Apex On the fence is it worth it

[Yates273]

So I know there are many people who run their tanks without an Apex. I currently have a 40 gallon mixed reef tank and having been mulling the idea of getting the Apex EL. I like that I can monitor tank from anywhere with Fusion. I am not that computer savvy but it does appear to be somewhat user friendly. (I hope). Is it worth it to get one for such a small tank. I don’t travel much. Also is there anything else I would need to purchase aside from the EL. probe holders longer network cables and etc. I know many people have posted similar threads but I am curious to everyone’s thoughts. I have been doing extensive research into this and a little input from you guys/girls will go a long way. Thanks!!

 

[mike550]

Hi Jason, I've been going back and forth on this myself. So here are my thoughts on this.

First, whether it's an APEX or GHL, I really view these as "nice to have" but not "must have" items. Either one can definitely make your life easier. I've been at this for just about a year and over time have added equipment without thinking that I'd go to an Apex or GHL platform. So all of my equipment will need adapters of some sort if I want full functionality (powerheads, pumps) and other items I'll leave as standalone (lighting), and other places I'll add sensors but leave the equipment alone (ATO standalone but with water sensors). So it's helpful to figure out what you want to do, and then plan out how you'll integrate what you have.

Second, it seems like Apex is an easier starting point, but I'll admit that I'm leaning GHL. My sense is that GHL is better built, and the controller systems seems a bit easier to accommodate what I want. As for programming, I think Apex is easier but there seems to be a lot of help on the GHL side as well.

I'm also following Hydros controllers to see if that is an option.

Good luck

 

[BighohoReef]

In my opinion, it's worth it out of the box. Realize though that you have to put work into the programming to get the most our of custom features. Out of the box though you'll have PH, temp monitoring, a swath of preprogrammed function and on/off for all switches, and monitoring/alerting. It might seem minimal out of the gate but you can do a lot with the programming. As an example, I have mine programmed for feeding schedules to turn off all the wavemakers, return, skimmer. I like having the capability of being able to monitor and control the electronics of my tank remotely. Yes, you'll pay more but it's the peace of mind.

In addition, they have other modules that you can add to the system to give you more monitoring and functionality.

 

[paul01609]

I love my Neptune apex sorry buy not has ghl as of yet

 

[DudeBoy]

I'm new to saltwater and have an Apex. I use it more for the programming of turning items off and on but I do LOVE the automatic top off module as well as the automatic feeding module for the few times I'm not at home on a weekend. I also like that I can run an inkbird through it and have redundancy for the heaters (temperature is the #1 failure mode for tanks).

It was pricey but I do like the security that comes with it. I also added my local fish store owner/friend to my aquarium and he can peek at it when I have issues to give me advice.

If you can afford it, I'd recommend it not so much for the reasons you know of now, but for the future add-ons that you can integrate into it. I love the 1-stop shop solution.

 

[Shawn_epicurious]

I was asking the same exact questions recently. Should I or shouldn’t I? I heard a lot of “well made arguments” for not putting everything in your system in the hands of a single controller. They are good arguments!

Yeah, I bought in. I have the Neptune and the Trident now and I have to tell you, I am quite happy with it as a monitoring system. I am working my way towards having an SPS dominant tank. From the moment I turned it on it started showing me where my weaknesses were. It does more than just tell you where you are at... it shows trends for how stable those things are. And you will instantly be able to see where real adjustments are needed. It might take a while to get everything fully calibrated : (

My tank is 200 gallons. It is already easier for me to stay stable than it is with only 40 gallons of water. A small drop of something in your tank would create changes that I would barely notice in mine. The smaller the tank, the harder it is to maintain stability. It is an expensive choice.... I am happy I bought it!

 

[Biglew11]

only you can decide if it's worth it to you. some people might think its too much to spend on for a small tank. still others might love how easy it makes tasks, such as feed modes. me i like the controle it gives me and the ability to monitor things remotely. once you get one you likely won't regret it.

 

[PR_nano]

I bought an used classic, which is another option. I only have a 20 gallons and consider it well worth it. Look at your goals since there a few version out there and some have limited functionalities.

 

[Yates273]

Wow thanks for all the fast replies. Keep em coming. I love all the input

 

[sixline]

I just bought an ApexEL and like it so far.

It's nice to have access to temp and pH data over time. You can easily set alarms -for example receive a text when temperature rises above 85 degrees. You can also have it control heaters and fans depending on temperature.

I was considering the regular Apex, which adds a salinity probe and an ORP probe, but decided against it. I've heard lots of complaints about the salinity probe, and I also figured I could add them later if I really want them.

The ApexEL also has modules for ATO and leak detection that I am considering, but more modules = more $$$ of course.

IMO main benefits of the ApexEL:

- Historic temp and ph data
- Baselines of the above (for example, if you notice Ph behaving differently, you can coordinate with other changes you made and determine the cause)
- Automatic Control of outlets based on temperature, ph, time, etc.
- Alarms
- Remote control from your phone

 

[((FORDTECH))]

I own 3 different apex and can not imagine being In This hobby without a controller. I am as we speak 600miles away from home For 5 more days and can monitor my tank from where I’m at. If anything goes wrong or any peramiters goes outside my pre set points I will get text message alarm right away and can call my dad who lives 5 blocks from my house To go there to correct any issue I have. Everyone systems are different to me what’s spending 1000 on controller when I have well over 20,000$ of corals in my system. I will tell you I’m still nervous to leave but this gives me some peace of mind at least

 

[((FORDTECH))]

IMO don’t bother with the EL just get the best one for 2-300$ more and be happy with it if you change your mind in future about salt and orp and whatever by the time you buy the pm modules and probes to convert it will cost you more then just buying full apex. And then you will also have a separate module you will need to find room for to mount

 

[GabeM]

I got the apex during COVID19 because the tank is in the office and I was not seeing it every day. I had a timer failure that kept my BRS doser on and spilled 1L of calcium and alkalinity in the tank and I did not find out until 3 days later.

I could have lost everything. I have a few thousand dollars worth of coral in this tank and even though it is just a 50 gallon it is cheaper than the tank crashing. That being daid the apex is only as smart as you make it. You have to make it work for you.

Things that have worked well:

• Trident
• Camera integration
• pH and temp monitoring
• Power monitoring
• ATO
• Leak detectors
• Alarms via push notifications and texts.

The only thing I have an issue with is the salinity probe which you don't have to worry about on the EL.

 

[LOVEROCK]

buy the classic if you dont plan to use the trident , cheaper .

 

[((FORDTECH))]

buy the classic if you dont plan to use the trident , cheaper .

But how do You know in the future if you won’t want to use trident? Then you are screwed and have to buy new apex. Don’t make sense to me

 

[billwill]

Do you have automated lighting, HVAC, etc in your home with a Ring doorbell? Depends on how much of a tech geek you are. I stopped using a single point controller on my tank when one night my controller went on the fritz. That's a bad spot to be in, when nothing works because one thing went bad. I've got several separate controllers; temp controller, PH controller on my calcium reactor, ATO sensor/controller.

 

[WIReefer]

I have the full model apex and am really glad I bought it you can always do the beginner programming which is super easy and setup it simple! I have a 55 gallon tank with a 30 gallon sump I ran the tank without it for a while but I’m glad I bought it now. Love the control ability

 

[User1]

No, an apex on the fence isn't worth it. An apex on the aquarium though, that is another story Teasing aside if you are on the purchase fence for a controller, regardless of brand, then just make list of what you would like it to do and start there. It should help make the decision easier. A lot easier.

I'm not going to get into brands because I'm biased (own a neptune apex and have owned neptune products since 2000) but they can be helpful. I've used Neptunes original product with x-10 relays, I use an Apex now, and I've used, and still use, a Reef Angel. I've used them on a 100 gallon, 29 gallon bio cube, 40 breeder, and now a 210 gallon display. They work on all.

Custom lighting. Geo locations. Alternating pumps. Flow patterns. Feed mode. List goes on. One of the best features, in my opinion (don't get me started on this due to another thread), is the reach back / heart beat monitor. If the portal pings your controller, and it doesn't respond, you get a message. Could mean a plane hit your house, earthquake, Godzilla walked through your neighborhood, Mother Nature threw a temper tantrum, act of God, power outage, circuit tripped, fire, or anything else in between. Portal send a ping, controller acks back, no response, you get notified. What you do know is up to you. You know is all and that is important depending on what your next procedures are.

Everything else after that is secondary in my opinion. But yes, it can be beneficial on your tank regardless of size. However, list out what you would do first, then what you may grow into, then factor in if you will upgrade, and base your purchase on that. Maybe a simple wifi stripe or smartplug will work. maybe not. But start with your requirement list and go.

Oh - don't let entry price fool you. Sometimes cheaper isn't always best because the base unit may include something you may have to buy later to expand.

 

[Yates273]

Do you hook up a protein skimmer or aftermarket ATO UP to an Apex or you need Neptune specific. Trying to figure out what I would plug into the Eb832. I use Ai primes but have those through AI. I have a ato and heater controller also. Is there anything else I need to make those work through the Apex.

 

[Biglew11]

If you already have an ato non apex I'd keep it, unless you want apex controll of it. skimmer plugs into the eb832 and you can set timers and feed modes to turn its outlet on or off.