Should I get a APEX neptune??

misael888 · Jun 6, 2014

So I've been thinking about getting a controller for my tank. I like the apex. But wow!! They are not cheap! I have a 150 gallon mixed reef tank mainly LPS corals. I'm not sure it would do a lot for me. I run a 2 Vortech MP40, 6 36'' T5 bulbs and a 48'' reef brite led, bio-pellet reactor, GFO and carbon reactor, and a dosing pump for ALK-MAG-CAL, not sure if it will work with them? I already have a digital temp meter on my tank witch is my chiller, But I like the ph meter it has.. Is there anything like it that does ph? That isn't so expensive? Or is this a must have for a reef tank??

SloppyJ · Jun 6, 2014

I really enjoy my controller. Apex are the best. I run a Reef Keeper Lite. I really like it and can't justify the expense to upgrade to an apex.

Noob · Jun 6, 2014

I think the ReefKeeper and the Apex are both good systems. I have both and like both for different reasons. If you compare an Apex system to a ReefKeeper, you really have to compare the Apex with the ReefKeeper Elite Net. That way both systems have the same number of ports, probes, and net capability. Then you'll find you're really close the the cost of the Apex.

The Apex has a learning curve as for as coding for it, but tons of support. The ReefKeeper to me, is very easy to program but not as flexible. Also hands down the net capability of the Apex even without Fusion is a lot more responsive and a greater interface in general.

If you find yourself flipping a lot of switches each day to do mundane tasks like feeding or water changes, I say get a controller. Plus it's a good backup for thermometers and keeping an eye on your system when you're away. I do intend to purchase the auto feeder for the Apex.

shred5 · Jun 6, 2014

One thing is if you use a controller it is a piece of electronics like a computer, It should be on a surge suppressor.

Also they do fail like any piece of electronics or can get corrupted by brownout, power spikes or power outages.... The more you put on them the more of a epic fail your system can have if they fail... It may be rare but it has and can happen.. That is the reason some people will not put everything on their controller...

They are nice to have everything on the controller if you travel though so you can tell what is operating or not.

misael888 · Jun 6, 2014

Thanks guys!! So you think is worth it? I have a lil over 10k in this tank between live stock and equipment. I guess as of peace mind, I do worry all the time when I'm out of town for more than 2 days. I usually have to face time my girl just to make sure everything is ok lol.

Joe G · Jun 6, 2014

Well worth it.
It has saved my tank on two occasions.
Ac broke in my home one summer while I was at work.
Got the email that my tank was hotter then normal .
It turned off my lights allowing for the tank to cool down .
With out it my coral would have been doa

acuraguy55 · Jun 6, 2014

I have one on my system and its nice to have a little piece of mind when I am not there to whats going on in my tank. Also since I have a calcium reactor I can monitor the pH. It was well worth it but got expensive real quick with all the add on that are avaliable..

reefjunkie53 · Jun 7, 2014

Just got my neptune apex and I love it apex fusion is awesome I would say every reefer should own one

misael888 · Jun 10, 2014

Thanks, so now the question is where can I buy it for less? I checked Bulk Reef Supply and they have for $549. Any were else that I can get it for cheaper?

shred5 · Jun 10, 2014

misael888 said:
Thanks, so now the question is where can I buy it for less? I checked Bulk Reef Supply and they have for $549. Any were else that I can get it for cheaper?

Neptune sets the price so all places should be the same... It also is excluded from most sales...

tigerdragon · Jun 10, 2014

Apex is the same price any where the nice thing is by adding modules and pwr bars it can monitor multiple tanks mine is monitoring my 180 and my 90

reefjunkie53 · Jun 10, 2014

Acctully I went on eBay and got mine 500 free shipping I just made an offer an the accepted it

reefjunkie53 · Jun 10, 2014

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stunreefer · Jun 10, 2014

From what you're describing I see no need for you to own one. Why do you want to monitor pH? Since you're dosing (versus Ca Rx) it seems moot since pH will find it's own happy place. The monitoring/notification aspect I can understand, however I've found a Dropcam (or similar) to be infinitely more valuable than email notifications.

For your uses maybe check out the Apex Jr. I own this model (minus display, used to be an option since you can view through cellphone or computer), although it's only used as a light timer and temp monitor (that's always inconsistent).

joekool · Jun 10, 2014

Was it used. Well by any means welcome to having a very valuable piece of equipment. Hook it up to your Internet and use fusion and you can get updates if parameters change and you have piece of mind when not home. Plus with the graphs you can see how stable your tank runs through out the day. Control heater more accurately etc. there are many of us on here that have them. Feel fre to ask any questions. You'll find yourself looking for new modules to add to the base unit. ORP and leak detection are great to have. You can tell a lot about what's going on with your tank with temp PH and ORP readings.

Good luck and enjoy

reefjunkie53 · Jun 10, 2014

Yes I just love my apex I go on vacation a lot and if it wasn't for apex fusion I don't know what I would do it's endless things u can do with it they are a must have in my book I've only been running mine a week and it is def the best reef purchase Ive made for my tank!!! But if it was me I would def get the regular apex cause there is only has 4 outlets to controller on the jr and u can do a lot more with 8!!

reefjunkie53 · Jun 10, 2014

I also run a 150 with about same amount of equipment and I deffinatly needed the regular model I could c if u were running a nano then that would be a better option to get the jr in my opinion