Neptune, Trisent, Apex - etc

[Payne Train]

So I swore I would never spend that much money on an automated system - but then I realized how much money that I’ve dropped into the hobby in the last 8 months and it makes me LOL in depression.
Anyways, how much does one of these systems cost that makes everything hands off more or less. Including dosers, tubes, test kits, or whatever else is needed to make the system work.

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Oooh good question! It's gonna be tough for someone to cough up that kind of information... Following along!

 

[Philly Reefer]

I think you need to explain your question.
The cost of Apex is clear, don't think I need to list it here.
When you buy the apex, it can be run out of the box.

Trident, you need an Apex. Either full or EL works. Everything is included in the box for trident to run.
Then you just need the reagent for it.

Apex Doser, also need an apex. And most likely you need the lines for it.

 

[homer1475]

Really impossible to answer as there are way to many variables(apex, ghl, reefbot, reefpi, etc, etc).

The apex and trident combo is 1,100$. But on top of that you would need a DOS(300$), then various test kits, and all sorts of other things.

EDIT:
Spelling, apparently my keyboard doesn't like the letter "F".

 

[tricky_tran]

This Reefer had a Brand New Apex for sale. This will save you some money.

Illinois - Aquarium Controller - Brand New Neptune Apex

I have a brand new, open box apex available it is $730 shipped, i just opened it, has not been set up yet. Please pm with any questions

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Payne Train]

Really impossible to answer as there are way to many variables(apex, ghl, reefbot, reefpi, etc, etc).

The apex and trident combo is 1,100$. But on top of that you would need a DOS(300$), then various test kits, and all sorts of other things.

EDIT:
Spelling, apparently my keyboard doesn't like the letter "F".

Would it be more helpful if I were telling you what I would want it used for ?
Water test reading for calk, mag and calcium - I would like something for ATO, temp probe would be okay, and then dosers to fix any issues that get out of wack.

do they have phos and nitrate readers ?

 

[Tamberav]

Keep in mind with Covid...getting the reagents for the trident is more difficult.

 

[((FORDTECH))]

Would it be more helpful if I were telling you what I would want it used for ?
Water test reading for calk, mag and calcium - I would like something for ATO, temp probe would be okay, and then dosers to fix any issues that get out of wack.

do they have phos and nitrate readers ?

No

 

[Philly Reefer]

Would it be more helpful if I were telling you what I would want it used for ?
Water test reading for calk, mag and calcium - I would like something for ATO, temp probe would be okay, and then dosers to fix any issues that get out of wack.

do they have phos and nitrate readers ?

Apex. Either Full or EL version has temp probe.
Trident test Alk, Cal, and Mag. You can implement a rule to have the doser to run if need more alk, etc.. these are the more adv programming.

Apex has an ATO module. It's called ATK.

No they don't have Phosphate and Nitrate test

 

[Simon Reefing]

I would go alkatronic all the way I'm pairing it with coralvue controller cheaper in the long run

 

[Payne Train]

Apex. Either Full or EL version has temp probe.
Trident test Alk, Cal, and Mag. You can implement a rule to have the doser to run if need more alk, etc.. these are the more adv programming.

Apex has an ATO module. It's called ATK.

No they don't have Phosphate and Nitrate test

Thanks for the info - Theres so much info with this stuff. For those of you that use these items, does it really make everything a million times easier. It seems like it makes your salt water tank hands off and allows you to not constantly worry about changing levels and whatnot. Plus I hate doing manual water tests lol

 

[Philly Reefer]

Thanks for the info - Theres so much info with this stuff. For those of you that use these items, does it really make everything a million times easier. It seems like it makes your salt water tank hands off and allows you to not constantly worry about changing levels and whatnot. Plus I hate doing manual water tests lol

Apex helps. That's for sure. But lot's of other tanks have been set up and maintain without apex with success.
Millions times easier? Don't think of it that way.
You will still have to be hands on with your tank to make it successful.

I would love to get the Trident for Alk, Cal, Mag testing. And 1 DOS to set up an auto water change.

 

[ca1ore]

LOL, a million times easier .... probably not! I generally don’t recommend high levels of automation for reefing novices. Better to ‘learn’ your tank first and be able to recognize when things are going well and when they are not. The trouble with hobby grade automation is that it can (and eventually will) fail on you. I think I own or have owned every possible apex module, but I’ve been keeping reef tanks since 1987.

Automating rote tasks like water changes and testing is cool .... I hate that stuff anyhow. Probably cuts husbandry down by about two thirds for me ..... so three times easier.

 

[am3gross]

I agree with ca1ore, it will make you lazy in a way. Learn what you are doing and how to make the adjustments, learn your setup as every setup is different. When the gear you bought fails, you will need to know how to make those adjustments anyways and I would hate to have to try to learn how to make the adj on a tank full of coral that I have spent years growing and buying.

With that being said you can get the basic apex that tells you what you want, maybe have to take an extra test here and there because Neptune has not developed a test yet. But the good thing is you can buy part of it, run it, and add to it as time goes on. This is a hobby of patience, and nothing good happens fast! At least that is what the wife tells me anyways.