Great news update from Neptune!

[mitch91175]

Prices are going to drop even further for all these units on the market as they develop better manufacturing and economies of scale.

 

[Breadman03]

There's a decent chance that I'll snag a new head unit. I've already got all of the probes, so no big deal there.

 

[ca1ore]

Prices are going to drop even further for all these units on the market as they develop better manufacturing and economies of scale.

Very little prescedent for that in this hobby, volumes simply aren’t large enough. The only material example I can think
Of was the vortech, and that had nothing to do with any mfg efficiencies, it was purely about competition

 

[ca1ore]

I am quite intrigued with voice integration though. It’s a point of some irritation to me that when an alarm triggers it takes me a while to work out the cause. Always thought it’d be cool if apex could announce ‘your doser is empty’

 

[Greenstreet.1]

I asked on Facebook about this and Neptune said the Trident doesn't adjust anything, it just measures? Surely that doesn't mean it's not possible right? Hopefully one could use the test results to adjust these parameters automatically. Maybe they just mean you need more dosing pumps to do so?

Yes i understand that what I meant is that it will tell you pumps to dose or not to dose.

 

[lbacha]

Yeah I was one that actually made a video and was not happy with the noise. I’ll be getting a replacement kit for it soon. Functionality wise it is rock solid. Not for everyone. For me I’ll be getting another for my frag tank. I like it that much. To each his own.

I like my Apex just like the next, but I also have spent too much to sit and play the waiting game. If the Trident is all it is being made up to be, I’ll give it a look. But not too thrilled about the single pump controlling everything. Also thinking that flushing to test Alk, Cal, and Mag is going to use a LOT of water. You will see what I mean when you finally get a unit.

The water usage is something that ALL manufacturers are not considering. It will gradually decrease salinity regardless of which system we use. The question is just how much will it use.

I’d like to see something that would also replace the same amount of mixed salt water that the unit removes to minimize the drop.

I'm integrating 2 brs 50ml/min dosers into my apex to use as a AWC. I'm sure I could configure it to add Saltwater back based on the usage of the trident.

 

[SteadyC]

I didn’t know the Apex 2016 would work with the old EB8’s, thanks for the info in this thread. That might work it’s way into my budget . Course, it was never in the plan before, as I didn’t want to,replace everything.

 

[mitch91175]

For those that are looking for the base unit, it isn't listed on BRS yet so I bought mine from AquaCave.

 

[SteadyC]

It’s also in stock at saltwateraquarium.com, that’s my second online store that I use.

 

[STEVENGBRYAN]

I'm integrating 2 brs 50ml/min dosers into my apex to use as a AWC. I'm sure I could configure it to add Saltwater back based on the usage of the trident.

I use a litermeter111

 

[ReeferBud]

If one is not planning on buying the Trident, what would be the benefit of getting the 2016 Apex base only? Isn’t one of the key features the power monitoring that requires the EB832?

My Apex classic works just fine and I’m not sold on the added monthly cost of running the Trident (can’t remember how much but think it’s $30?)...

 

[mitch91175]

So any Reef-A-Palooza updates on the Trident?

 

[mitch91175]

If one is not planning on buying the Trident, what would be the benefit of getting the 2016 Apex base only? Isn’t one of the key features the power monitoring that requires the EB832?

My Apex classic works just fine and I’m not sold on the added monthly cost of running the Trident (can’t remember how much but think it’s $30?)...

I like not having to update from computer, but I can be lazy like that sometimes. There are others, but if you do not need it, don't upgrade it.

 

[ca1ore]

If one is not planning on buying the Trident, what would be the benefit of getting the 2016 Apex base only? Isn’t one of the key features the power monitoring that requires the EB832?

My Apex classic works just fine and I’m not sold on the added monthly cost of running the Trident (can’t remember how much but think it’s $30?)...

I think you've probably answered your own question LOL. Apex classic is a solid controller.

 

[Mark Gray]

Can't wait live my Apex easy to use and very reliable. Can't wait to try the Trident

 

[ReefSlice]

Seems to be just like a kh director but including calcium and other parameters. Didn't get a great look today, will try and check it out better tomorrow.

 

[Terence]

A few clarifications and info:

- No where was it ever said that the Apex base units would never go up for sale. Only that given the demand for full systems, that is where product would be allocated. It was also mentioned, by me, that for most people, buying a full system would be a better value for them. Now the base units have been made available and the consumer can make the choice which direction they would like to go.

- All Aquabus-connected Apex gear you currently own connected to your Apex Classic or Apex Jr will work with the newer (2016) Apex

- I am glad someone brought up water sample size for the alk testers that are on the market as well as the Trident. From what I have seen, devices use between 50-150ml (maybe more) of tank sample water. As was pointed out, this is an issue, especially for someone that might want to do six or more tests a day. That amounts to at least a gallon a week that will be replaced by ATO and dilute the system. It also means that your waste water jug will need to be larger. The Trident uses less than 15ml for ALL three tests combined. And, the Trident does not require a RODI rinse water supply.

- I think that being upset with us not meeting a deadline is fair. You are our customers. You are loyal Control Freaks. I get it. That said, I think calling us liars takes it a bit too far. Neptune Systems is not some giant corporation. We are people that make themselves accessible to our customers because we love the hobby. We love what we do. And while this is certainly a money making business, we are not “The man”. [emoji4]

 

[mitch91175]

A few clarifications and info:

- No where was it ever said that the Apex base units would never go up for sale. Only that given the demand for full systems, that is where product would be allocated. It was also mentioned, by me, that for most people, buying a full system would be a better value for them. Now the base units have been made available and the consumer can make the choice which direction they would like to go.

- All Aquabus-connected Apex gear you currently own connected to your Apex Classic or Apex Jr will work with the newer (2016) Apex

- I am glad someone brought up water sample size for the alk testers that are on the market as well as the Trident. From what I have seen, devices use between 50-150ml (maybe more) of tank sample water. As was pointed out, this is an issue, especially for someone that might want to do six or more tests a day. That amounts to at least a gallon a week that will be replaced by ATO and dilute the system. It also means that your waste water jug will need to be larger. The Trident uses less than 15ml for ALL three tests combined. And, the Trident does not require a RODI rinse water supply.

- I think that being upset with us not meeting a deadline is fair. You are our customers. You are loyal Control Freaks. I get it. That said, I think calling us liars takes it a bit too far. Neptune Systems is not some giant corporation. We are people that make themselves accessible to our customers because we love the hobby. We love what we do. And while this is certainly a money making business, we are not “The man”. [emoji4]

Hey @Terence, any idea on estimated release date for the unit? Not holding you guys to it, just a ballpark. Will it be released in 2018?

 

[mitch91175]

Also, I bought up the amount of water used, but I haven't noticed any swings in my system. I have a 240g so not an issue for me. Maybe will have a small effect on a much smaller system (thinking nano), but my salinity is still holding stead at 1.025 without doing any water change or adding salt to the topoff. I think I my unit would have to use over 5 gallons a week before I would really notice it.

 

[ca1ore]

I think the salt loss from these kinds of systems is the proverbial tempest-in-a-teacup. I would expect most systems to lose more SW to skimmate than automated alk testing. Assuming one is regularly checking for salinity, it's pretty simple to periodically replenish with a bit of NSW.