Apex On the fence is it worth it

[Hair Algae Wizard]

I've been very happy with mine. I have an Apex, along with 2 sets of DDOS dosers and a Trident. All have worked well so far, and the one time I had an issue with my Trident, their support was absolutely awesome to work with. The only issue I have, is the salinity probe is pretty much useless after a few days, otherwise I've been happy.

 

[chipmunkofdoom2]

Is it worth it to get one for such a small tank.

Size of the tank should not be the reason you decide to get a controller. I work part time at the National Aquarium, and in my gallery the largest display is 3,600 gallons. The next is 1,800 gallons followed by 900 gallons. The only things that are automated on any of these systems are temperature control and lighting (simple on/off timers). Everything else is manual and there is no monitoring or automated alerts. Water changes are manual and topoffs are manual. Salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and all the parameters we frequently test/monitored for in reef tanks are all done manually. My gallery is not unusual either. On our coral growout system, the only things automated are lights and temperature (and the calcium reactor, if you count that).

You also don't need a controller to be successful. Jason Fox doesn't run any controllers or automation on his grow out systems. This hobby would look very differently if we only purchased equipment that we "need." A lot of the stuff we buy just because we think it's cool or we like tinkering/gear/gadgets. If you want an Apex, that's what makes it worth it.

 

[Yates273]

Can I use a breakout box on the El version of the Apex or do I need another module?

 

[Lithoman]

get it, you wont be disappointed..

Now their ATO... garbage..

 

[Biglew11]

Can I use a breakout box on the El version of the Apex or do I need another module?

Yes breakout box works on apex el

 

[Amado]

I have a apex and to tell you the truth it is old technology. It was cool 4 yrs ago but now it’s getting lame.
You have a lot of competitors and you have some new controllers. I would wait to look at the coralvue hydros.
Having wireless power strips if a big plus.
Apex is still running aquabus cable from 2010.

HYDROS Control 4 (Controller Only)

Use for saltwater aquariums, freshwater tanks, or even pond applications, this powerful controller is capable of performing all essential functions needed to maintain a healthy aquarium without the need for extra expensive modules. Experience Total Control on October 31, 2020

www.coralvue.com

 

[b1llvance]

I have an apex and am considering switching to a reefpi setup. It probably takes more work upfront although you can now buy complete setups through guys at a very reasonable price. The biggest problem with the apex for me is every add on seems to cost me $300. I can buy the whole reefpi system for that and its an open source community so great new things come out all the ti.e and it may cost as little as $10 to implement something new. You are however on the bleeding edge of development so that part can have some growing pains.

 

[ChadmRoman]

best investment to help automate the aquarium. Makes life easy and gives a piece of mind to know if something goes wrong while away. Just remember if/when you buy one and start programming, virtual outlets are your friend. Neptune's forum is also a great place to get ideas, and their help is very responsive, at least in my experience. Cheers...

 

[PhilT]

As one person said, you can start with an old classic and see how you like it. No trident support but unless you are heavy SPS person and need to watch closely all the parameters not really needed.
you can also save a few bucks and do an eb8 vs eb832. Again check the selling forum. Basically you canT monitor individual outlets for power usage but you can still turn them each on/off. You also don’t get the 1link ports for stuff like dos, wav, cor15. But you can add the module if you need it later.
I bought the EL special BRS edition. Just the brain with no energy bar, then I got a used eb8. Then I got an open box eb832 from BRS, a used classic and put that on my other tank With the eb8.

 

[Crabby48]

Started my first tank with apex. During the first year apex saved my tank a few times. Getting alerts and redundancy along with monitoring is priceless. Guess it boils don’t to the money invested and the lives in the tank. When away from my tank and something goes wrong I can usually pinpoint it and make a decision on what needs to be done. I would never have a tank with out it except maybe a small nano.

 

[Woodmanreef]

I had been toying over the idea of having one so I finally got the apex El and I love having it mine is running on a 65 gal mix reef I had also got a eBay breakout box for it and some cheap float switches they are awesome yes the programming is a little tough at first trying to figure out the correct wording. I had loved it so much I picked up a used apex Jr for $50 a pm2 module and another brake out box and used a WiFi extender ( has to be plugged into the router to be connected to the internet) and set that up on my gf 34 gal tank it made her life easier to.

 

[Woodmanreef]

Can I use a breakout box on the El version of the Apex or do I need another module?

yes a break out box works directly on the apex El

 

[Yates273]

I have been looking at breakout boxes I’m a little confused. what is their purpose and what do you guys use them for?

 

[Yates273]

Well it’s been settled I ordered the Apex El from Marine Depot. Can’t wait! Everyone here has been so helpful.

 

[Scurvy]

I generally tell folks if they’re even remotely interested in a controller to take the plunge out of the gate. You can spend $300 on power strips, heater controllers, timers etc even if you dont buy an Apex. I know I did when I first started.

Had I bought the Apex from the start Id have had that stuff covered and not essentially re-bought it all later when I did finally grab the Apex.

My .2 cents is a controllers is worth it whichever manufacturer you choose. I ran one on my biocube for a couple years too. Tank size shouldn't impact your decision IMO.

 

[((FORDTECH))]

Well it’s been settled I ordered the Apex El from Marine Depot. Can’t wait! Everyone here has been so helpful.

Nooooo why an el

 

[((FORDTECH))]

I for see a future thread of I should have gotten the full version. Now I have to buy a second apex....

 

[PhilT]

Unless you need everything provided By the full version, You can alway just buy the modules you need.

 

[Reef man 89]

I was going back in forth about buying and apex for 3 years. I finally picked one up on Black Friday and wish I bought it earlier. I picked up the full apex. I also picked up the WXM,PMK and trident. You will not regret it.

 

[Biglew11]

I have been looking at breakout boxes I’m a little confused. what is their purpose and what do you guys use them for?

A break out box can be used for just about anything you can think up. It allows the Apex to sense weather switches, or float switches are open or closed,

I have two read switches on my cabinet doors to turn on light when open.

I have a float switch in my skimmer container to shut off skimmer when full.

I have a float in my tanks overflow chamber, if the drain gets plugged it shuts off the return pump so the tank doesn't flow over the rim.