Update apex brain

cilyjr · Mar 14, 2021

I have been using an apex since the launch of what is now called the classic. I have one running on my tank and a backup brain in storage just in case that one ever broke. I am curious though since they now have a new model and there's a 10% off sale going on right now....

Is there any advantage to switching to the new style of brain?

vetteguy53081 · Mar 14, 2021

cilyjr said:
I have been using an apex since the launch of what is now called the classic. I have one running on my tank and a backup brain in storage just in case that one ever broke. I am curious though since they now have a new model and there's a 10% off sale going on right now....

Is there any advantage to switching to the new style of brain?

Most major sellers DO have 10% off and its called the Apex EL

cilyjr · Mar 14, 2021

What's the advantage to switching?

lelandmarine · Mar 14, 2021

More options on the dashboard i believe

cilyjr · Mar 14, 2021

lelandmarine said:
More options on the dashboard i believe

Like what?

takitaj · Mar 14, 2021

The Apex EL is the lower priced "econo" version of the 2016 Apex and has a few less ports than the Apex. The easiest way to tell the difference is Apex has an ORP and Salinity port, the EL doesn't. There are a few other 'deleted' options for the EL. Both have WiFi. Best to explore descriptions;

Apex - Apex Controller System - Neptune Systems - Bulk Reef Supply
Apex EL - ApexEL Controller System - Neptune Systems - Bulk Reef Supply

takitaj · Mar 14, 2021

Also, all ( most?) of the deleted options can be added later on via additional modules.

reefs4life · Mar 14, 2021

Great question, I've been wondering the same since I just upgraded but like you I've had my 'classic' Apex for over 10 years now.

If I'm not mistaken, some of the newer modules can't be used on our Apex, for example, I think the Trident requires the new brain.

Does the new brain support legacy modules though? Like does a PM1, PM2 connect to it or more importantly EB4s, EB4HD and EB8?

jose hernandez · Mar 14, 2021

i had the first one pain in the ****i needed a 50 foot cable to hardwire it to my desktop to install it now it has the wifi in it much easier you cant go wrong

takitaj · Mar 14, 2021

Yes, the 2016 Apex & EL support all the modules & display as well as the EB4/8 (possibly orange label only?). It still uses the same AquaBus communications cables. See the links in my earlier post and below for more info and specifics.

The mfgr - Neptune Systems – Aquarium Controllers, Aquarium Monitoring, and Aquarium Automation

cilyjr · Mar 14, 2021

jose hernandez said:
i had the first one pain in the ****i needed a 50 foot cable to hardwire it to my desktop to install it now it has the wifi in it much easier you cant go wrong

I would always prefer a wired connection. And as I have had the cable to my fish room for some time going directly to the router and it really makes very little difference to me. However I could see how that would be an advantage for a person newly setting up

cilyjr · Mar 14, 2021

reefs4life said:
Great question, I've been wondering the same since I just upgraded but like you I've had my 'classic' Apex for over 10 years now.

If I'm not mistaken, some of the newer modules can't be used on our Apex, for example, I think the Trident requires the new brain.

Does the new brain support legacy modules though? Like does a PM1, PM2 connect to it or more importantly EB4s, EB4HD and EB8?

So unless I'm interested in getting a trident it really doesn't seem like there's a big advantage to switching. Especially since I already have a backup brain in a drawer loaded with my system profile.

Thank you to everyone for replying

cilyjr · Mar 14, 2021

reefs4life said:
Great question, I've been wondering the same since I just upgraded but like you I've had my 'classic' Apex for over 10 years now.

If I'm not mistaken, some of the newer modules can't be used on our Apex, for example, I think the Trident requires the new brain.

Does the new brain support legacy modules though? Like does a PM1, PM2 connect to it or more importantly EB4s, EB4HD and EB8?

I do know that the newer brain will support the older modules. As I was only looking to upgrade the brain had already checked that out. You cannot get individual amp updates from each plug like you can the newer eb832s but it will still work a standard eb8 and 4 and all of your other modules

reefs4life · Mar 14, 2021

cilyjr said:
I do know that the newer brain will support the older modules. As I was only looking to upgrade the brain had already checked that out. You cannot get individual amp updates from each plug like you can the newer eb832s but it will still work a standard eb8 and 4 and all of your other modules

Thanks for the info. In that case, I don't think it's financially worth it to upgrade. Honestly a new Apex is over 300 for the brain and if you want the new features like you're saying about individual outlet amp monitoring, a few EB832s would be quite pricey as well. As they always say if it ain't broke, don't fix it lol

cilyjr · Mar 14, 2021

reefs4life said:
Thanks for the info. In that case, I don't think it's financially worth it to upgrade. Honestly a new Apex is over 300 for the brain and if you want the new features like you're saying about individual outlet amp monitoring, a few EB832s would be quite pricey as well. As they always say if it ain't broke, don't fix it lol

I think we have reached the same conclusion