Why are people selling off thier controllers ???

[Curtis1]

Not really sure if it is just me,,, but I always watch the selling forums. It just seems to me that there are alot of people selling-off thier controller set-ups. Wether it's a RK or Apex ??? So,,, are they not really that great, not dependable or what ??? What are the problems with the Apex and Reef Keepers ???? I mean, really,,, if they were so great, why wouldn't you hang onto to them ?!>?! Thx, Curt

 

[d2mini]

Probably to buy a good one like GHL Profilux. The last controller you'll ever buy.

 

[rwb500]

only reason to sell an apex would be to buy a profilux or if you quit reefing. some of the reefkeepers on there are probably people who upgraded to apex.

 

[MikeTR]

Seems like most of the accessories for the apex get scooped up with a quickness. Try and find an EB8 that lasts more than a couple hours. I've gave up lookin and bought one.

 

[kurt_n]

Just a guess, since I'm a happy Apex owner...

Only thing I can think of is that people buy them not realizing that these are not plug-and-play devices. While you don't need to be a trained IT person, you *are* going to need to understand some basics about home networking if you want to use the advanced features of these things. Even though I'm a "computer person", I had much to learn about networking, port forwarding, firewall rules, etc. There are some great documents out there to walk you through all of this, but I think some folks just don't have the time/patience/desire and just throw in the towel.

 

[atreis]

The average time in the hobby seems to be quite low - there is often used equipment for sale that's still good, from reefers selling everything off after a couple years.

Some would also be upgrades: RK to Apex, older Neptune controller to Apex, Apex to Profilux...

 

[moondoggy4]

2nd kurt_n comment I have two advance controllers and I do not know how to operate them, not IT at all. My third controllers is being used because it is easy to figure out.

 

[Buzz1329]

Just a guess, since I'm a happy Apex owner...

Only thing I can think of is that people buy them not realizing that these are not plug-and-play devices. While you don't need to be a trained IT person, you *are* going to need to understand some basics about home networking if you want to use the advanced features of these things. Even though I'm a "computer person", I had much to learn about networking, port forwarding, firewall rules, etc. There are some great documents out there to walk you through all of this, but I think some folks just don't have the time/patience/desire and just throw in the towel.

Well that hits the nail on the head for me. I recently sold a Reef Angel controller on the sales forum because I lacked the time/patience/desire to set the thing up. The RA service was exceptional, and I can see from the posts on the RA forum that th4e overwhelming majority of users love it. But I still could not get it to do what I wanted. So I traded down to a basic Reefkeeper and could not be happier.

 

[KyleK46]

Just a guess, since I'm a happy Apex owner...

Only thing I can think of is that people buy them not realizing that these are not plug-and-play devices. While you don't need to be a trained IT person, you *are* going to need to understand some basics about home networking if you want to use the advanced features of these things. Even though I'm a "computer person", I had much to learn about networking, port forwarding, firewall rules, etc. There are some great documents out there to walk you through all of this, but I think some folks just don't have the time/patience/desire and just throw in the towel.

I think you hit the nail on the head!

 

[SeedlessOne]

I recently sold a Reef Angel controller on the sales forum

So I traded down to a basic Reefkeeper and could not be happier.

This blows my mind.

Sorry you had issues getting the RA setup. Surprised Roberto didnt personally write your code for you if you had that much trouble.

Sorry to derail. Goodluck!!

 

[Buzz1329]

This blows my mind.

Sorry you had issues getting the RA setup. Surprised Roberto didnt personally write your code for you if you had that much trouble.

Sorry to derail. Goodluck!!

Roberto is the best! He went above and beyond the call of duty as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Dapg8gt]

I agree that IMO was a big downgrade lol to a RK (no offense at all really).. I can see if you don't have patience to get over the first wave of your RA you probably will quit.. But now with the wizard the hardest thing is to set up the wifi and port forwarding if your just gonna do basic controller functions or as stated Roberto or the others will literally write your code for you..

I really think it's just turn over why people get rid of things so fast.. They see a tight reef tank and say "I want one" and don't realize it's actually work to have a nice tank. And dump a bunch of money and can't figure it out or just get horrible advice and think it's impossible and liquidate.. Myself I love that I just scored my next build that way over 4k for $400..

 

[greech]

While much of what is mentioned is true, I also think it has to do with the fact that most of the equipment we use now come with built in controllers. Lighting, powerheads and now even our return and skimmer pumps can all be controlled without a 3rd party device.

I am not saying those individual controllers take the place of a quality 3rd party controller but for those that don't want to take the time to program, these plug and play devices are going to be the preference.

For me personally, I just bought my 1st controller after 5+ years in the hobby. Managed to land a Apex Lite for $125! Granted I already know I have to buy a separate VDM for my lights but can't wait to see what this thing can do!

 

[edensvision]

I am the one everyone is thinking about. I am trying to get the supplies I need to build my 90 gallon saltwater reef tank. I am learning as I go and there is a slew of information overload. Thus I was advised recently to find out what type of tank do I want to build and what fish I would like to keep.

I would like to have a controller, one that I can control as much as I can in one place. I would also like to be able to hook up online if I am not home to check in on my tank. I have heard so many refer to the Apex as the best to have. At $369 that's a huge junk to spend, but I also believe the reasoning of security and thus I guess it's small potato's to some for the security it offers. So I would want that kind of security of course. I wish I knew where to find one for $125. I am not able to access the classifieds at this time, and I am not able to pm anyone either. So looking for one on reef central other than doing a search has been a challenge. Any advice in where to find one used at a fraction of the cost would be welcomed....

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

I am the one everyone is thinking about. I am trying to get the supplies I need to build my 90 gallon saltwater reef tank. I am learning as I go and there is a slew of information overload. Thus I was advised recently to find out what type of tank do I want to build and what fish I would like to keep.

I would like to have a controller, one that I can control as much as I can in one place. I would also like to be able to hook up online if I am not home to check in on my tank. I have heard so many refer to the Apex as the best to have. At $369 that's a huge junk to spend, but I also believe the reasoning of security and thus I guess it's small potato's to some for the security it offers. So I would want that kind of security of course. I wish I knew where to find one for $125. I am not able to access the classifieds at this time, and I am not able to pm anyone either. So looking for one on reef central other than doing a search has been a challenge. Any advice in where to find one used at a fraction of the cost would be welcomed....

$369 is peanuts. By the time you pay for a ranco dual stage and autotopoff your 1/3-1/2 the way there. Throw in control for dosing pumps or a calcium reactor and powerheads and you've already spent more than the Apex for 1/10th the functionality.

The only ones I see for sale are people getting out of the hobby. And they never last more than a day, people are lining up to get this stuff used, which should say more about their usefulness and dependability more than the fact that they are available for sale in the first place. I gave up on buying used because I was always beat to the punch and ordered a new setup (glad I did).

 

[jaynigz]

i paid 75 dollars for my apex jr, abit without a display through the selling section. It's hooked on my small tank. So get your post count up and start hunting it down!

I of course have a regular apex neptune so I was able to walk around it pretty easy without using the display. Not recommended for beginners though cuz port forwarding is a hassle lol

 

[jaynigz]

oh yeah, I bought an eb4 through the selling section for 70 dollars, so my entire controller for my small tank was 145 and I can control up to 8 things. It's a 34gallon nano zoas only so I'm not doing any thing crazy. It's nice to check on temperature and make sure it's alright. I'll invest in a pm1 later on to monitor pH when I'm dosing kalk. So yes, you can find a neptune apex for cheap. just got to keep looking.

 

[edensvision]

Thanks, unfortunately I can't access the selling section as I don't have enough posts, and then accrued a punishment while trying, though I have been a member since 2008. So I'm not sure what I have to do to ever reach that area, but maybe someday.....

 

[jimmy_beaner]

I have the full APEX and couldn't be happier with the functionality of what I can do. I can't imagine going back to less control.

 

[fltekdiver]

I just bought a Apex Lite for my first SW build, 120 Gallon reef tank. I hope I can program it and use it for all its features after reading all this!

I to, thought they were plug and play, with allitle programing , well see. It will be here Thursday !