Is an Apex worth it?

[shiftline]

Everyone with an apex seems to love it... What are the main/biggest advantages? My tank is semi automated with its own ltitle systems and i'm trying to determine if there is any must have features

Lighting 2x XR150 Pros
Powerhead MP10WQD
Lighting and powerhead is controlled by reeflink

Return pump Jabeo D3000

Heater: Cobalt neotherm digital heater hooked up to a temperature controller as a backup

Dosing pump Jabeo 4 head
ATO - Custom made one with dual optical sensors

MP10 is hooked up to a computer UPS for battery backup, the rest is just plugged into the surge section.

Having everything controlled in one app would be nice.. but aside from that what is the biggest selling points? Im going to be building a 100-120g is next spring and am trying to figure out if its worth the investment or not.

Cheers!!

 

[lyrical]

Following along.

 

[smh254]

I was wondering the same thing. All of my pumps are controllable my light is controllable. The only thing that I would really use it for is the pH probe I think. Can't see spending 300 bucks for a pH probe.

 

[smh254]

I could see where they would be a huge help back in the day when nothing was controllable but times have changed.

 

[DiverDan]

yes! if not for the constant ability to monitor when away from home atleast the backup capability of correct heater control and pH/temp monitoring

 

[Harold Green]

Not commenting on the usefulness of controllers but it's a good idea to plug your heater into a thermostat that will automatically shut off the heater if it sticks on.

 

[thehammer1985]

Huge benefits- was a hot day and my biocube was getting hot the temp already rose 1.5 degrees by noon I was able to get my wife to turn the ac on to prevent any loss of life only noticed this because of my apex.
I also have fail safes so if my atomic gets stuck open it shuts off or if my overflow line gets plugged and the water level raises too much it'll shut off the pump to keep it from ruining my carpet and flooring.
In my opinion it's a small investment for a tank that could cause thousands in damages or kill thousands worth of coral and fish

 

[thehammer1985]

Not to mention when I go on vacation just to have that peace of mind

 

[lyrical]

Do they ever go on sale? I know they have the restricted price I was just curious if they ever did or ran specials. I really want to get one but spending so much plus the modules is a lot for me.

 

[thehammer1985]

They do but it's few and far between if I could suggest anything it would be not to get the jr. I've seen to many people get these only to upgrade . Imo it was one of the best tank investments I made

 

[ReefBum]

I use mine for multiple things......shut off my C02 regulator for calcium reactor if pH goes to low, delay time my skimmer turns on by 2 minute after a power outage to prevent it from over flowing, temp and ph alerts, turn my Nest Cam on remotely to monitor sump and water on the floor alerts (check out video below). Totally worth the investment!
).

 

[shiftline]

Okay. So the remote alarms has to be one of the biggest features


For temp I got this cheaper monitor that will cut power to the heater if it goes over a certain temp. Alternatively it could also turn on cooling if one needed

For controlling PH and reactors it could be good if one ever goes that route. (I have never bothered monitoring PH.. Should I be?)

Turning off skimmer of water level raised is sump could be a nice touch but could also builds simple sensor circuit switch to do that aswell. Hmmm interesting ideas

 

[thehammer1985]

Realistically there's just so much you can do with them you can keep it nice and simple or you can program certain items if you want to it is just a great system all around.

 

[Reduck]

Automation, safety and peace of mind are the best reasons for having one.
You can easily replace reeflink with a wxm and control everything from your mobile device. You can program the doser outlet to shut off in case of ph spikes from stuck pump. You can program your ato pump to shut off in the event of a leak, or low ato tank level, or high tank level. Using the apex temp probe you can also have a backup shutdown if your heater controller fails. It can text or email you if there's an issue.
Really, it's so flexible it's crazy.
I never worry when we go on vacation. Apex has it covered. From control to feeding.

 

[Jimbo662]

Everything is controllable in one dashboard from anywhere via the web.

 

[rajkovich207]

Imo it's not worth it unless you have a rather large tank or go away a lot. I have neither and just can't justify spending $800 on something when most of what I buy has aa controller built in. I run an rkl, it was a $120 and it was a very good investment. It controlls my heaters and a fan.
I've contemplated a real controller for a very long time. Especially the reef angel, but everything has a controller built in now a days and the modules alone for the apex are just way to expensive.
Think it over long and hard. It's a ton of money and worth it if you use it to its full potential. For me it would have just been a neat light timer.

 

[shiftline]

True enough,,, I have been having a similar battle since most things now do have their own system control-ability.. I guess its more piece of mind for those who are away alot.

 

[rajkovich207]

You know what though, I don't think a piece of mind with worth a grand unless your already sitting on some high end stuff. Bits and bobs from here and there will do the same thing. And if you are diy oriented can solder and know how to use YouTube you could build one yourself

 

[DeniseAndy]

I love mine for all its abilities, but of course I have some of that "older" equipment mentioned. I do not travel a lot, but when I do it is for long periods (weeks) and it gives great ability to view any potential issues. I personally love having everything in one area and not having to look at twenty different things. Now those people who can create their own app, more luck to you. I am not one.

I also love the ability to see swings and fluctuations of my probe monitored items. Plus, I can turn something off remotely if needed. This can be a lifesaver.

 

[MounteeFrag]

I was at MACNA and my APEX sent me an email to let me know the the temp in my tank dropped below the threshold. Had my mother in law change the heater. Crisis averted. Love the extra control you get from it.