So I'm reconsidering my stance on controllers...

[mcarroll]

I won't tell you not to get a controller since they don't need to cost a lot and I like mine, but it's worth saying: this was a (very unfortunate) fluke. Automation does not prevent flukes.

I don't know how much planning you can do around extreme exceptions, but I know there's a limit. A controller might have helped here for the reasons folks have stated, but that's not a guarantee. To err is to be human. But I'd say this error is unlikely to happen again with or without a controller.

 

[Triggreef]

Well I'm new to the whole idea of controllers. I see the Apex Jr needs to plugged into the internet via an ethernet connection. Are there any types of adapters that will allow this to be done wireless? I'd have to run a cable from another room, and will definitely not be Wife Approved...

You actually only need the hard wire for the initial setup and for doing updates. Other than that you can just use a wireless connection.

 

[rock_lobster]

I won't tell you not to get a controller since they don't need to cost a lot and I like mine, but it's worth saying: this was a (very unfortunate) fluke. Automation does not prevent flukes.

I don't know how much planning you can do around extreme exceptions, but I know there's a limit. A controller might have helped here for the reasons folks have stated, but that's not a guarantee. To err is to be human. But I'd say this error is unlikely to happen again with or without a controller.

They can prevent or correct flukes easily.... Its more likely that there are few flukes a controller cant fix. If properly setup with enough fail safes there is hardly anything it cant prevent. Its not just automation its remote control of your tank. User could have an additional temperature probe in the tank that is off as a fail safe when the temperature drops in event of leaving one heater unplugged or if it heater fails then user can turn on the second heater remotely to remedy the problem after receiving alert that temp is below set level.

 

[mcarroll]

I'd consider the Reefkeeper Lite for a low-cost option.

 

[Triggreef]

The only thing it can't do is measure alk and ca electronically. For the right money you can even add on an electronic alk monitor but it's not cheap or readily available.

 

[Scurvy]

Thanks for all the encouragement. Tank is back up to temp, and looks like it could have been much worse. As of now everything seems to be in recovery mode. So far the only confirmed casualties are my purple firefish, green birdsnest (lost all flesh and is solid white but has a couple polyps hanging in there), and hollywood stunner. The frogspawn is in bad shape, but will likely make a recovery over the next month or two. Time will tell on the monti cap, but I think it'll pull through too. I was extremely worried about my clowns as they were laying on sand and not doing much. They're swimming about and even eating so I think they're going to be okay too. Still feel bad, a sense of guilt really, but I'm doing everything I can to get it back on track.

Hard lesson, but those are the ones we learn the most from... right?

Sorry to hear about your losses... Can't speak to all the benefits of a controller as I'm just setting up my first but having gone through something similar myself I finally said what's 5/600 (used) to protect the thousands we have invested?
Clownfish are tough buggers!! I had a pair delivered just before thanksgiving and for some reason the online retailer didn't send priority overnight so they got really cold before getting to me. I thought they were DOA actually but acclimated anyway and within 2 hours they were eating. Good luck with recovery!

 

[Radman73]

Sorry for your losses. Being a tech guy I jumped on the controller bandwagon was I was very new to the hobby. Had a heater fail, got an alert, and was able to walk my wife through going downstairs, getting the backup heater, and replacing the bad one. That's when I learned the value of two smaller heaters! Reefing is just a constant learning experience.

 

[Ddavis]

With the old Apex Gold I would agree with you that it would be an excellent addition. The new Apex 2016 has quite a few issues and I am not sure that we will see them get resolved. For almost $1K you would think that the thing would be flawless but last night mine went nuts for no reason. I had the unit lose all of its programming before and start dumping vinegar into the tank randomly because the outlets lost their programming.

It is a sad state for a good business.

 

[Bob Escher]

Sorry for your loss and I also believe in my Apex but whatever you do don't get so reliant on it. I haven't had any issues other than a skimmer go nuts. But I was home for that. But do make sure you check it at least twice a day just to remind yourself not to forget it

 

[MoneyMike1987]

when is jabeo gonna knock off apex and make one thats more affordable?

Anything jaebo is junk. Knockoffs says it all.

 

[MoneyMike1987]

As a previous apex owner, they are bullet proof. If you're good at programming with structured text the opportunities are endless.

I recently set up a new tank and couldn't get my gf to let me drop 800 on an apex and all the goodies, so I went with reef keeper and boy was I hesitant, and for a good reason. One big point of sale!

 

[chuck3]

Am looking to avoid similar heater problem over the holidays by tucking a 200 watt Aqueon 'preset' heater into my main reef. (My 'normal' heater is in my sump). They're preset to 78 degrees... so no thermostat to fuss with. No return flow should still mean (at least some) heat is on... assuming it's not a power failure.

Chuck

 

[William Swartout]

I have a LINKSYS AC750 BOOST to connect my APEX Jr to my Wi-Fi. Works great. It's a range extender but also has an ether port so you can connect a wired device or even a switch to connect multiple wired devices.

 

[SoCoFlyFisher]

I just started using an Apex unit. The Apex Fusion app really makes this controller great. Wherever I am and my iPhone has internet access, I can check my tank parameters. I was in Dubai last month and was able to let my wife know that salinity was showing slightly elevated readings. She checked and the ATO needed to be adjusted. I am planning to setup a kalkreactor with a metering pump that is turned on and off due to pH probe readings through the Apex.

 

[VCVet]

Yep, controller could have emailed you and you could have turned the heater back on with your cell phone. Sorry for your loss...

Apex is good but it can't plug a heater into an outlet.

 

[jeffrey holloway]

Sorry for your pets. You lost a lot of life. Mistakes will happen. Come back stronger and more determined. They say in this hobby you never make any changes to your tank and leave town. Try to do it a few days prior. Thanks for sharing your experience with us, we all can learn from this.

 

[PlanB]

Apex is good but it can't plug a heater into an outlet.

True, but you would not have to unplug the heater in the first place if you have a controller. You plug everything into its powerbar, and turn things on/off using control interface. That's half the point of having a controller. The other half being able to program everything. Its not just automation that works while you are away, it allows you to monitor and adjust settings remotely via phone/web, and if need be call a neighbor to look in on your tank.

 

[PJS]

Sorry for your losses, it's never easy. I hope the rest of your tanks inhabitants have a successful recovery!
fwiw....I used a Netgear Universal WiFi Internet Adapter WNCE2001 to hook up my Apex to the ole interweb, easy peasy. The tank had an issue while I was out of town and my wife called to tell me, with the Apex I was able to resolve the issue from my phone....too handy! I've got to put an APC on the Apex, everytime the power goes out I dont get the notification text/email until the power comes back on, you end up not knowing how long the power was off, that leaves too much to chance.
Good luck with whichever direction you go!

 

[Coastie Reefer]

Wow. I must say I never expected to get this much of a response. I sincerely appreciate all the comments, just shows what a great community R2R is. Things are still in fight or flight mode so I'm not going to know the extent of the mishap for several more days. I have a lot of research to do on controllers to see what best fits my needs and budget, but I'm fairly certain I'll have some sort of controller in the near future. I'm also going to be putting together some check lists and simple trouble shooting walk throughs that anyone could use just in case I have to have someone check things while I'm away. Good ole military preventive maintenance cards of my yesteryears...

 

[daelie]

Apex has issues, go GHL instead. German efficiency .