply in my ATO reservoir, having an AutoTopOff, running simple weekly tests for alk-cal-mg, a marked line in my sump (salinity control) and lights that have an internal timer.

 

[aaronpentz]

Controllers aren't for everybody.

I for one won't run a tank without one. But that's all because I travel for work and the wife isn't so thrilled about the "helping out while I'm traveling" side of things. So anytime i can automate things and notify me of any issues I will.

If I can be home everyday to visually check things over then I wouldn't have spent the money but not having to ask her to follow the skimmer cord in the bundle of wires has paid for itself multiple times over

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[hkgar]

Yes, a lot of wires! I am using 3 EB8's with my Apex.

 

[UTCReefer]

Need one? no. I got by on timers for dosing CA and ALK and even used timers for my ATO for years. However, if you ever travel for more than a day or two, like on vacation then an APEX is indispensable. You can monitor and control everything from your smartphone when you are out of town. Add a simple webcam and you are worry free. I wouldn't go without one. I have the 1st gen apex and if it ever dies then I will replace it with another one without hesitation. It gives you soo many safety nets from monitoring PH, Temps and float switches and is completely customizable to be able to do anything you can dream up.

 

[naimasreef]

sounds like a great window into the reef . . . what other brands are considered top performers in this category?

 

[dorry54]

to sum it up .......no one needs an apex, but its a great tool when setup correctly