Is Apex worth the $?
- Thread starter Gil03
- Start date
- Tagged users None
Radman73
Valuable Member
Where did they claim, or still claim for that matter, that ALL future products will be backwards compatible? I thought I specifically read that they would still release products that would be backwards compatible but that's a far cry from saying ALL products would be backwards compatible. And, in all fairness, they have released some backwards compatible modules. And what's your definition of "will soon be fossils" as I think you're stretching the truth a little bit with those statements.
I know I'm a little late to the party, but I posted this in a different forum before I join R2R. I went ahead and got the Apex. I really, really like it. It makes things simple and I know I've only scratched the surface of what it can do. I really like the fact that I can go on my phone and shut off my return and skimmer in just two swipes. I haven't really gotten into the coding yet but will soon. I also like how I can see the parameters fluctuating and I can dial things in a little easier.
Many people advised against it in order to 'get to know my tank', but I feel I know my tank a lot better by using the Apex since I get immediate feedback on certain parameters.
Many people advised against it in order to 'get to know my tank', but I feel I know my tank a lot better by using the Apex since I get immediate feedback on certain parameters.
If you follow the setup instructions that come in the box there is a step where you have to calibrate the probes. There are packets of standard solutions in the box as well. The Apex controller is an amazing tool, when properly calibrated, and programed, If your an Apex noobie, just use it to monitor, don't jump in and immediately use it con control EVERYTHING. Start with your lighting. Then as you get comfortable add more controls. When I started using my Apex my tank was still cycling, and was an invaluable tool in me knowing for sure the tank was ready for lifeforms. At that time I only had lighting and heater controls setup. ORP, pH were just monitoring, and still are. This weekend I will be setting up Ozone controls via ORP monitoring.
You missed the part where I said "Lab Grade" (Calibrated) probes, meaning they were calibrated per the official instruction. I even went so far as to read a good deal about things people have done in conjunction with Neptune's instruction to further assist the accuracy of their probes like placing the packet in your tank water to acclimate temp before using the solution. I think you are misinformed in thinking that just cause you calibrate something that it's impossible for it to be wrong, there are plenty of variables that come into play.
Michael Llabona
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2016
- Messages
- 536
- Reaction score
- 300
I just got mine. It was frustrating while setting it up. I had problems with the salinity probe reading 80 then it fell to 26 but now that it's been in the tank for a week it's reading 32( some what close). I'm thinking of recalibrating it. I assume there was human error on my part the first go around during calibration. I also had problems with the ATK not turning on but when I read the code I understood why. All in all I feel in most instances when things are not working correctly it's due to human error and not the Apex. I think many new users want a fully functional system upon plug in which is not the case. The whole point of the Apex is to customize it to your tank and needs.
Michael Llabona
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2016
- Messages
- 536
- Reaction score
- 300
Just over a week in I love it. The possibilities are endless
I think we can all agree about the potential a controller has for our systems and the benefit to them WHEN they work properly however, they're not fail safe. All in all I'm happy with the purchase now that I seem to have a general working unit. I'd like to see some more R&D on their probes and I don't think they should be asking customers who already shelled out nearly a grand to put another $500 dollar deposit down for their defective units to be replaced.
jasonrusso
2500 Club Member
People suck. They sent it to you before you sent it back. Think about all the scumbags that aren't going to take the time to send the other unit back.
I had the same issue with my probe. It is currently offline as I need to recalibrate it. Remember when you recalibrate it to get the solution up to 77 degrees. I plan on using the salinity more as a monitor and not the end all, be all for measurement. Nothing beats a goog 'ol refractometer.
Bob Lauson
Active Member
I have only had Apex which is more than 10 years. I think it's great. I will also say their customer service is excellent. The programming isn’t that bad you just have think it thru and there is a lot of support for whatever you want to do. In my case I have two displays - one in the basement with the sump and the other by the display tank - both of which work with the controller module. I also have their app on my smart phone so I can literally access the controller any where in the world.
Last edited:
