Need Apex or Not ?

[427HISS]

I've been telling myself that I don't nesserely need one and save the $500 (+) for something else. My lighting system for the 75g reef is from Reef Radiance and has it's own
0%-100% sun rise sun set control. My Jebao power head's and return pump have their own control's for current in the tank and return gph return. I don't know for sure, if I'll run dosers, but thinking I will, but some of them also have their own computer adjustments as well. Auto top of on all tanks would be nice as well.

Back in the 90's, I made dosers out of plastic jugs and hospital IV-drip lines, but don't think I want to do that again, unless to save money.

I'm setting up my wife's new 29g cube tank, and will have a Orphek pendant, which is Apex ready. (I'm so excited to see it and power it up) and I'll be setting up a quarantine tank and any other tanks we'll be setting up in the future. I'm at home most of the time to keep an eye out for problems and adding any chemical's, but I don't feel well most of the time, so a controller would ease my mind if I'm out of commission for a while.

From my research, a lot of you started out with a lower cost controller, and even the apex lite and Jr, but you ended up getting the full version anyway, so it doesn't make sense money wise to buy them and upgrade later.

The cost for a controller plus all the modules, probes, etc,..., can add up to a lot,....of money.

So why buy a apex, maybe to have the apex run everything ?

Please let me know your opinions, pro's/con's of both manually doing the work or having a controller.

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[ReeferEric]

The proof is in the pudding, are you trying to get us to convince you to buy?

 

[jmardis]

You do not need an Apex. My tank is ran by an Apex and it was worth every penny.

 

[427HISS]

Yes,....so it's your fault !
What pudding are you eating ?

 

[427HISS]

You do not need an Apex. My tank is ran by an Apex and it was worth every penny.

Why is that ? Just curious.

This is a sellers quote for his. What do you think of it and price for my needs ?


"I bought this Apex Jr. to use on my QT/Hospital tank and have since moved the QT under my display tank so I can now use my Apex Lite to control it in addition to my display tank. I am going to be using the display module from the Apex Jr for my Apex Lite so I'm selling this without the display module. The Apex Jr. was removed from the box and tested on my tank for one day to control the heater and light and confirm functionality.

For clarification the Apex Jr is fully usable and configurable (via PC once connected to the home network) and was once sold this way by Neptune but they've since changed it to only selling the Apex Jr. with a display for $240. If you would like a controller without the need for the display then this will save you some money.

Asking $160 shipped"

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

I have one and only use it as a light timer and temperature monitor. Personally prefer switchable DJ style outlets and individual controllers for redundancy. Some people choose to connect every component into a controller which can then be monitored and controlled from anywhere; it really boils down to personal preference. No controller will take the place of a keen eye and routine maintenance.

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

This is a sellers quote for his. What do you think of it and price for my needs ?

Purchased mine with no display (when it was an option) and can easily bring up Apex dashboard on my phone and laptop. Came with a temperature probe as well. You can add to the system as you see fit down the line. It's a great starting point with an affordable price tag.

 

[mike007]

I love mine wish I would have got one a long time ago. Gives me control of my tank.

 

[HiddenUser]

I have an Apex, definitely thought it was expensive at first, but totally worth it in my opinion. So nice to be able to monitor everything, program each outlet, and control everything from my computer!

 

[trido]

I've ran my 210 with an AC Jr, an AC III, and now an Apex. No, you don't need one but you will love it. I highly recommend a controller of some kind to anyone asking.

 

[Velodog2]

I wanted it for one reason only: to alert me remotely if something went wrong. That was worth the purchase price of the jr. I may add more sensors for this purpose but still won't get to the price of a full apex. Some leak detectors, maybe a ph probe, and a float switch. It gives me a sense of security to be able to remotely check-in on my tank from work or if I'm away for the weekend.

The temp controller function is great too however. Far more precise than a built-in heater thermostat and probably better than most stand-alones. I can typically maintain to +/- 0.2 degrees. You would pay nearly as much for a heater controller that could do as well, and the apex can control a chiller (or fan) as well.

I also love it for the ease of control of my pumps when I do water changes.

The weird flip-side is that it is counter to the concept of fail-safe redundancy. The more you allow it to control the more dependent you are upon it. I'm not sure what it's failure modes are, but I hope I don't find out.

 

[onetire]

I'm in the same ,boat soon to b setting up a much larger tank and need heater control and a good thermometer . I think by the time I buy these things I could get a lite or jr controller and have much much more in the long run

 

[becca10]

Do you still have this available?

 

[ReeferEric]

Do you still have this available?

This is a bit awkward...?

 

[Railcar79]

I can tell you this much, No you do not need an apex. Apex is a fun toy that can automate some of the mundane on the aquarium, but no one really needs one. I did buy one myself, and I use it as a glorified power strip. PH monitoring, temp control and switching. If you want the ability to play with things remotely, apex will do the job, but it is not necessary. I got Apex Lite for $300 something, and it does its thing.

 

[SloppyJ]

I started out with a reef keeper lite. I still have it. I have added a few modules to it and it does everything I want. No it's not as fancy or programmable as the apex, but I feel like I don't need that. I can have my heater regulated, my ato float switch, and some dosing pumps plus a bunch of others. That's all I need. However, everyone who gets an apex loves it. I just can't justify the purchase of a new unit when mine is fine.

 

[1reeflover]

You definitely need some kind of controller! I say this because in the last 2 months 2 people in my club WRS had their heater burst & 1 that stuck on & killed all their corals & fish! It's like playing Russian Roulette, nothing migjt happen & them again if you are in this hobby long enough it probably will! Peace of mind not to mention the life if your inhabitants is worth every penny you put into WHATEVER controller! Use your 20/20 NOW!

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have Digital Aquatics Reef Keeper. Just had a display issue and NO resolvement or replacement from them. They had my unit over 2 weeks and poor communication. APEX or any other will be my next purchase.

 

[bazeball05]

I dislike my reefkeeper. It's aweful. Mine glitches once in awhile and turns on everything (including pumps like ATO) and won't turn off till I unplug it. Customer service is no help. Go with Apex and you will love it

 

[Snook65]

I just picked up on during the Black Friday sales even though my tank has been running for over a decade without one. I travel for a living, and it is reassuring to be able to check parameters, etc. from my phone or laptop.