Apex with PH Probe VS. Apex Jr.

ReefMadScientist · Apr 13, 2015

Hello R2R.

I have a few observational questions for you guys that hopefully can be answered. So I am looking to get a brain for my tank. The Apex with PH Probe goes for around $525 and the Apex JR is $240.

I know the Apex with PH Probe can observe pH swings, temp, lights, even fans as the JR. mostly just focuses on temps. and lighting. I have the new MP40QD's and I do not mind adjusting the modes manually. As for the pH, I never cared to try to chase the number so monitoring this is not ideal for my situation. I two part dose and have had zero problems.

So with this, I think the JR is perfect for me. I can adjust my lighting and control my temperature. Are my analysis of both systems pretty spot on?

ReefMadScientist · Apr 13, 2015

So it appears I can just use a outlet timer instead of a flashy Apex. I just need something to turn the light on/off. I don't need to monitor PH, salinity, feeding modules, leak modules, and all that stuff. Kind of confused on why these are "needed".

Bow · Apr 13, 2015

A controller of any kind is not always "needed", but they can be very helpful and save you a lot of money if something goes wrong. With a controller if your heater sticks on it can kill power to that outlet. Temp still going up it can turn on fans. Hot day out and the fans aren't cutting it it can shut off the lights. All the while you are getting text and email alerts that your tank parameters are out of whack. You can make them as simple or complex as needed. Do you need it, no. But some people love them and think of them as an insurance policy. 5-700$ of controller gear compared to thousands in coral and countless time can be wrecked pretty quickly. I like just being able to see my salinity, temp, and ph readings as I walk by the tank

ReefMadScientist · Apr 13, 2015

Bow said:
A controller of any kind is not always "needed", but they can be very helpful and save you a lot of money if something goes wrong. With a controller if your heater sticks on it can kill power to that outlet. Temp still going up it can turn on fans. Hot day out and the fans aren't cutting it it can shut off the lights. All the while you are getting text and email alerts that your tank parameters are out of whack. You can make them as simple or complex as needed. Do you need it, no. But some people love them and think of them as an insurance policy. 5-700$ of controller gear compared to thousands in coral and countless time can be wrecked pretty quickly. I like just being able to see my salinity, temp, and ph readings as I walk by the tank

Ok thanks. I can see the safety side of it but lets discuss salinity.

So just to monitor salinity, you need a probe which is $125, then a module which is $85, then lets say Apex Jr (for less money) is $240. So just to monitor salinity it is $450?

I am no cheapo by any means but I guess I think this is quite expensive just to monitor salinity. I have been reefing for years and never had an issue with salinity. Again, I am not cheap - but are my figures correct? Sure, what if your ATO goes haywire and dumps a ton of RO in there. I do not add enough RO in the tank res. to throw off my salinity by more than 4 points if thats the case.

Bow · Apr 13, 2015

You are pretty much right. The other side of it is if the controller fails some people do t remember how to do things manually. There are tons of pros and cons, just have to figure out what works best for you

ReefMadScientist · Apr 13, 2015

Thanks a lot man. Sorry for sounding a bit pessimistic. I appreciate you helping.

Bow · Apr 13, 2015

Better to think about it for a while then buying and regretting

ReefMadScientist · Apr 14, 2015

Amazing how you get 1 person to respond to this question. So many scrubs discussing ich, and how to feed fish. Just close thread. Useless.

glb · Apr 14, 2015

Might be good to be more grateful for your one responder. Bow gave you some good input. If you get upset at other people for not responding they're more likely to avoid your questions later. I've been on here for a while and patience goes a long way. Just my 0.02.

evolved · Apr 14, 2015

glb said:
Might be good to be more grateful for your one responder. Bow gave you some good input. If you get upset at other people for not responding they're more likely to avoid your questions later. I've been on here for a while and patience goes a long way. Just my 0.02.

+1

And it also doesn't help when your tone indicates you've already made up your mind.

hybridazn · Apr 14, 2015

And calling ppl scrubs, that'll get ppl involved too....

Daniel@R2R · Apr 14, 2015

Love my controller, and I've honestly never heard of anyone who had one that felt it was a poor investment afterward (not saying no one has...just that I've never heard it). Bow has given some good answers, and you're right that they're not "essential" pieces of equipment. I'd say they're definitely a luxury in the hobby, but I'll never run a tank without one again if I can help it.