Apex system must haves

[ajhudson15]

In your opinion what are some of the must haves with buying the new apex. I will be buying the new apex come black Friday and I just want to see what everyone thinks is a must have on theirs. I see some people just go with the basic setup and plug it in and go and then some write their own codes and buy all the add-ons.

 

[Reeferdood]

You must have a power outlet and internet connection, other than that you pick what will benefit your setup. Every answer will vary and depending on the amount of automation you are looking for. I use my apex for almost everything possible since I travel an excessive amount.

 

[MaddyP]

You must have a power outlet and internet connection, other than that you pick what will benefit your setup. Every answer will vary and depending on the amount of automation you are looking for. I use my apex for almost everything possible since I travel an excessive amount.

I completely agree. You can get rather advanced with the modules available for the Apex. Deciding which modules you will need should wait until you decide which aspects of your tank you want to control/monitor.

For reference, here is a snapshot of my Fusion dashboard. My Apex controls everything on the tank, my water change system, and RODI system.

 

[jgvergo]

The nice thing about it is that you can add modules as time goes by. As @Reeferdood said, the powerbar is a key component and you can do a lot with it. As for optional components, my top recommendations are:

1. Leak detectors
2. IO breakout box with whatever sensors you decide - especially good if you are into DYI controls
3. PH Probe and module

Very nice to have if your budget allows:
4. Wav starter kit
5. DOS

Two items I have that I don't use are:
Autofeeder - I prefer to feed frozen food
Salinity - I never was able to get reliable readings. I use a refractometer.

I can't comment on other modules because I don't have them (yet).

 

[jgvergo]

I completely agree. You can get rather advanced with the modules available for the Apex. Deciding which modules you will need should wait until you decide which aspects of your tank you want to control/monitor.

For reference, here is a snapshot of my Fusion dashboard. My Apex controls everything on the tank, my water change system, and RODI system.

Wow, I thought I had a cool dashboard #FusionShamed

 

[Mark Gray]

I own 2 Apex systems one small one fairly large I like the ATK (auto top off) I like my Dos (dosing system) many people don't like the auto feeders but I have not had any problems out of them going on 2 years for one of them. So Auto feeder. I also have An ATK module controlling my Gyre to I like this Oh I also like my Cor pumps

 

[ca1ore]

The new full apex comes with a lot already - pH, salinity, ORP and obviously temperature. Beyond that it’s up to you. If you have vortech pumps, WXM is a no-brainer. FMM and it’s various sensor options are very good as well.

 

[jgvergo]

The new full apex comes with a lot already - pH, salinity, ORP and obviously temperature. Beyond that it’s up to you. If you have vortech pumps, WXM is a no-brainer. FMM and it’s various sensor options are very good as well.

WMX is also a no brainer if you have Radions.

 

[ca1ore]

I personally prefer ReefLink for Radion - WXM lacks some of the calibration features.

 

[jgvergo]

I personally prefer ReefLink for Radion - WXM lacks some of the calibration features.

What do you mean by calibration features?

 

[ca1ore]

You can calibrate each radion such that it ‘knows’ it which point the individual LEDs are on or off. Maybe not that big of a deal, but it smooths the dimming capabilities. But it’s enough for me to prefer the reeflink for radion.

 

[Js.Aqua.Project]

LDK (Leak Detection Kit)
ATK (Auto Top-off Kit)
AFS (Auto Feed System) - if you feed pellet

 

[MnFish1]

In your opinion what are some of the must haves with buying the new apex. I will be buying the new apex come black Friday and I just want to see what everyone thinks is a must have on theirs. I see some people just go with the basic setup and plug it in and go and then some write their own codes and buy all the add-ons.

A back up system..... And I would use the software (for example with radions/maxspect etc) that comes with those items rather than buying modules. Its cheaper - and frankly based on personal experience not worth the hassle. The monitoring capabilities are awesome on the apex. Beyond that - not so sure... JMHO.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Auto top off kit
Auto Feeder
Wav pumps

 

[gcrawford]

UPS for your apex main unit so you don't lose IP address during a power outage. Some have experienced the apex booting before cable modem/router, DHCP request is unanswered and the apex will not communicate with fusion. It will still boot up and control everything, just no IP address which will send alarms and you'll be running blind until the unit is rebooted. Programming a static IP address in both router and Apex is also a fix I believe.

-g

 

[dank reefer]

The ATK/FMM by far has been the best module I've added to the Apex. I knows theres been folks giving it bad reviews, but I've not had any issues with the device itself.

The Wav pumps can move some water, no joke. Just be prepared to adjust your sand bed every couple of days. If your BB, then get ready for some FLO.

My COR-20 has been running smoothly since I've gotten it, and it's super quiet. If you run a closed loop system, I'm pretty sure you wont be disappointed. I dont run a CLS, but with the option to control how much flow you want with the pump would make a compliment to a CLS.

The DOS is a pretty cool doser, and it's pretty much a no brainer if you have the apex.

The Apex itself is an awesome piece of hardware. Take it from a person that said he would never spend money on something like that, and well.... here I am now.

 

[Sleepydoc]

First, what do you want Apex to do? It can do a lot, but you should think about why you are getting it and how you want it to help you. Another question is how handy are you? Are you comfortable wiring switches and/or soldering, or do you want things pre-made.

Some general suggestions:

• A breakout box is necessary if you want to use any switch-type sensors (float switches, magnetic door sensors, etc.) Neptune makes one of course, but you can make your own or get a 3rd party one. I like the one from Avast.
• A FMM is a good investment for a leak detector.
• I would not recommend the ATK. Many people have had issues with the PMUP pumps and the Neptune optical sensors.
• The WAV pumps are nice, but kind of pricey. One big advantage is that they plug in to the 1Link outlet on the EB832, saving you an outlet or two. Depending on what you have, if it means buying an additional outlet bar it can be worth the investment.
• In planning your setup, remember that the EB832 has two, switchable 24V DC ports and 3 1link ports (combined 100W max.) You can use these for things like pumps, sump lights, fans, WAV pumps, Etc and save the 120v outlets. I have a FMM that gives me an additional 24V port, so I have a LED light strip for my sump lights, some 24V computer fans to cool the tank in the summer and an ATO Pump on these.

 

[Ferrell]

First purchase was the ATK or some form of TO. ATK works good as long as 1 you’re not putting kalk in Top of container. Sensors filmed weekly, float valve clogged continuously and pump need cleaning often as it would loose prime. Now that I’m dosing kalk and using fresh RODI, no issues at all.
Wants: WXM for controlling MP10s and hopefully eventually radions and a DOS in lies of the brs doser. Hopefully Santa will bring. Oh and outside Neptune gear a seneye par meter.

 

[dantimdad]

I would say the first thing you need is a pile of money.

 

[Emerson]

Man,...I have to say my Apex system is the whole reason I can have a reef tank anymore. I've totally bought in to the Neptune APEX and specifically the Fusion system. The buy-in is pricey, but the new 2014 Apex is the way to go, and doesn't need a whole lot just because it is a great monitor in itself for ph, temp, salinity, and to a lesser extent ORP. I also value the ability to monitor power outputs of different components (return pump and heater are the most important to me) and know if anything is out of sorts. One alert to tell you that your skimmer is flooding your living room, or a heater is malfunctioning pays for itself in my opinion.

I travel a lot with my work; if I wasn't able to just check in on my tank for basics, I would be constantly worrying. As far as the best stuff to have, I find that I really rely on the ADL (automatic leak detection) for peace of mind, and the DOS and AFS (autmatic feeder) to make my traveling that much easier while creating stability. Everything past that is just nice to have in my book. All this assumes that you already have some kind of ATO (I have a Tunze set up to automatically turn off at the power strip if a leak is detected).

Call me a fan boy, but I'd never have a tank that wasn't connected to Apex and Fusion again. They better not go out of business...