Used Apex Classic

[Memphis]

I know someone selling a used Apex Classic with the leak module and 3 pads along for $425. Depending on how "used" the system is, does that seem like a decent deal? I see they're still going for $550 new, so it seems almost worth the extra $ to go new for piece of mind and maybe warranty (if they have one). What does everyone think?

 

[prsnlty]

I know someone selling a used Apex Classic with the leak module and 3 pads along for $425. Depending on how "used" the system is, does that seem like a decent deal? I see they're still going for $550 new, so it seems almost worth the extra $ to go new for piece of mind and maybe warranty (if they have one). What does everyone think?

Yes and no.... if you take away with a cost for the leak module and other components that are in addition to the main system he's asking a fair price. That is provided it's orange label and not black. If the leak module and pads are something you would like to have in addition to the Apex then 450 is worth it. On the other hand if you go and grab a new one it's covered for warranty. Although I personally have never heard of anybody having an issue unless somebody burned out his eb8 Outlets due to Salt creep or something like that. But of course that's not Apex's fault [emoji6]

 

[Memphis]

Thanks for the reply! Attached is a pic of what's for sale. I'm a controller noon, but I would assume that's orange label?

 

[Memphis]

I figured as long as none of the parts that aren't supposed to get wet get wet, then they probably last a long time. I've been thinking about getting one and always have a hard time getting past the price. However, I know they're basically like a nice insurance plan. If I have a leak or a heater crap out on my, I'd be glad I had it... Or be kicking myself for not having one and coming home to a dead tank.

 

[prsnlty]

Thanks for the reply! Attached is a pic of what's for sale. I'm a controller noon, but I would assume that's orange label?

Does he have the ph probe and is keeping it wet? If so, all of this is worth the $450.

 

[prsnlty]

I figured as long as none of the parts that aren't supposed to get wet get wet, then they probably last a long time. I've been thinking about getting one and always have a hard time getting past the price. However, I know they're basically like a nice insurance plan. If I have a leak or a heater crap out on my, I'd be glad I had it... Or be kicking myself for not having one and coming home to a dead tank.

Absolutely! The things that Apex can do is endless. For example, you can set the skimmer on a delay after your return powers up rather than at the same time. Put timers and alarms on EVERYTHING , run an ato, dosing and a ton more. They are worth every penny. I have 2 systems on one apex and about to add a 3rd

 

[Memphis]

I'm not sure. I have yet to hear back from the seller, but I'll be sure to ask! The original price posted was $500 and he's down to $425 actually, so maybe even more worth it even if I need to purchase a new problem!

 

[Memphis]

Definitely leaning towards yes. That's all I hear about controllers and I definitely want those oh crap alerts so I can react to a bad situation before it gets worse. This used price is easier to fork over the money for rather than new. Not to mention, it sounds like you can chart out test results, which is kind of nice. I've just been using an app called aquarium note on my phone for that to this point

 

[Memphis]

Do you know if the classic can be rigged up to use wifi with some kind of dongle? I've done some searching and it sounds like it's possible. I just can't run a cat5 cable to it where it would be in my house.

 

[prsnlty]

Do you know if the classic can be rigged up to use wifi with some kind of dongle? I've done some searching and it sounds like it's possible. I just can't run a cat5 cable to it where it would be in my house.

It is supposed to but from what I understand doesn't always work and it didn't for me. I have mine direct wired. I just ran it through the wall into the attic and back down through the wall

 

[Memphis]

Yeah, if I'm crafty I might be able to do something like that if I can't get it to work. I know I won't be able to control my lights since I have the Hydra 52 HDs, but that's not really a deal breaker since I can control them already. Leaning more and more towards yes for this purchase

 

[prsnlty]

Yeah, if I'm crafty I might be able to do something like that if I can't get it to work. I know I won't be able to control my lights since I have the Hydra 52 HDs, but that's not really a deal breaker since I can control them already. Leaning more and more towards yes for this purchase

I think It's a good buy. Even of you need to add on a standard ph probe for now and get a lab grade later on as cash permits.

 

[prsnlty]

Btw there is an AI module that you can get so you can run them from apex. Pretty sure the hydras are included (but i could be wrong, I have the sol blues still lol) though I've seen people with their 52s on the Apex....

 

[rui.manuel.gaspar]

Well,

You need to see what else you want to add to that APEX.
With the equipment in the photo you can't do ATO. You need either a break out box and some float switches or the new ATK

You only have leak detector and Jebao DC pump control. nothing else.

WiFi dongle it's possible, but from what I know it's not absolutely reliable. Also you can't do Firmware upgrades over wireless and you need direct connection to APEX for that (otherwise you risk break)
You can connect for that your computer directly to APEX.

I have my classic for 3y now and never failed me ... and yes, I bought it because one day I came home for a dead tank due to power loss.
It saved my tank already 3 or 4 times!

All the best,
Rui

 

[rui.manuel.gaspar]

Maybe there is a BoB in the sale as I see a cable that looks like it might be the grounds for BoB. You need to ask the seller because BoB is not in the picture!

 

[5altkreep]

Do everything you can to run thay ethernet cable. Wireless is nice and convenient, but the first time your away and cant log in because your router needs a reset, or something similar, youll regret not having it hardwired.

 

[Memphis]

Thanks for the replies/tips guys. It sounds like he has 2 DIY break out boxes that come with the unit as well. Not sure how much a DIY box is to be trusted. I'm sure I should be able to hard wire it to the router some how. I primarily want to just use it for monitoring temp and water level with some type of float switch initially, and obviously for leaks since it comes with it. The tank itself is probably about 15 years old or so (glass/silicone, not the actual reef). I already have an ato (just a cheap JBJ one I believe) and I don't have enough corals that I have to worry too much about does (just diluted kalk in the top off water).

 

[Memphis]

I guess that leads to a slightly related new question. If all I really want to monitor/alert at this point is the temp so I know if a heater failed or the water level so I know if a pump/protein skimmer is going haywire, is there a better more cost efficient alternative to an Apex? I know there's the reefkeeper, reef angel, and one other alternative but I've seen mixed reviews on those. I've also heard of some people rigging their own monitor up themselves with a rasberry pi. I work in IT, so that's something I've considered, but might be too far into the weeds and take a lot more time to set up.

 

[prsnlty]

I have to say that you wouldn't be happier with something other than the Apex. You think that that's all that you're going to use it for initially, I did too, but once you begin using it you're going to find that you're going to want to control your heater and every other aspect of your system with it. You can turn everything on and off individually through your Apex anywhere you are in the world. You can also make adjustments and not even be home. It's an amazing product and yes it is saved my tank also. You can piggy back EB8s and run as many outlets as you want. You can add as many tanks to it as you like as well. All you need to do that is an EB8, a cable and a pm module which would be used for additional pH probe temperature probe. I have my 45 G seahorse tank on the Apex with my 180 and I'm about to add my frag tank. It's really pretty cool and worth the money.

 

[rui.manuel.gaspar]

You can go with Arduino or Rasberry PI. There are lots of examples in the net ...

But if you are like me (and I am also a IT guy) ... it will take forever and you will never find the time to finish it.

APEX is a safe bet for the classical one!

BTW ... BoB as DIY is ok! it's pure standard dry contacts! Very easy to do ... not as eye pleasing as the BoB from Neptune but it works. Notice please that with that setup you can only plug in one BoB and not two!

All the best,
Rui