Neptune Controller Demise?

[Alaska]

It seems that Neptune Apex controllers are in decline. Is this true? I have been out of the hobby for a while and need to catch up on the current trends with equipment. I have a Neptune Apex Pro system that I have not installed yet. I'm looking for a compatible wavemaker to replace my old Tunze Turbelle (20 years old). It seems that the concept of APEX COMPATIBLE wave pumps is not readily available. The Apex WAV is not currently in production. Let alone the MXM wireless configurations offered prior.

In getting up to speed on the situation with the reef-keeping industry, I understand that Current USA is currently in decline as well. Current I am told it suffered from tariffs and sold out to Saltwateraquariums. While still offered, it seems to be in limbo at the time, offering limited options. This is a shame, as I really liked Current USA as a whole.

Should I shy away from Neptune Systems, as it seems in decline?

If Neptune is a viable product, any information on a wavemaker system that is compatable with Neptune would be appreciated. Especially the Neptune MXM wireless wave controller options.

TIA!

 

[griss]

I just recently upgraded and my 40 worked great with my Apex for several years. I did not use it for wavemaker though as I had Jebaos. I never looked into wave control with the Apex but, overall I was happy with the system. That said, like you’re noticing, there doesn’t seem to be much compatibility with non-Apex components.

For my upgrade, a friend was getting out of the hobby and I bought his Hydros. So, on the 150 I don’t currently have the Hydros controlling anything other than the Wave Engine powering two OctoPulse powerheads. Seems the Hydros had a bit more compatibility than Apex.

 

[griss]

I’m not using the other Hydros components yet. I’m still working on the upgrade and building a controller board for the Hydros.

 

[Reefing102]

Apex is still around but they’ve been bought out/combined to be a brand sold Aperture Pet Products, part of the Bertram Capital private equity firm.

With that said, because they want to be “exclusive”, Neptune has been isolating compatability to brands within the Aperture umbrella. Mainly the only pumps I can think of, besides the Wav, is Vortech MPs but you would need the MXM module. I think you may have confused the MXM with the old WXM.

Hydros is the biggest “up and comer” and from what I understand has great cross compatibility as long as it can be controlled with a 0-10v or general on/off functions. There was a user on here who had his hydros very well detailed. Started with an N but I can’t think of it off the top of my head.

The other controllers in the hobby are GHL (which appear to be GHL exclusive) and ReefPi which is a DIY controller.

Hope this helps!