Is Apex worth the $?

[2Wheelsonly]

A week ago I decided to purchase the new apex controller (wireless) and since day 1! it has not worked properly, everything from the cond probe being sporadic, the ORP probe arriving in the box crusted to the unit just flat out shutting down power to everything plugged into it for what I was told was rebooting due to comm loss. This happens several times a day up until yesterday when the unit just flat out stopped working all together with blinking orange lights on both the bus and energy bar.

Apex has been of little help due to their hours and not being available on weekends, I even took off work early yesterday for a scheduled tech to call me while I'm at my tank and that turned out to be another blunder because they failed to note that I don't use a laptop nor desktop at home even though I specifically informed them of that via email well before the scheduled call. This brings me to my question...Is the hassle worth the cost of this controller? just a quick search and there's a ton of people saying this products liability isn't what it should be. Is this the norm and whats to be expected form this product?

Reefs are already finicky and a lot of work and the #1 concern with a tank is stability and so far this thing has been nothing but a liability with limited tech support. Should I hang tight and hope it gets figured out or should I return the faulty item? $800 is a hefty price to pay for anything that simply hasn't worked brand new out of the box.

Depends on how much you value your reef. Some old timer could clearly come in here with the typical "Back in Nam, the fish fed us we didn't have no fancy apex gadgets!!!" but the truth is, this hobby is expensive. I don't know too many "casual" pet keepers that spend thousands of dollars for 1 inch sticks. We as adult human beings spend all our lives protecting various investments, our tanks are no different.

Can you run a high end costly reef without it? Yes. Is it smart? Nope! That's not an opinion, it's a fact.

Preventing stuck heaters, regulating co2, getting warnings via pH/salinity of stuck ATO turning off devices while in vacation, utilizing dosing schedules, auto feeding...the list goes on and on.

I couldn't imagine the stupidity of letting a $30 heater getting stuck in the on position destroying $1000s and years of reef livestock.

 

[Radman73]

Depends on how much you value your reef. Some old timer could clearly come in here with the typical "Back in Nam, the fish fed us we didn't have no fancy apex gadgets!!!" but the truth is, this hobby is expensive. I don't know too many "casual" pet keepers that spend thousands of dollars for 1 inch sticks. We as adult human beings spend all our lives protecting various investments, our tanks are no different.

Can you run a high end costly reef without it? Yes. Is it smart? Nope! That's not an opinion, it's a fact.

Preventing stuck heaters, regulating co2, getting warnings via pH/salinity of stuck ATO turning off devices while in vacation, utilizing dosing schedules, auto feeding...the list goes on and on.

I couldn't imagine the stupidity of letting a $30 heater getting stuck in the on position destroying $1000s and years of reef livestock.

Agree, though I'll add there are other options outside of Neptune. My Jr and "now Classic" have been rock solid for me for 7 years plus. The issues some have had with the '16 are definitely concerning though it appears that Neptune has been trying to improve it. What would suck is having an $800 controller destroy $1000's in livestock and years of reefing. No $800 controller should do that though inevitably all manufacturers will have occasional issues at some point.

 

[2Wheelsonly]

So, people were dishing out nearly $1000 dollars for a fancy aquarium controller that didn't come standard with wifi? Just can't get away from microtransactions these days, can we?

The base controller was originally around $250, the $500 model included probes and then there was a $750 model that included multiple power blocks. You're exaggeration the situation to force an incorrect assumption. Also the model in question is I believe over 10 years old and came out when devices typically didn't have wireless out of the box; it had a wired network jack. The new system (still under $1000) with today's technology comes standard with wireless.

I didn't even charge you for this information; I am a really nice guy and just saved Christmas for everyone with this single post.

 

[2Wheelsonly]

Agree, though I'll add there are other options outside of Neptune. My Jr and "now Classic" have been rock solid for me for 7 years plus. The issues some have had with the '16 are definitely concerning though it appears that Neptune has been trying to improve it. What would suck is having an $800 controller destroy $1000's in livestock and years of reefing. No $800 controller should do that though inevitably all manufacturers will have occasional issues at some point.

I agree 100%

I try to only use my controller as a fail safe and am always a bit leary when depending on it for actual tank functionality because you have to think "what backs up the controller?" I am never happy with anything unless I have a backup plan, a backout plan and a resolution plan. I know sometimes it's unavoidable though

 

[LuizW13]

The base controller was originally around $250, the $500 model included probes and then there was a $750 model that included multiple power blocks. You're exaggeration the situation to force an incorrect assumption. Also the model in question is I believe over 10 years old and came out when devices typically didn't have wireless out of the box; it had a wired network jack. The new system (still under $1000) with today's technology comes standard with wireless.

I didn't even charge you for this information; I am a really nice guy and just saved Christmas for everyone with this single post.

The ethical thing to do, thank you! LOL ;Joyful

 

[Gil03]

Depends on how much you value your reef. Some old timer could clearly come in here with the typical "Back in Nam, the fish fed us we didn't have no fancy apex gadgets!!!" but the truth is, this hobby is expensive. I don't know too many "casual" pet keepers that spend thousands of dollars for 1 inch sticks. We as adult human beings spend all our lives protecting various investments, our tanks are no different.

Can you run a high end costly reef without it? Yes. Is it smart? Nope! That's not an opinion, it's a fact.

Preventing stuck heaters, regulating co2, getting warnings via pH/salinity of stuck ATO turning off devices while in vacation, utilizing dosing schedules, auto feeding...the list goes on and on.

I couldn't imagine the stupidity of letting a $30 heater getting stuck in the on position destroying $1000s and years of reef livestock.

This is all ASSUMING that the unit works as advertised but as I experienced brand new fresh out of the box it nearly nuked my whole system because of this fancy controller. Now, i've received a new unit and while its done away with 75% of the issues I had with the last unit it still doesn't work properly as it says my conductivity was way too high and had I not doubled and triple checked using other methods I would've continued to try to bring that number down as indicated by their "LAB GRADE" calibrated probe consequently harming my system. So in short yes, the idea of a controller is a sound one however in Real World application it isn't so black and white.

 

[THX1138CY]

This is all ASSUMING that the unit works as advertised but as I experienced brand new fresh out of the box it nearly nuked my whole system because of this fancy controller. Now, i've received a new unit and while its done away with 75% of the issues I had with the last unit it still doesn't work properly as it says my conductivity was way too high and had I not doubled and triple checked using other methods I would've continued to try to bring that number down as indicated by their "LAB GRADE" calibrated probe consequently harming my system. So in short yes, the idea of a controller is a sound one however in Real World application it isn't so black and white.

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.

 

[BoomCorals]

So, people were dishing out nearly $1000 dollars for a fancy aquarium controller that didn't come standard with wifi? Just can't get away from microtransactions these days, can we?

I do agree that lack of built in wifi is a bit silly.

 

[Torx]

A controller is completely worth It, but you need a way to connect to it via computer. I used the Classic Apex for several years and it saved my reef on a few occasions. I recently sold off all my Apex gear and purchased a GHL Profilux 4 Mega set. Personally my new favorite controller, but that is a whole other discussion thread.

Is a controller worth it? Yes. Once set up properly they can alleviate a lot of the worries and hassles of owning a tank.

 

[Vincent100]

This is all ASSUMING that the unit works as advertised but as I experienced brand new fresh out of the box it nearly nuked my whole system because of this fancy controller. Now, i've received a new unit and while its done away with 75% of the issues I had with the last unit it still doesn't work properly as it says my conductivity was way too high and had I not doubled and triple checked using other methods I would've continued to try to bring that number down as indicated by their "LAB GRADE" calibrated probe consequently harming my system. So in short yes, the idea of a controller is a sound one however in Real World application it isn't so black and white.

You have the same problem as me and I to nearly started adding RO to bring my salt down
Lucky triple checked by other means

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.

I'v calibrated my probes correctly
The conductivity probe has been calibrated 3 times , i'v made sure all the air bubbles are out of the probe , i'v moved it to different parts of my system and still it reads way off
Basically Neptune are saying my equipment interferes with it
In my sump I have a titanium heater, deltec skimmer , jecod return pump, kamoer dose pump
So one of these bits of equipment makes the probe jump all over the place
I must add that the 3 other probes work well lol so not a Neptune bashing

 

[ReeferCub]

I am in IT and hence do not find setting up apex to be complicated.
Having said that, i have been using a Apex classic system and several other modules since 2014, i do not find it to be a value for money item. Its exorbitantly priced for what it does. I find the general build quality of the items flimsy.

The orp probe is basically of no use. The will tell you to follow the curve to understand “water quality”. I find the orp graph to be a mirror image of pH. And apparently thats the correct behavior. Not sure what to do with this info. When i change water, the orp goes down briefly.

I could never got the salinity probe to work correctly. I kept hearing that you have to ensure it is not near any high voltage equipment. I tried everything including calibrating it n number of times.

The vortech pumps and radions are better controlled by ecotech controllers.

The pH and temp probes works good, but they are the cheapest to buy if you buy outside apex.

I dont have flow monitoring because i dont find value in monitoring water flow!

The say the most important job of apex is to be a fail safe for your heaters and coolers. I find any temperature controller one tenth the price can do the same equally reliably if not better.

I have three leak detection probes in my sump area. So i far i had one mishap in the last 3 years and apex did not notify me, even though water flowed right underneath the ald probe because apparently the probe did not cone in contact with overflowing water at the right place. And it is my fault that i could not guess the exact spot to place any one of the 3 ald probes. If you take a look at the probes, you will know what i mean.

Also apex claims that all future products will be backward compatible. Thats not the case those like me who have the apex classic know by now that their equipments will soon be fossils and new upgrades or modules like trident will not be compatible and they expect you to spend 1k to replace your existing setup to be “current”.

What I absolutely like about apex is the fusion app and my ability to see some of the things going on. Not that i can do much if something appears incorrect when i am away.

 

[alex.mccann99]

Sounds like you maybe got a Lemon, if that happens. I've had mine running on 3 different tanks now, only replaced the pH probe once, other than that it runs perfectly. Unless my WiFi drops.out at my house, it's.been great. I find it very helpful in my reefkeeping and use it every day.

 

[dsh92056]

It is worth the money IMO. I didn't know if it would be or not and after months of mulling it over I took the plunge. No problems hooking it up with the help of terrence's videos. Very happy with it.

 

[Mical]

+1 On worth the money. I have Apex Classic controlling two tanks - standard classic w/2 EB8s, probes,ATK, etc on one, a PM1, probes, ATK connected with 75' aquabus cable on the other. Minor issues adding wifi and cameras, but as mentioned earlier start with lighting and heaters and go from there.

 

[Ferrell]

I don't like mine
My salt is 35 but it just can't read it
I'v had loads of help from Neptune but no help at all
Basically they say some equipment in my tank messes with the conductivity probe
Yet i'v turned everything off and still it won't read 35
It's the new wireless version and in my eyes doesn't work properly
Rant lol

Go to the forums and check out salinity probe comments. Basically turn it off and let it sit in your sump for a week or so. Then try again. It worked for me and others. Mine now reads close. Two different types of testing and I always use refractometer but probe will alert you if something really haywire.

 

[Ferrell]

Go to the forums and check out salinity probe comments. Basically turn it off and let it sit in your sump for a week or so. Then try again. It worked for me and others. Mine now reads close. Two different types of testing and I always use refractometer but probe will alert you if something really haywire.

P’s. Just got mine and love it

 

[twreefer]

I just got mine. Three days running now.

- Updated firmware wirelessly without issue
- Outlets on autopilot work well
- Unsure if salinity and pH probes are accurate, but auto calibration seemed to work as designed
- It has already opened my eyes to tank conditions. Switching from occasional manual readings to constant automatic readings is a huge improvement.

 

[SpartaReef]

Sounds like you have a faulty controller. Return for a new one. I have an Apex Gold, now called the Apex Classic and I have No problems with it. Its been running continuously since 2014. The controller does so many things for me. The Apex fusion App is probably my favorite, I love being able to turn things on and off from anywhere. The graphs allows me to see the basic health of my tank when im away. Not going to get into everything it can do, but its probably one of the most important parts of my setup, aside from the tank and sump. You might want to check if you have updated the firmware on your apex, sometimes that fixes problems. Good luck hope you get it fixed.

I agree

 

[Vincent100]

Go to the forums and check out salinity probe comments. Basically turn it off and let it sit in your sump for a week or so. Then try again. It worked for me and others. Mine now reads close. Two different types of testing and I always use refractometer but probe will alert you if something really haywire.

Gonna try as i'v not tried that yet
I'v nothing to lose by turning it off as I take no notice of it anyway
This is it this morning

 

[action21]

A week ago I decided to purchase the new apex controller (wireless) and since day 1! it has not worked properly, everything from the cond probe being sporadic, the ORP probe arriving in the box crusted to the unit just flat out shutting down power to everything plugged into it for what I was told was rebooting due to comm loss. This happens several times a day up until yesterday when the unit just flat out stopped working all together with blinking orange lights on both the bus and energy bar.

Apex has been of little help due to their hours and not being available on weekends, I even took off work early yesterday for a scheduled tech to call me while I'm at my tank and that turned out to be another blunder because they failed to note that I don't use a laptop nor desktop at home even though I specifically informed them of that via email well before the scheduled call. This brings me to my question...Is the hassle worth the cost of this controller? just a quick search and there's a ton of people saying this products liability isn't what it should be. Is this the norm and whats to be expected form this product?

Reefs are already finicky and a lot of work and the #1 concern with a tank is stability and so far this thing has been nothing but a liability with limited tech support. Should I hang tight and hope it gets figured out or should I return the faulty item? $800 is a hefty price to pay for anything that simply hasn't worked brand new out of the box.

I love mine which was an early Xmas gift. I actually ran a wire to it because I read some reviews on connection issues. Also it is required for doing updates. But if I received a damage product I would return for another unit immediately.