Apex3… which to purchase?

[grr410]

So I am looking into purchasing an APEX.

Is it really worth it to spend the extra $400 on the pro?
If money wasn’t an issue would you purchase the pro or standard?
What else would you purchase with the system or just purchase the system and know I can add on things later?
What’s with the new module to link Ecotech and APEX?

This is a brand new tank and I am literally in the cycling process as we speak. I had a tank years ago and recently gotten back in the hobby.

Tank: Red Sea 200xl
Return Pump: Vectra S2
Pump: MP10qd
Lights: Radion XR15 gen 5
Skimmer: Nyos Quantum 120

Thanks for your help!!!

 

[nuxx Verified Sponsor]

Have extra never hurt...

My system had the old school APEX, just added as I needed, never had an issue.

 

[grr410]

Have extra never hurt...

My system had the old school APEX, just added as I needed, never had an issue.

Thank you!

 

[areefer01]

So I am looking into purchasing an APEX.

Is it really worth it to spend the extra $400 on the pro?
If money wasn’t an issue would you purchase the pro or standard?
What else would you purchase with the system or just purchase the system and know I can add on things later?
What’s with the new module to link Ecotech and APEX?

This is a brand new tank and I am literally in the cycling process as we speak. I had a tank years ago and recently gotten back in the hobby.

Tank: Red Sea 200xl
Return Pump: Vectra S2
Pump: MP10qd
Lights: Radion XR15 gen 5
Skimmer: Nyos Quantum 120

Thanks for your help!!!

First - a controller isn't necessary. I would personally not recommend getting one with a new system or new hobbyist until you are about a year in or so. Why? It forces the hobbyist to do some manual testing and learn how their system matures over time. Visually. Daily. Assessment. Observe. Become one.

BRS has a buyer guide I believe, link below, that you probably already saw. It doesn't matter what I would buy but rather what "YOUR" requirements and goals as the display matures. Only you know that. Money is sort of a moot point as it is a hobby. We can save a penny here or there by not buying a venti latte or named coral.

Oh the module you are talking about is for Ecotech and Aqua Illuminations I believe and it is called the XMX module. I do not remember what it stands for though - sorry.

One more thing. I do own, and use, an Apex. I've been a Neptune customer since 1999 / 2000 when they used X10 relay modules for on/off functionality. I use it to dose TM AFR (DOS), automated testing (trident), and a few other odd tasks. I also use both Kessil and Sicce equipment that uses Neptunes IOTA layer to communication. It is a huge quality of life improvement.

Which A3 Apex Is Right for You? A Buyer’s Guide to Neptune Systems A3 Apex Aquarium Controllers

Find out which model of the popular A3 Apex Aquarium Controller from Neptune Systems is the right fit for your aquarium.

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[grr410]

First - a controller isn't necessary. I would personally not recommend getting one with a new system or new hobbyist until you are about a year in or so. Why? It forces the hobbyist to do some manual testing and learn how their system matures over time. Visually. Daily. Assessment. Observe. Become one.

BRS has a buyer guide I believe, link below, that you probably already saw. It doesn't matter what I would buy but rather what "YOUR" requirements and goals as the display matures. Only you know that. Money is sort of a moot point as it is a hobby. We can save a penny here or there by not buying a venti latte or named coral.

Oh the module you are talking about is for Ecotech and Aqua Illuminations I believe and it is called the XMX module. I do not remember what it stands for though - sorry.

One more thing. I do own, and use, an Apex. I've been a Neptune customer since 1999 / 2000 when they used X10 relay modules for on/off functionality. I use it to dose TM AFR (DOS), automated testing (trident), and a few other odd tasks. I also use both Kessil and Sicce equipment that uses Neptunes IOTA layer to communication. It is a huge quality of life improvement.

Which A3 Apex Is Right for You? A Buyer’s Guide to Neptune Systems A3 Apex Aquarium Controllers

Find out which model of the popular A3 Apex Aquarium Controller from Neptune Systems is the right fit for your aquarium.

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Greatly appreciate your feedback and I understand where you are coming from and thank you for honest feedback. Unfortunately, like many of us I love shiny new toys and the apex was something I looked at on my old system. Maybe I will just slow down for a little and learn how to do things the manual way and then move into the APEX. Again, thank you for your response!

 

[areefer01]

Greatly appreciate your feedback and I understand where you are coming from and thank you for honest feedback. Unfortunately, like many of us I love shiny new toys and the apex was something I looked at on my old system. Maybe I will just slow down for a little and learn how to do things the manual way and then move into the APEX. Again, thank you for your response!

Shiny is fine - I totally get it. If nothing else look at the BRS or equivalent comparison chart to maybe help answer some questions on what one has over the other. I went with the Apex package about 4 years back. Then added the DOS, Trident, and a couple Cor return pumps. I also use the LLS sensors (2 actually 15" and 23"). Oh, and ATO and SKYs.

My point is start making a list of what you would like to do. Regardless of controller. See if the vendor has it. Then see what is supported as a base feature. That way you buy once. It would be applicable to other controllers as well.

Hope your evening is going well. And hope this makes sense

 

[bushdoc]

So I am looking into purchasing an APEX.

Is it really worth it to spend the extra $400 on the pro?
If money wasn’t an issue would you purchase the pro or standard?
What else would you purchase with the system or just purchase the system and know I can add on things later?
What’s with the new module to link Ecotech and APEX?

This is a brand new tank and I am literally in the cycling process as we speak. I had a tank years ago and recently gotten back in the hobby.

Tank: Red Sea 200xl
Return Pump: Vectra S2
Pump: MP10qd
Lights: Radion XR15 gen 5
Skimmer: Nyos Quantum 120

Thanks for your help!!!

I have Apex A2 And A1 Junior. When I bought my first model, I wanted to control everything with it, but now only control Temp and use it mostly as a monitor , not controller. My Hydras are controlled by Ai proprietary app, MP 40s by Mobius, Red Sea Doser by own program.
I was using DOS unit for AWC, but I could only do it at night as it was very noisy, but then I had a leak once or twice due to tubing connection issues and eventually gave up.
I would still recommend Apex, but if mine brakes down, I will buy another Junior.