EB832 vs EB8

Devaji · Nov 24, 2018

so I find my self in the mist up an unsuspected upgrade. and will more than likelt need more plugs.

I have the 2016 apex to be honest I have not done much with but that's about to change.

I think I will be maxed out on outlets on the EB832 and was thinking of getting another one while the sale is going on.

the question is Eb832 0r save some $$ and go with the classic EB8 or really save and get a power strip for the things I cant control with the apex like skimmer/RT pump and 2 lights that's 4 outlets right there.

Reefpuck · Nov 24, 2018

Well I just added an EB8 as a 2nd power strip to my EB832...to save some money. With all the things you can do with the Apex...I'm not sure I'd just add another powerstrip. But that's pretty much up to you.

Devaji · Nov 24, 2018

Reefpuck said:
Well I just added an EB8 as a 2nd power strip to my EB832...to save some money. With all the things you can do with the Apex...I'm not sure I'd just add another powerstrip. But that's pretty much up to you.

I know right...but with the advantages of the EB832 is it worth getting an EB8?? if money was no issue I would totally get a 2nd 832 for sure..just trying to be wise here and stretch my funds as far as possible but get what I need.

DarkTang · Nov 25, 2018

Is the old eb8 compatible with the new apex?

scuzy · Nov 25, 2018

Eb8 is compatible. The eb832 is better as it allows for extra accessories in the built in 24v and also socket level power monitor.

ddrueckh · Nov 25, 2018

I use my old EB8’s with my new Apex.

DarkTang · Nov 25, 2018

scuzy said:
Eb8 is compatible. The eb832 is better as it allows for extra accessories in the built in 24v and also socket level power monitor.

If I just need to plug pumps and lights for my upstairs tank then old eb8 would be fine right? Sorry for thread hijack lol

Devaji · Nov 25, 2018

DarkTang said:
If I just need to plug pumps and lights for my upstairs tank then old eb8 would be fine right? Sorry for thread hijack lol

yes classic Eb8 works with new wifi apex and yeah if you need just to control the outlets that work work and save some money.
that where I am at myself trying to figure out if the extra $100 or so is worth it?? heck a wifi power strip could work to..

DarkTang · Nov 25, 2018

Devaji said:
yes classic Eb8 works with new wifi apex and yeah if you need just to control the outlets that work work and save some money.
that where I am at myself trying to figure out if the extra $100 or so is worth it?? heck a wifi power strip could work to..

Is the new eb8 wireless or do you still need a wire to connect to new apex

Devaji · Nov 25, 2018

scuzy said:
Eb8 is compatible. The eb832 is better as it allows for extra accessories in the built in 24v and also socket level power monitor.

how useful is the power monitoring on things like lights and skimmers? I know it can tell you when/if the pumps goes out.

Devaji · Nov 25, 2018

DarkTang said:
Is the new eb8 wireless or do you still need a wire to connect to new apex

I believe you still need the cable but then again I am pretty new to the apex world...maybe someone with a bit more experience will chime in.

Chad_P · Nov 25, 2018

Devaji said:
I believe you still need the cable but then again I am pretty new to the apex world...maybe someone with a bit more experience will chime in.

I just did this, bought a used EB8 to connect to my EB832. You need the apex usb cable to connect between the two.

DarkTang · Nov 25, 2018

Is it just a regular usb cable or what type of cable is it

Chad_P · Nov 25, 2018

DarkTang said:
Is it just a regular usb cable or what type of cable is it

I used an apex cable I had laying around. Not sure if it’s bunk but I thought you had to be careful using a normal ubs cable? Maybe someone else can chime in. But it can be done.

ca1ore · Nov 25, 2018

I think having one EB832 is useful, but after that in the vast majority of implementations EB8 will suffice. They connect into the apex system in exactly the same way - a USB cable. Power monitoring is nice, but how many devices do you need it for? The aux outlets can be useful, but how many do you really need?

Devaji · Nov 25, 2018

ca1ore said:
I think having one EB832 is useful, but after that in the vast majority of implementations EB8 will suffice. They connect into the apex system in exactly the same way - a USB cable. Power monitoring is nice, but how many devices do you need it for? The aux outlets can be useful, but how many do you really need?

I know that is what I am thinking. after getting the new tank, RT pump, lights, and other goodies I am starting to feel it. haha
just not sure how much I will really use the futures of the 832. but then again one never knows...

Bayareareefer18 · Nov 25, 2018

Chad_P said:
I used an apex cable I had laying around. Not sure if it’s bunk but I thought you had to be careful using a normal ubs cable? Maybe someone else can chime in. But it can be done.

From what I understand a standard USB will fry your apex. The aquabus is their proprietary version of a USB cable

ca1ore · Nov 25, 2018

Any non powered/boosted USB cable will work as long as you are connecting aquabus modules to aquabus modules. What you CANNOT do is connect an aquabus module to a regular computer USB outlet. That will fry the apex.

Devaji · Nov 25, 2018

what about a wifi power strips? anyone using that? I know it's not apex compatible and can see thinks like energy usage set alarms and as cool but you have some control for things you really dont mess with to often.

to be honest I am not the wifi will even reach into the stand....guess I better figure that one out. might need a extender.