Reef link vs Apex
- Thread starter Jimbo662
- Start date
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No comparison. I've tried them all and Apex is superior. Nothing comes close. I am disappointed that some companies are starting their own controllers which will create a fractured market and a consumer with numerous apps and defeating any benefits of a single integrated product like Apex. This will force me to stay with just Neptune products or products that work with the Neptune Apex system. UnLike the new vectra pump I purchased from Eco tech marine which was a mistake on my part because I thought it would work with my Apex and found that the company decided not to have it work with Any product but their own. I previously purchased vortech pumps and have them connected to my Apex. Their new strategy to have it not connect because the see Neptune Apex as the competition ? - shows no regard for the consumer. Poor business strategy as far as I am concerned.
seastar
Well-Known Member
Only playing the devil's advocate... but Neptune did step into Eco Tech's turf by making/releasing wavemakers. Technically they did make themselves the competition.
That said, I have an Apex sitting under the tree though (I am hoping) and am thrilled to get it setup and running!
I recognize that this works both ways. I just wasn't aware that Neptunes products ever worked with Eco tech's which I believe is proprietary. A good business strategy would be to continue with what you started and if you want you own proprietary system - at least have new products continue to work on both systems. In the end we lose.
seastar
Well-Known Member
Couldn't agree more! This proprietary junk needs to go.
aquaterra
Active Member
I personally am setting up a new tank and am really disappointed the wxm doesn't support the vectra. I have a basically full apex system now (I sold my reeflink but still support radions and vortechs.). Now I gotta wait for the cor to come out.
I have everything working perfectly with my Apex and the only uncontrolled item is the vectra. Its really created a problem for me because now I can't automate feeding or any other activity that requires the sump pump to participate. Certainly, you can switch the pump on and off, but beware, the vectra seems to have a pretty violent start and stop if you are switching on and off for feeding. It seems to scare the fish and then they don't eat. I wish I didn't buy the vectra.
This is exactly the reason why Eco tech's strategy is wrong. Making it work on both systems or for that matter all systems then they have a win/win. Right now people are making decisions against the vectra because it's not compatible with apex. I struggle to understand how Eco tech's strategy will increase sales??? Is it revenge? Certainly in the short term they are losing sales and I believe for those that purchase the vectra and get the reef link will find the limltations and purchase an apex. So long term strategy fails as well.
I think you will see both companies working on connected equipment in the future. Neptune with the brains in one box and Ecotech with brains in the each piece of equipment that talk with each other. Neptunes Wav pumps can not be used by someone without and Apex. I would look for the new Ecotech pumps to be compatable with Neptune. In the future smart equipment will be common place as the cost of micro processors has gotten to the point where it is feasible to do it.
My point exactly - Eco tech currently has equipment currently working with Neptune's Apex - my radion and vortech - my stop with the vectra? Also the technology exist now - they had been doing it in the past.
chefjpaul
2500 Club Member
I agree,
Echotech would need to put out it's own controller that is comparable to neptune if they are going this route.
Considering neptune plans for a DC pumps, Ecotech will limiting their market.
The consumers are going into full automated and inter grated systems.
I think you will see it with their pump.
The future is start devices. With 30 years of experience in PLC machine control. Central processor control is being replaced by integrating PLC's on a network. Years ago it was central processors. Once you have network connection a central processor is not needed.
The future is start devices. With 30 years of experience in PLC machine control. Central processor control is being replaced by integrating PLC's on a network. Years ago it was central processors. Once you have network connection a central processor is not needed.
