If this is your first Saltwater Tank ever and you have never had the privilege of learning how to adjust LED Lights for optimal coral growth the last fixture i would be going after is an AI Fixture. I'm assuming your going after AI for use with the VDM Module? AI as well has the Director, Android/iOS Software, and Online interface to boot for adjustments and personally they are far more user friendly and innovative than the APEX software. My suggestion would be a far more simple solution with just as stunning effects if not more (No disco Ball effect) with the Kessil A360WE, Reason being there is only 2 things you need to worry about adjusting (Intensity & Color) vs 7 Channels looking for what your Corals like and that will not come without understanding a "Lot" more behind lighting a reef tank. In the past you could simply hang a Halide or T5 fixture above a tank and get results without understanding much, LED is a completely different beast. The Kessil like the AI is also compatible with the VDM. For a 180G 3 X A360's would be sufficient.
Also I want to point out something since your new to the hobby in hopes to help you save some money and possibly time. Like a $100 cue doesn't make you a better pool player, nor does an ego Lv1 make you qualified for Team Dynasty; Expensive controllers, equipment and lighting don't make you an expert at reefing. Over the last 25 years I have been involved with marine tanks I have found you either love it or you hate it, and one won't be completely convinced till they give it a shot. Most important thing to understand before taking your first steps is this hobby is a "Money Pit" no matter how you go about it. I would suggest laying off on the high dollar tagged Items at first with just the essentials to ensure this is something your going to enjoy and want to stick with. The only thing I would go out of my way to make sure I put a solid investment in is your Skimmer (Omega 150 would be an excellent choice for a 180). As for lighting you can build your own with just W/B/RB LED's that will be just as effective as any Radion Fixture or even purchase a cheap Chinese fixture off of eBay with excellent results for a fraction to buying a bunch of AI fixtures. Hydor Korallia's or Jebao powerheads can be just as effective as Vortech's at a much lower price as well. There are many other pieces of equipment that when compared to the brand name I can show you a better looking tank with cheaper equipment (hopefully that makes sense) If It were me I would start the tank out and get it up an going for 6 months or so, see if you successful with it (Trust me many are not) Then start adding additional options such as a controller, but remember when choosing automation (It certainly helps with stability) additional modules will bring limited options that are proprietary and some very costly. As well you may have heard people list a numerous amount of things they automate with their Apex, but not only is a forum post just hear say, whats right for them in not necessarily right for you. I'll stop before i write a novel but hopefully that gives you something to think over, remember the only way you are going to be successful is with patience and research, so get used to reading a lot!
