Great info guys !
Damon, is was fun and informative call last night. (Just wish I didn't have to watch a chick flic with my wife) ! lol,.....
Having my Maxspect Razors hooked up to the Apex would be great, but they do have a on board selection
of preset lighting period, and a manual control, so it's not a deal breaker.
I have both a desktop computer and a Android based Tablet to use. (no cell phones)
As you'll see, what I want to control is about everything that most reefers do as well.
Why have a Apex, but use various other equipment products (like powerheads) that do have
their own controllers, but why not just use the Apex ?
Example, I was looking into the Tunze 6096 controller and at least 2 6095 powerheads.
That controller is computer ready to control the powerheads, but why buy a $100 (+)
controller, when the Apex can do the same, unless the Tunze is better for controlling
the Tunze powerheads ?
I was ready to buy a new controllable heater, but again, why buy one since the Apex
can control it ?
I'll try to list what products I have, and will buy in the future. Sure I'll miss some but,....
Skimmer
Powerheads
ATO
Probes
PH
ORP
Reactors
Heaters
Pumps
Salinity
Feeding (cycle)
etc......
So, now onto which model ?
Although the full Gold system has more options and may end up someday wishing
I had bought it, the cost is the problem. If my wife found out how much,
she'd kick my old *** ! :moony:
I do like the idea of having the display, so if I'm not on the
computer, I can walk buy and see how everything is doing,
or if my computer is down/dead !
Buying used electronics scares me, but I won't say no.
So, should we settle on the Jr. like Damon has ?
(Damon, still on for a chat tonight) ?
If any of you reefer bro's see a great deal, please let me know ! :wink:
Kevin
It was indeed fun for me also. And hey, gotta spend time with our better halfs. Just one of those things as you know..
Lol, it's a tough call honestly(from after speaking with you) to recommend anything to anyone. I had very bad experiences recommending in the past. I simply give my experience and then, ultimately, deep down, most of us honestly know what we already want to do. Lol. We really just need a bit of confirmation in some instances. And yes, I am up for another chat! For sure!
The thing really, that, for me, made me go with the junior was knowing I don't want a ton of modules. My use of modules is very, very limited. I, while, a fairly busy person, enjoy the hands on of creating and building my own. Then, I feel like I truly understand something. I'm all for spending money, but now, I do it in balance and need(like we discussed with the vortechs).
Like yourself, I'm not too keen on used electronics. That's just me, because I've seen how people "don't" take care of things. And I'm off the mindset, that if I wanted something bad enough, I will just save. That way, I know it's exact history. But honestly, that's just me(some people call it elitist, but I think it's just being careful and controlled).
Ultimately, it pretty much boils down to modules. The only limit the junior has are the number of modules you can add "in the end". If, like me, you don't plan on adding over, or feel like inside, I like 4 or 5 modules, then the junior. But the thing that I thought about with you especially like me, you mentioned the little lady. Lol, that is a massive factor that cannot be overlooked.. I always have a plan of attack, and with women, I have found, with their logic, it's tremendously easier to buy something big, after they see the benefit. My girlfriend now (since she is the one that purchased my junior), probably, honestly wouldn't hesitate or blink at me buying things and dropping money on the tank. Lol, that's because she knows that I'm going to investigate to the extreme, and I'm only going to buy what I truly feel that I need. Add to that, she knows me, and she knows that sooner or later, I'm going to get what I want, so I might add well spend it up front.
I am saying all this to say, know your need and your inner self. Lol.. Your going to be happy with either to be honest. But, all things must be weighed in. I just have no need for a full blown one. Modules are my guide. I know, off the bat that I have over 10 things I want to control, so, immediately, I know I need another eb8( And that's either system as the regular system yes, comes with an eb8,but that's it), so immediately add another 160.00. Then, I know I wanted pH and the bob. Ok, with the junior, I have to buy a module, so that's another 120.00.. But, in the end at this point, I have 12 outlets, pH, the connection for the bob, and I'm only at 500.00. If I were to buy even the base apex, add the eb8, I'm looking at a minimum of 680.00. But each has its benefits to be fair.
In the latter(full apex), you'd have 16 outlets. And you have no module limit.
But, if I had 680.00 to spend, I would just buy another eb8, the bob and have 20 outlets avaliable(I think the price would be right in there, maybe 20.00 more) on my Jr. Lol, but again, that's me with my system and need.
And add to that, I'm not dropping almost a grand at once, so the little lady will never, ever raise an eyebrow.. ****..
It all depends on the number of modules. Lol, and for the heater, like we talked, with an apex, dude, titanium.. No thought, just punch in the numbers, and that's it. Oh, and I forgot to mention (in case you haven't read it yet) guest and others access(my girlfriend has viewing, when I had my old system, a buddy gave me modify and I set his vortechs up with my program for him).. Lol, it almost never ends with this thing.
Flip side is though, either one, you can't go wrong honestly. You really can't at all, as the systems are pretty darn solid as far as performance to be honest..
