Any other options then apex ?

Vinnyv87 · Sep 30, 2019

Are there any other options other then apex ? I don’t need any crazy graphs... I don’t need it run my lights or pump ..only looking for something to give me alerts on ph temp and salinity and maybe something else ....any info would be much appreciated

JCOLE · Sep 30, 2019

How much are looking to spend?

ccejka · Sep 30, 2019

Following

Silver14SS · Sep 30, 2019

GHL
EKoral
Reef Angel
Reef pi if you want a diy
Maybe vertex eventually

Vinnyv87 · Sep 30, 2019

h2oh2o said:
How much are looking to spend?

No more then $300

JCOLE · Sep 30, 2019

Vinnyv87 said:
No more then $300

I dont know at that price range. You can pick up wifi controllable outlets from Amazon but I know you said you weren't interested in lighting controls, etc. Honestly, I bought the Alex EL system for $499 and it was one of the best purchases to date. I have since expanded it completely with a bunch of add ons.

Vinnyv87 · Sep 30, 2019

h2oh2o said:
I dont know at that price range. You can pick up wifi controllable outlets from Amazon but I know you said you weren't interested in lighting controls, etc. Honestly, I bought the Alex EL system for $499 and it was one of the best purchases to date. I have since expanded it completely with a bunch of add ons.

Yeah I looked into that one but it only checks ph and temp by the time you end up buying all they add ons you spent over $800

Doctorgori · Sep 30, 2019

I got one of those smart power strips wherein you can control each outlet from the smartphone app

Vinnyv87 · Sep 30, 2019

Doctorgori said:
I got one of those smart power strips wherein you can control each outlet from the smartphone app

I just need something to test ph temp and salinity and give me the reads and alerts

rq786 · Sep 30, 2019

Following

User1 · Sep 30, 2019

Look at used as an option. Apex and GHL can usually be found.

Open source, Reef Angel, is a nice product if you have some basic understanding of code. There are some things that it still does a lot better than any offering from GHL and Apex. This is specific to custom libraries that are not possible in either of the more readily available Apex or GHL solutions.

As also noted a 'pi based solution may also be there but similar to the RA I noted above. So the only other thing I'd suggest is make a pro/con list and consider upgrade in the future. That may help you navigate through the price and options. Today is just that, today.

Tomorrow, well, is just that tomorrow and we both do not know what is in store for us. If it holds an upgrade then waiting and saving may help you save money down the road. Best of luck!

sharpimage · Sep 30, 2019

I dont even check my ph, I don't think most people do after awhile. And the salinity probes drift, I think.. I have an older apex. Does all I need to and more

vangvace · Sep 30, 2019

A used Apex classic, GHL Mini, or perhaps one of the new CoralVue controllers coming to market this year would meet your price point and needs.

ingchr1 · Sep 30, 2019

vangvace said:
A used Apex classic, GHL Mini, or perhaps one of the new CoralVue controllers coming to market this year would meet your price point and needs.

The GHL Mini doesn't have alerts. It has an audible alarm and you can log in remotely to it, but no alerts. A function the controller is really missing. Hoping it's something they can in the future.

Also no salinity, which the OP is looking for. Temperature and pH only.

vangvace · Oct 1, 2019

ingchr1 said:
The GHL Mini doesn't have alerts. It has an audible alarm and you can log in remotely to it, but no alerts. A function the controller is really missing. Hoping it's something they can in the future.

Also no salinity, which the OP is looking for. Temperature and pH only.

Oh... thank you for the correction.

Silver14SS · Oct 1, 2019

Vinnyv87 said:
No more then $300

I know it's outside of your budget, but maybe they'd work with you on the price?

Michigan - EKoral pro

EKoral pro for sale, used less than 6 months. Has everything included. Comes with 8 plug WiFi plug, 4 probes, ato and controller head unit.In great condition. $550 +shipping

www.reef2reef.com

Tamberav · Oct 1, 2019

Vinnyv87 said:
I just need something to test ph temp and salinity and give me the reads and alerts

A used Apex lite or classic should fit your budget and do all of that. You might need a module for the Lite to do both salinity and pH.. can't remember but I would look into those.

FYI salinity probes can be a PITA and plain wrong so I would do a little research on those to see if you really want it and if you have a place to put it away from everything else.

Zos4me · Oct 1, 2019

I said I didn't want all the bells and whistles and now have a full blown apex running everything lol. It is quite addictive

Retro Reefer · Oct 8, 2019

I picked up a used Reef Keeper Lite, all new probes, float switches, mounting brackets and calibration solutions for $200.. love it!

Daniel@R2R · Oct 8, 2019

While you're looking, be sure to check out the new one from CoralVue. It's intended to be a budget friendly controller. I believe it's called Hydros. @Jeff@CoralVue would be able to help with more info.