Apex jr?
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whatchamacallit
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I have a Jr. Love it.
abecker
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I have one and have been very happy with it. I just got it about two weeks ago and so far the only module I have is the WXM. I like that I can monitor my heaters, and set up feed mode so it will turn off my return pump and skimmer, and reduce the flow of the vortech. Then after 10 minutes will turn the return pump back on and 20 min later turn the skimmer back on. It is great to monitor the tank on the go, and not have to worry about forgetting to turn something back on (I have left the skimmer off after feeding until the next time to feed). I'm going to be getting the AFS in the future to use when on vacation or visiting family. This way everything can be tied into the feed modes.
abecker
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It really comes down to what you want to automate. I would make a list of everything you want to automate and also a list of which items would need to be powered by the Apex. For instance, I knew I wanted to automate the radion lights and vortech pumps, but those don't need to be plugged in to the Apex's energy bar. I also don't need to monitor PH, so for my needs I was able to get the JR and the WXM and for $350 have everything up and running. Down the road I may need more and can always add more modules and energy bars as needed.
the jr you can have at max 4 modules IMO its not worth it. I would go with an Reefkeeper over an apex Jr. But you can buy the apex full directly from Neptune systems for the $550. https://www.neptunesystems.com/product/apex-aquacontroller-system-lab-grade-ph-probe/
abecker
Well-Known Member
After the latest firmware update the Jr can support 7 modules.
https://www.neptunesystems.com/firmware/
good to know.
OP
OP
crbise65
Community Member
Yea I've seen a couple videos on that one.. is that the controller you have?
I have one that I use on my 8g biocube. No complaints on it. And on my 150g Reef I have an apex full unit. And I love it. I wish the reefkeeper had a system like apex fusion. But for your price range the reefkeeper lite might be a better value for you.
Sabellafella
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Dude i said the same thing i started with a jr then i bought the regular now , i dont measure orp so i bought the apex with dos nd down the line i got conductivity hookeup
Sabellafella
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Trust me ull find a way litterally wit the breakout box u can wire anytthing you want into it, but the jr is good also basically its between monitoring ph and having the 8 bar thats it for an extra 250
The jr out of the box can only have 4 controllable outputs and a temp probe. everything else you have to buy modules to add. and a maximum of 7 add on modules
the apex full out of box has 8 controllable ports, ph probe, ph probe port ,ph/orp probe port, temp probe, breakout box port, 2 VDM ports, and a maximum of like 255 modules.
Guys I posted this response in the other thread but will do so here as well.
I will only chime in here to make a general point about internet connected controllers. For less than $250 a product from my company or a couple of others can do the most important thing to protect you from the most common reason people get out of this hobby - they lose a tank due to overheating due to a stuck on heater or due to environmental control failure (usually HVAC). No other "bits or bobs" can do this.
What they do is
1. Provide a second tier of control for your heater(s) and/or chiller in case they stick on. This can happen to both. (Even electronic thermostat heaters can and do stick, and it is not uncommon for children/grandchildren to play with chiller thermostat controls)
2. They alert you via email and text if your tank is out of temperature range and then even take measures to fix the issue by turning off equipment or turning on fans or air stones, etc.
Another misconception is that these things only happen when you are away for long periods of time. I only wish this were true. A night out for dinner and a movie is about all the time it takes to take most tanks from 78 to 84 degrees.
Yet another misconception is that these devices are only necessary for large tanks. The opposite is actually true as changes happen faster the smaller the tank.
And the last misconception is that they cost a ton of money. $240 gets you four controlled outlets, temperature monitoring and control, and internet connected monitoring and email and text alerts. And, with our product, the Apex Jr you also,get a great cloud service.
Add up the cost of mechanical timers and the more expensive electronic heaters instead of the less expensive ones and see how little extra you would pay to swap it out for a basic monitoring and control system.
I will only chime in here to make a general point about internet connected controllers. For less than $250 a product from my company or a couple of others can do the most important thing to protect you from the most common reason people get out of this hobby - they lose a tank due to overheating due to a stuck on heater or due to environmental control failure (usually HVAC). No other "bits or bobs" can do this.
What they do is
1. Provide a second tier of control for your heater(s) and/or chiller in case they stick on. This can happen to both. (Even electronic thermostat heaters can and do stick, and it is not uncommon for children/grandchildren to play with chiller thermostat controls)
2. They alert you via email and text if your tank is out of temperature range and then even take measures to fix the issue by turning off equipment or turning on fans or air stones, etc.
Another misconception is that these things only happen when you are away for long periods of time. I only wish this were true. A night out for dinner and a movie is about all the time it takes to take most tanks from 78 to 84 degrees.
Yet another misconception is that these devices are only necessary for large tanks. The opposite is actually true as changes happen faster the smaller the tank.
And the last misconception is that they cost a ton of money. $240 gets you four controlled outlets, temperature monitoring and control, and internet connected monitoring and email and text alerts. And, with our product, the Apex Jr you also,get a great cloud service.
Add up the cost of mechanical timers and the more expensive electronic heaters instead of the less expensive ones and see how little extra you would pay to swap it out for a basic monitoring and control system.
