Apex or Apex Jr

USMA36 · Feb 24, 2017

I'm looking at getting a controller. I can't decide between the Apex jr now or the full apex in a few months. I'd like it primarily to control heaters and for leak detection. Return pump control tied into the leak detectors would be next along with an ATO. I'd like the return pump to shut off if a leak sensor is tripped from the tank. The power heads I bought came with their own controller as did the lights, but if there's room I'd put them on the jr too. Is it best to wait and save the money or do what I can now? I see the apex junior can have 7 modules does that mean 7 devices? Or just the modules i.e. One leak detector module can have 4 leak sensors do those 4 sensors count against the 7? If I got the full Apex Would I also need to buy all the modules or are some included? I understand the probes are included.

hyde7278 · Feb 24, 2017

Modals are not included in the classic. I would hold off for the classic and keep an eye out in the for sale tread. I got mine for $325 for the classic. Once you get one you will want to add more and more things and the JR will limit you and also only having 4 outlets is limiting.

azbigjohn · Feb 24, 2017

The latest Jr. Firmware update expanded to 8 add-ons, that should be plenty for what you want to do.

That being said, I have run an Apex Jr for almost 4 years, and wish I had bought the full Apex. With the Jr, you need modules to do the ATO, another module to do the leak detection, and if you decide to control lights, that requires another module... at about $80 each. Each of those functions can be done on the Classic without add-ons. Also, with the Jr, you only have 4 outlets, and adding an EB8 takes away yet another add-on spot. Finally, you can only monitor temperature with a Jr. Having the pH monitor of the classic would be great...

If I was to do it again, I would probably grab the new version, but if not, definitely the classic. I love my Jr, it does what I need, but I would love some more bells and whistles..

Bradley Crocker · Feb 24, 2017

I think the Jr is more than capable of handling all but the most hardcore automated systems, but the classic is by far a better bargain. Just adding the ph, salinity and now an EB8, I'm into mine more $ than if I would have just bought the full version.

For me, it's more about the outlets than the number of modules. Even though your power heads have their own controller, you'll still want them to be plugged into the apex for feed modes. Your return pump for the same, as well as making the apex capable of shutting it off with your leak detection module. Add a heater and a skimmer and you're out of power, with your ato, lights and whatever else you have laying around (ie. dosing pumps, chiller, etc.) still uncontrolled.

If I had the money up front, I'd get the classic. If it's more affordable to shell out smaller amounts over an extended period, then the Jr. Get the EB8 as soon as you can though, you'll need it.

BTW, hyde7278 and azbigjohn are both correct. It's 8 modules counting the display. It used to be only 5.

Bradley Crocker · Feb 24, 2017

And it's 7 modules, not probes or devices. 8 if you use a pc or tablet for the display. You can connect up to 4 leak detection probes into each ald module.

millertyler22 · Mar 4, 2017

So 7 modules plus the display even on the older versions of the jr

Bradley Crocker · Mar 4, 2017

You'd probably have to look it up based on your serial number, but Neptune changed it through a firmware update not too long ago.

azbigjohn · Mar 4, 2017

millertyler22 said:
So 7 modules plus the display even on the older versions of the jr

Yes, it is the firmware that matters in the number of expansion points, not the hardware. I have a 5 year-old Jr, and I have the extra expansion capability once I uploaded the new firmware.

millertyler22 · Mar 5, 2017

Ah ok cause I was looking at an older jr and wasn't sure thanks

fabutahoun · Mar 5, 2017

+ for the new Apex, I got the Classic before the new one was released and I am thinking to switch.

ps2cho · Mar 5, 2017

To be honest after having Apex Classic for 2 years, I added a Junior to my frag tank. Having control of all the outlets is nice, but I found that it ends up getting over the top. For instance, you can accomplish many of the same tasks by using one of those DJ toggle switch outlets.

IE: Fact is you don't need any powerheads on the Apex etc...Unless your dosing Kalk, pH is nice, but its just more to worry about that does not provide any progression for the tank. My ATO does not need a controlled outlet. Unless you have a series of float switches, return pump does not need to be on outlet (it can be on DJ toggle switch). Skimmer can be on toggle switch...etc...

Keep it simple! If you run out of outlets, just grab an 8-outlet addon. What more is needed? I don't really see a benefit other than the "cool" factor.

All I have hooked up to my Apex Jr:
Heater
Temp-controlled fan
Dosing pumps

alten78 · Mar 5, 2017

ps2cho said:
To be honest after having Apex Classic for 2 years, I added a Junior to my frag tank. Having control of all the outlets is nice, but I found that it ends up getting over the top. For instance, you can accomplish many of the same tasks by using one of those DJ toggle switch outlets.

IE: Fact is you don't need any powerheads on the Apex etc...Unless your dosing Kalk, pH is nice, but its just more to worry about that does not provide any progression for the tank. My ATO does not need a controlled outlet. Unless you have a series of float switches, return pump does not need to be on outlet (it can be on DJ toggle switch). Skimmer can be on toggle switch...etc...

Keep it simple! If you run out of outlets, just grab an 8-outlet addon. What more is needed? I don't really see a benefit other than the "cool" factor.

All I have hooked up to my Apex Jr:
Heater
Temp-controlled fan
Dosing pumps

This is almost exactly how I've used my Jr. for the past 4 years. At the time, I just couldn't swing the cash for the full unit even though in the long run it would cost me more to keep adding on and even that is limited. For awhile I just used it for controlling lights and heaters.

I use a DJ toggle switch to power both power heads, top off, bubble magus, wireless network ap, and EB8 - things that dont need to be controlled. The Jr. controls 3xT5 and fan, then the EB8 runs the return, skimmer (set to turn off if return is set off and then delayed by 5 minutes when return comes back on), two heaters, GAC, and that still leaves me 3 open outlets.

PM1 for PH and amp monitoring, EB8, and the display which leaves 4 further modules that can be added. With all of that said, I'm pretty much already at the price of the full unit but i added the EB8 and PM1 over time.

USMA36 · Mar 5, 2017

In reality I really only need it for heaters, leak detection and maybe pump control for feeding. I'm sure I will eventually use it for dosing as well.