Impulse Buy an Apex Classic?

[PugsAndFish]

I'm new to the hobby. In fact, I don't even have a tank yet. I was browsing on Drs. Foster and Smith and found the Neptune Systems AquaController Apex Classic Kit w/AquaDisplay/Temp Probe/EB8/ pH Probe for $275 plus tax.

I don't know much about controllers yet but do know they make the hobby much easier and that Neptune is the most popular. I'm aware that this is the older model but is $275 still a good price?

I don't know what I'd use the controller for but the seemingly low price tag is tempting me to make an impulse buy.

Convince me to purchase the unit or convince me not to purchase the unit!

 

[vanpire]

That’s an excellent price. An EB8 by itself will cost $150 so. An Apex saves you a lot work manual work. If I didn’t already have two, I would buy one.

 

[Redleg]

Just looked @BRS they have it for $550. Sounds like a great deal. You probably can't find a used one any cheaper.

 

[Shaddow_wolf169]

I would just save the money for the 2016 model it is an awesome unit.

 

[PugsAndFish]

I'm going to assume the pH probe measures the pH and the temperature probe measures the temperature. However, other than that, I honestly don't know what each piece of equipment in the package does.

Can this notify my phone if something fails? Also, what is the main difference between the classic model on sale and the new model besides the wireless feature?

I know there's a ton of info out there but there's so much content - far too much to digest quickly while I don't know how long the sale will last. I'm reading as much as possible but if someone can give me a rundown, I'd appreciate it.

In summary, I was planning to buy a controller anyways and probably would have bought the new model for $700-800 down the line. I am often busy and cannot give attention to a tank every single day so I was looking for something to make my life easier. I'm now thinking of just saving some money and getting the classic model for $275 plus tax, but if I regret the purchase and buy the new model, I'll end up wasting money. Would you purchase the classic model now or just wait and get the new model later and why? i.e. help a noobie make a decision.

 

[Zeal]

Are there any noticable difference between this 2016 model and the newer ones?

 

[Shaddow_wolf169]

2016 is the newest model it is controlled by WiFi and with your phone. I love mine.

 

[Redleg]

If you don't like it you will be able to sell it on here fairly quick. I saw one posted yesterday for $450

 

[User]

2016 is the newest model it is controlled by WiFi and with your phone. I love mine.

The classic is also controlled over your phone via the apex fusion app- and can be made WiFi compatible with addition of a $30 gaming WiFi adapter from eBay.

The real differences with the 2016 version is integrated 24v “1-link” ports that power and control peripheral equipment and compatibility with things like the pmup pumps. But you can buy separate 24v power supplies to use those with the classic, so not really a huge difference.

I picked up a used set with an extra eb8 a year ago for 325. So yeah- that’s a good price.

 

[Redleg]

I'm new to the hobby. In fact, I don't even have a tank yet. I was browsing on Drs. Foster and Smith and found the Neptune Systems AquaController Apex Classic Kit w/AquaDisplay/Temp Probe/EB8/ pH Probe for $275 plus tax.

I don't know much about controllers yet but do know they make the hobby much easier and that Neptune is the most popular. I'm aware that this is the older model but is $275 still a good price?

I don't know what I'd use the controller for but the seemingly low price tag is tempting me to make an impulse buy.

Convince me to purchase the unit or convince me not to purchase the unit!

Thanks for that link. I just ordered one. I really wasn't in the market for a controller. I thought they were over priced, but at half price I couldn't resist. Of course my wife liked the 50% discount too.

 

[Breadman03]

Not compatible with Trident, the upcoming Alk/Cal/Mag monitor.
Not compatible with EB832, which can monitor power to individual outlets.
No built-in conductivity (salinity) port or probe. You can get this feature by purchasing a PM module and probe separately.
No built-in WiFi.
Less processor/memory, which is why it's not compatible with Trident, may limit compatibility with future modules.

I think that sums up the weaknesses of the Classic unit compared to the 2016 model. There are competing Alk monitors that would work fine. Honestly, I think the current big difference is Trident. At the listed price, I think you should buy it. You'll be able to flip it in the future at nearly no loss.

 

[Redleg]

Sold out.

 

[TheHarold]

I would just save the money for the 2016 model it is an awesome unit.

I don’t entirely agree. I have an apex lite and an apex 2016, and really have no preference. Who needs individual amperage monitoring? My discontinued apex lite with a module or two does pretty much everything that the 2016 does, at much cheaper.

 

[TheHarold]

2016 is the newest model it is controlled by WiFi and with your phone. I love mine.

A $30 adapter gives WiFi to your apex lite or classic and can also be controlled by your phone

 

[foxt]

Hope you got one before it sold out - great deal.

If you missed out, I'd encourage you to keep your eye on the for sale thread, you can usually get a used one for a decent discount from the new price. Even better, you can often find a used Apex Jr for a nice price, and it might give you enough capability to get started with a controller. If you outgrow it, you could probably sell it for what you have to pay, it seems to have reached a fairly steady-state price on the used market. Same would be true for Reefkeeper gear, another way to get started at a lower cost vs. new Apex or GHL gear.

 

[PugsAndFish]

Yup sold out. Went to bed at 3am because I was reading about the classic vs 2016 and woke up in the morning and it was gone lol.

Nevertheless, I’m not too upset.

The sale would have cost me $300 + $125 for the salinity probe + $30 for a router.

Might as well pick the new one up for $720 on sale one day.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Super deal and if nothing else, you could make money on it. This unit is easily upgradeable and components have become low in cost since the new Apex version was released.