which APEX do I need?

[All Seas]

Hey guys,

Looking at getting a controller for my new 90 gallon mixed reef. My setup will include a protein skimmer, return pump, heater, single MP40, and dual Apollo led fixtures and a fuge.

I am torn between the Apex lite and Jr. I know the heater, skimmer, and return pump will have to be plugged into the energy bar for control, but does the vortech need power from the Apex? or just the WXM?

Same goes for the Apollo LED lights. Do they need to be plugged into the APEX outlets, or do they just plug into the VDM?

Thanks!

 

[raybyrne67]

I would go with the Apex lite. If nothing else but for the energy bar and control capabilities. The ability to monitor and control your tank from anywhere you have wireless phone service is awesome. I don't think you need to have your lights or vortech plugged into the power bar to control from the VDM.

 

[All Seas]

I would go with the Apex lite. If nothing else but for the energy bar and control capabilities. The ability to monitor and control your tank from anywhere you have wireless phone service is awesome. I don't think you need to have your lights or vortech plugged into the power bar to control from the VDM.

the JR has those capabilities as well

 

[raybyrne67]

I miss stated, you can also control the Apex jr. with your wireless phone. I would still go with at least the Apex lite. If you want the WDM module you will need to get it seperately or go with the standard Apex package.

 

[All Seas]

I miss stated, you can also control the Apex jr. with your wireless phone. I would still go with at least the Apex lite. If you want the WDM module you will need to get it seperately or go with the standard Apex package.

I believe you need the wxm for every model APEX. The standard APEX has vdm built in

 

[Mark Bianco]

To control any Echotech wireless products you need to have the WXM and the lights you mentioned are they controllable with a 0 -10vdc signal, if yes the you need the VDM and no you do not need to plug any of these into an outlet on the Apex.

That stated lest look at a few things The Jr. has only four outlets and only has the capability of adding 5 modules you are going to use 2 right off the bat with the VDM and the WXM

The lite version you can add up to 240 modules, but has no VDM ports.

The full apex has everything (minus the WXM) you want and by the time you add the VDM to the Lite you come out the same.

IMHO As people progress in this hobby you always want to control and monitor more and more. My system although more compliciated is controlled by the Apex, but I have dosers, Ato, saltwater mixing station, RODI station, pumps, presure pumps, Automatic water changes, CO2 reactor and of course all of the standard equiptment.

In other words buy bigger then what you need now. This hobby is an addiction and most people either get out or keep upgrading.

Mark