APEX for BioCube

[jml1149]

I watched the BRS ULM video and Ryan was talking about setting maintenance alarms based on power consumption of pumps. That hit home with me because one of my Six Sigma Black Belt projects was setting up tool change alarms based on amperage draw.

I use the FMM modules to monitor flow through my carbon/gfo reactors. As the reactor media ages, it gunks up and slows flow down, which is my indication to change it.

 

[FartyParty]

I had a 12 gallon JBJ AIO cube for many years and I consider my Apex Jr and PM2 module critical for its SPS success. I wouldnt think of putting sensitive corals in a tank under 30 gallons without a controller/monitor since small amounts of evaporation or temp changes can swing parameters so quickly.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Classic is a little large but then allows continued use should you go to a larger system.
Benefits??........... Automation. monitoring and temp/ph readings full time at minimum. It is also expandable for dosing, salinity monitoring, auto feed and more.

 

[Hiker64]

So Saturday based on everyone's suggestions I went out and bought the 2016 Apex.

So far not a good experience. The PH probe refused to calibrate both in automatic and manual. I also activated ph2, plugged it into the orp/ph port and exactly the same thing.

I open a ticket and 6 hours later got a reply asking if I had removed the clear cap. Responded that I had. Another 6 hours later I got a reply asking if I was sure I had plugged it into the correct port. Again I responded that I had. Over 6 hours and now waiting on I'm sure will be another basic reply.

I've read other users talking about how great Neptunes support is. Maybe I have a different definition of great.

Just a little frustrated now

 

[Hiker64]

So Saturday based on everyone's suggestions I went out and bought the 2016 Apex.

So far not a good experience. The PH probe refused to calibrate both in automatic and manual. I also activated ph2, plugged it into the orp/ph port and exactly the same thing.

I open a ticket and 6 hours later got a reply asking if I had removed the clear cap. Responded that I had. Another 6 hours later I got a reply asking if I was sure I had plugged it into the correct port. Again I responded that I had. Over 6 hours and now waiting on I'm sure will be another basic reply.

I've read other users talking about how great Neptunes support is. Maybe I have a different definition of great.

Just a little frustrated now

Also the salinity probe was calibrated as directed, now in my tank it's reading over 40. My calibrated refractometer is reading 34. I'm trying to eliminate electrical interference before opening another ticket. Regret the $800 purchase already

 

[vetteguy53081]

Ask for live support. They will come onto your computer and fix it for you via fusion

 

[Hiker64]

Ask for live support. They will come onto your computer and fix it for you via fusion

I did ask after the 6 hours delay, was told it would be minimum 24 hours. Just expected better from the so-called market leader. I'm truly not one to complain in a public forum, however this was a fairly significant purchase and for it not to work straight out of the box is a disappointment

 

[vetteguy53081]

I did ask after the 6 hours delay, was told it would be minimum 24 hours. Just expected better from the so-called market leader. I'm truly not one to complain in a public forum, however this was a fairly significant purchase and for it not to work straight out of the box is a disappointment

I had similar frustration with the classic. Their live support was worth the wait.

 

[Hiker64]

I had similar frustration with the classic. Their live support was worth the wait.

Let's hope so. Based on their latest email it's most likely the base unit but they will have to local connect. Of course if it's the base unit will be at least two weeks to get it back. And my understanding I'll receive a refurbished unit to replace. If so, not happy at all. Spend $800 on a new unit that never worked and end up with a refurb.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Let's hope so. Based on their latest email it's most likely the base unit but they will have to local connect. Of course if it's the base unit will be at least two weeks to get it back. And my understanding I'll receive a refurbished unit to replace. If so, not happy at all. Spend $800 on a new unit that never worked and end up with a refurb.

I would have a HUGE issue with a refurb after the cost of $800 which I also paid for the new Apex

 

[Brew12]

Let's hope so. Based on their latest email it's most likely the base unit but they will have to local connect. Of course if it's the base unit will be at least two weeks to get it back. And my understanding I'll receive a refurbished unit to replace. If so, not happy at all. Spend $800 on a new unit that never worked and end up with a refurb.

Wow.. I'm sorry to hear about your problems.

I would probably return it before I accepted a refurb. If it were a warranty repair 6 months from now? Maybe. But brand new out of the box? Hopefully that isn't correct.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Wow.. I'm sorry to hear about your problems.

I would probably return it before I accepted a refurb. If it were a warranty repair 6 months from now? Maybe. But brand new out of the box? Hopefully that isn't correct.

I agree. If I wanted a refurb - I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT A REFURB. Give them that chance to correct though.

 

[Flexin]

Take it back and start new if that’s what you want.

I wish I saw this thread earlier. I have a bio cube 32 and a cornerflow tank with a sump. I started with the bio cube. The less amount of equipment you have the less you take advantage of and Apex. On a new tank, it’s not helpful to chase parameters and within the first six months that is what you will do (in general). Sometimes all that info is not a good thing. If you wanted to keep the biocue simple, which you can and grow sps, you can and I do. I connected an Apex to my 65. As mentioned the more equipment you have the more the Apex or a similar controller becomes useful. If you have an Apex and are out of town but don’t have anyone in a position to do anything at the house while away, well, having the notification does not matter in that instance. Eventually I connected the Apex to both tanks for feeding and maintanence. If you keep it simple you will not take advantage of it with the exception of notifications and simple stuff. If you decide to go bigger with more equipment (I don’t always think bigger is an upgrade like some think) you can use it down the road.

In regards to the probe not working, if it was dry when you got it, it can be damaged. Sometimes the cap leaks, there should be water in it to keep it moist.

 

[Hiker64]

Latest update. Got another email response to my reply to them almost exactly 5 hours later.

After I explained that I had disabled the orp probe , enabled ph2 and got exactly the same result on that BNC. They're now saying maybe it is the probe, but it's doubtful because they don't go bad. ???

Have a remote session set up for 11 hours from now, we'll see. I'll continue to update this thread

 

[Flexin]

Latest update. Got another email response to my reply to them almost exactly 5 hours later.

After I explained that I had disabled the orp probe , enabled ph2 and got exactly the same result on that BNC. They're now saying maybe it is the probe, but it's doubtful because they don't go bad. ???

Have a remote session set up for 11 hours from now, we'll see. I'll continue to update this thread

The probes do fail. I mentioned above that if they dry out this can affect their performance. When you received the probe if it did not have liquid in the cap when you took it off that can cause a problem.

 

[gcrawford]

As I suggested, used classic versions are available on reef central for around $300. I’d send that one back and get a known usable unit.

 

[Water Dog]

Also, to be sure our bases are covered, you did float the calibration fluid packets in your tank water for 10 minutes to make sure the calibration process of your probes are temperature compensated, right?

 

[Hiker64]

Also, to be sure our bases are covered, you did float the calibration fluid packets in your tank water for 10 minutes to make sure the calibration process of your probes are temperature compensated, right?

Correct

 

[tupes]

I'm going to follow along.

So sorry to see you're having a bad experience. I have a 75 gallon. I have the apex classic. I was one of the folks that was able to get a smoking deal on a bnib unit. The apex is the last thing is regret buying even if I would have paid full price. Going with the version you bought there is much more options than what you would need for a bio cube.

I'm sure everything will work itself out and you enjoy using your new gadget.

Let' start here.

"Taking cost out of the equation, what benefits would an APEX bring to the table?being able to monitor your system whole you are away.. if heater gets stuck on heat gets to 79° lights and heater go off until you get home or get a fish friend to go check it for you.. I understand that I can have good safety when it comes to the heater. Answered in last question. Also from my research there would be no benefit to the Steve's LED. I know nothing about Steve's led Not sure on the if the PP-4 works with the 3rd party Jaebo module. Not 100% but do believe it does. Apex can set for stronger current during the day and softer at night while fish and corals rest. I also tend to think and plan very long term. As I move along in this hobby I would expect the controller to grow along. This is a great reason that you purchased the one you did.

My questions include is the Apex more than just a $549 heater controller? " Absolutely. Check out YouTube, Neptunes forum, the controller forum here or on any other forum. Just search APEX

I hope this helps in some way. I would in no way accept a refurbished unit. Send back the one you have and get a new one. Do not regret buying it.

 

[tupes]

Also you mention being a sort of tech junkie, so am I I'm adding a couple of things to my apex on my build just because. I have the fire tablet and I can use my phone to control everything but just wanted to do some things different because that's what it's designed to do. Don't want to say what it is just yet, just things to make other task simpler.