Need controller advice for Custom 300g setup

flyinhippie · Jul 26, 2015

I am upgrading to a 300+g custom system in a few weeks and I have never owned a controller.

I currently have 4 tunze 6105 multi controller pumps running on 3 different systems. I will be consolidating everything to the new tank when it gets here next week.
I will be purchasing 4 Radion Pros that I already have holes drilled for in the canopy.

Before researching some of the capabilities of the Apex controller, a few months ago I bought a Tunze 7096 multi controller and battery back up adapter that are still sealed in their boxes.

With an Apex, I love the idea of being able to access the parameters of my system online when traveling. I think it would be cool to have all of the probes, but over the years, I have found that temp and salinity are what I have gotten by with success.

Anyway, so my question is should I sell the Tunze controller and battery backup and go Apex. I was looking at this option (http://www.saltwateraquarium.com/apex-aquacontroller-ultimate-package-neptune-systems.html)
-Is this a good deal?

Or do I keep the Tunze and get a reef link or some other controller save money and worry about accessing my tank on my cell phone in the future?

-But if I am spending all of this Jack on this dream tank, Why not do it right? Right?
I am just not completely sure which direction to go.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

saltyphish · Jul 27, 2015

Mark426 · Jul 27, 2015

Apex w/ wxm and vdm. Thats all you need until you definitely find you have a need for other add-ons. The package you posted has stuff thats unnecessary IMO. (at least for now)

DaveMorris · Jul 28, 2015

I would figure out what parts you are going to use for your tank and figure out what you want to monitor and specifically control, and then build an Apex system to fulfill those needs. The controller pricing is controlled by Neptune so you probably won't be able to necessarily save much by buying a particular package. Fine tune a system to what you know you need to control and monitor, add a little extra for unknowns and you should be good to go.

hybridazn · Jul 28, 2015

Get an apex, you wont regret it. I cant comment on the package you linked because I dont know what all you need to/want to monitor/control. If anything maybe get a apex gold system that is your full apex system plus a pm2 module and conductivity probe so you can monitor salinity. Then after that just add to the system as you go and see what else you want to do with the apex. The sky is the limit with these controllers and it keeps getting better with the new par meter they released.

flyinhippie · Jul 28, 2015

Mark426 said:
Apex w/ wxm and vdm. Thats all you need until you definitely find you have a need for other add-ons. The package you posted has stuff thats unnecessary IMO. (at least for now)

Doesn't the base unit already have the capability to run the Tunze? Or if you use it, are you limited to 2 pumps at a time doing the same thing? I heard today that the lights can run off the WXM. Is the VDM better? Thanks for the advice!