To controller or not

rayn · Nov 26, 2015

I had a full apex about a year ago. Since we have moved and I tore down all my tanks and sold some stuff off, including the apex. Now I am debating on getting another for my new build. I am torn though, as I never got the full utilization out of it. It was cool, controlled my lights and turned pumps on and off, but a timer and outlets do the same.

What am I missing?

cb684 · Nov 26, 2015

If the question is: Is it necessary? Then the answer is absolutely not.
But if the question is: Is it useful? Then IMO the answer is yes, a lot: messages on your phone or email when anything goes wrong, ATO, feeding modes, AWC, leak detection, been able to check the system from distance, dosing control, evaluate changes over time on different parameters including energy use, pH, Temperature, ORP, salinity and test levels like Alk, Ca, Mg, PO4, NO3 (although one does not need apex for the last). And those are to say a few... After a few years owning one, I have 8 power modules and several extra modules and although I use it mostly for my reef tank, I also use it for other applications around the house.

DiverGirl82 · Nov 26, 2015

Yes a timer can turn your lights on and off but it's only doing that based on a time you tell it to turn on and off. It can't determine that the temp is getting too high and decide to turn the lights and heater off. Or that the salinity is getting to low or the ph too high so it should turn the ato off. I just ordered one today with the sales and I can't wait. It will give me much more piece of mind when I go out of town in a couple months.

rayn · Nov 26, 2015

It isn't nessecarily needed, no. Useful, yes.

I just need to better utilize it.

drstratton · Nov 26, 2015

Hi Doug!

rayn · Nov 26, 2015

drstratton · Nov 26, 2015

rayn said:
Hi!

This is Rene' from RP. You are Abbey's dad right? I imagine she's really growing!

trido · Nov 26, 2015

I have ran a Neptune controller on my tanks since 2005 and will not even run a QT tank without some kind of controller. Stability is key and unless you have a Ranco controller for your heaters you will likely not have very stable temperature. The apex can not only control your heat but let you know via text when things arent perfect. Even an apex Jr is worth the money IMO.

Lenny_S · Nov 26, 2015

Personal opinion.... I like the control for temp and feed modes, etc... But the real value Apex provides me is the programming and automation. I added the I/O module and some float switches and it's been really great. I have a low level alarms from float switches in my sump and ATO reservoir. High water alarm through a float switch I'm my skimate container. And these not only alert me to the conditions, but I have it programmed to turn off pumps and equipment to prevent damage or flooding. And with the temp control I have 2 probes, one in the tank and one in the sump compartment where the heater is. This way I can control the temp in the tank very accurately, but if say my return pump gives out, the second probe will prevent the heater from staying on if there is no water circulating. All of this provides a lot of peace of mind that for me is well worth the time and expense.

rayn · Nov 26, 2015

Yes Rene, same Doug from RP. Abbey is getting big, almost 7 now.

Long time no talk!

rayn · Nov 26, 2015

All I can say is I way under used my last one then. I pulled he trigger and ordered another with the sale going on. Gonna have to figure out how to use it better.

chaoha · Nov 26, 2015

Just bought the Apex gold from BRS. It will be my first. I'm a little nervous I'm not real computer literate so setting it up is a bit intimidating. Wish me luck

rayn · Nov 26, 2015

I honestly don't remember them being hard to set up. I do think they work better hard wired to Ethernet though. The last one I had to download fusion, I believe the new ones are already set up for fusion. It is all web based and allows for quick easy control of your outlets and plugins.

Ghidellas · Nov 26, 2015

does anyone know when the sale on BRS ends for the APEX gold? im debating big time on this!

drstratton · Nov 26, 2015

rayn said:
Yes Rene, same Doug from RP. Abbey is getting big, almost 7 now.

Long time no talk!

I just saw a picture of her on Facebook. She has really grown, I can't believe she's almost 7. Time goes by to fast. Okay, didn't mean to hijack your thread. It's good to see/talk to you!!!