Neptune Apex...do you need the display unit?

[Joel_155]

Hey All,
So I was curious about the neptune apex. I know all the packaged kits come with the display unit. Do you need this? I don't plan on using that to control my tank and plan on either using the droid app on my phone or my computer. So I looked at all the parts and I can save like $100 if I buy everything separate. My question is do you loose any functionality by not getting the display unit.

Here's what I looking at getting.

Apex base unit with temp probe 225
Energy Bar 8 Module 150
VDM Module 100
PH probe 45
AI to VDM Cable 18

Total $540

Any thoughts here? Am I over thinking this and should I just buy the full apex? Thanks for the help here.

 

[5pacey]

Hey All,
So I was curious about the neptune apex. I know all the packaged kits come with the display unit. Do you need this? I don't plan on using that to control my tank and plan on either using the droid app on my phone or my computer. So I looked at all the parts and I can save like $100 if I buy everything separate. My question is do you loose any functionality by not getting the display unit.

Here's what I looking at getting.

Apex base unit with temp probe 225
Energy Bar 8 Module 150
VDM Module 100
PH probe 45
AI to VDM Cable 18

Total $540

Any thoughts here? Am I over thinking this and should I just buy the full apex? Thanks for the help here.

There are definitely some things you can't do w/the Web app that you can w/the display unit. The number of those things has been decreasing w/newere versions of the firmware web app though. I don't remember off the top of my head the specific actions you can't perform w/out the display unit at the moment though. I almost never use the Display Unit other than looking at the parameters because it's always on. But... you could do the same thing via a Droid for example.... But... one think just occurred to me... how would you configure the Apex w/an IP you wanted w/out the display unit BEFORE you have access to it through your LAN ? Also, if something goes wrong and you can't access the Apex through your LAN it always helps to play w/it w/the Display module to make sure the controller is ok before checking other things.

I say get the Display module. Saves headache, comes in handy and serves as a quickie parameter display thingy. Oh, and also it plays audible alarms, which I don't think you will get over your network... I am not 100% sure on this one though - whether it's the display unit or the head unit that makes noises (alarms).

Spacey

 

[James77]

The Apexjr runs everything fine without a display unit, so I am sure that it is not required on the larger models. I have the junior and do not miss the display in the least, I rarely usd it anyway.

 

[symon_say]

Hey All,
So I was curious about the neptune apex. I know all the packaged kits come with the display unit. Do you need this? I don't plan on using that to control my tank and plan on either using the droid app on my phone or my computer. So I looked at all the parts and I can save like $100 if I buy everything separate. My question is do you loose any functionality by not getting the display unit.

Here's what I looking at getting.

Apex base unit with temp probe 225
Energy Bar 8 Module 150
VDM Module 100
PH probe 45
AI to VDM Cable 18

Total $540

Any thoughts here? Am I over thinking this and should I just buy the full apex? Thanks for the help here.

For $460 you can get the apex full that have everything you want including the screen that you can sell if you want.

 

[karsseboom]

You can't calibrate your ph probe without the display unit.

 

[James77]

The firmware released with the release of the Apexjr allows ph calibration from the web pages

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2099644

 

[karsseboom]

Oh I didn't hear about that.

 

[James77]

yeah I just searched it out too. I hadn't really thought about it, I assumed you could from the start, but that ability was released with the jr

 

[doctorgori]

Hey All,
So I was curious about the neptune apex. I know all the packaged kits come with the display unit. Do you need this? I don't plan on using that to control my tank and plan on either using the droid app on my phone or my computer. So I looked at all the parts and I can save like $100 if I buy everything separate. My question is do you loose any functionality by not getting the display unit.

Here's what I looking at getting.

Apex base unit with temp probe 225
Energy Bar 8 Module 150
VDM Module 100
PH probe 45
AI to VDM Cable 18

Total $540

Any thoughts here? Am I over thinking this and should I just buy the full apex? Thanks for the help here.

Hey Joel, the 1st question is who on Earth even has the stuff you are planning on buying? IME you will be waiting at least 7-21 days after you order/pay before the stuff even ships.... hope I'm wrong and you can clue me in so I can order witcha

...no to needing the display...I don't have one

 

[karsseboom]

Hey Joel, the 1st question is who on Earth even has the stuff you are planning on buying? IME you will be waiting at least 7-21 days after you order/pay before the stuff even ships.... hope I'm wrong and you can clue me in so I can order witcha

...no to needing the display...I don't have one

Umm? Maybe Neptune. Just call them up and place an order should be there in a few days.

 

[edward45]

I was gonna skip out on the screen and just get the base unit, but I'm sure glad I didn't. I really like the screen hanging on my stand. I always look at it when I'm passing by. And it looks cool hanging on your stand.

 

[kleankord]

I know this thread is old, but I found it in a google search and wanted to share my experience. I've been running the full apex - the display and it's a huge pain in the ***. Save yourself the trouble and get the display.

Here are issues I ran into:
- setting the network config on the unit for the first time is incredibly difficult. This is even more difficult if your router does not display the ip addresses that are connected to the unit.
- you'll need the ethernet cable always running to the unit unless you buy wireless
- the current situation I am in, I just moved and I can't find instructions on setting up my current router to give the static ip and set up port forwarding to the apex.

Right now, I am trying to find a place that sells just the display. Save yourself the headache, get the whole package. IME/IMO

 

[jdander2]

You can get the display from neptune direct:
http://www.neptunesys.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=62&category_id=17&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=26

 

[jdander2]

...and I have to add that having the display is very convenient. Sometimes when working on the tank it's nice to have. Even though I have the iPhone app, and can configure it on the computer, I appreciate the ability to control various outlets and see information directly there at the tank. Those odd times when my phone is dead/charging and I don't want to lug my laptop to the tank, it's very nice to have.

 

[BigBarnacles]

You don't necessarily need it...but it is nice to have. It has built in programming wizards for easy setup of your heater, skimmer, return pump, etc. I like ability to hit one button that automatically puts the system in feed mode (shuts down skimmer, powerheads, etc for specified amount of time during feedings). Also, it's a beautiful, blue backlit display of your temp, pH, outlets and what they're doing. Really glad I got the display.