Vectra and neptune Apex

[adhd_nerd]

My guess is that they can implement the vectra's controllability into rivaling pumps (like Jebao, Waveline, ect...) and reduce the need for a premium pump like the Vectra

This is not rocket science. Have a closed interface does not prevent it, it is business ethics/etiquette that does (and lawyers).

 

[rmchoi]

What we might be seeing is both companies growing and gaining enough critical mass to stand apart from each other. It is possible this is a new paradigm shift from the Apex-Ecotech integration that we are all used to. The release of Reeflink and 1LINK are likely the beginnings of this shift. (Forgive me if this is old news and I am just realizing this).

Consider if Apex offered new module to control Vectra, I suspect the integration might alleviate some frustration and people would buy this Apex module (for about $100, the average cost of an Apex module). Reeflink cost the same. Might be worth using both Apex and Reeflink.

From my experience, its not that difficult to use both interfaces. I am heavy user of both Apex and Ecotech gear, using Reeflink for Votechs, Radions and Vectra; and Apex for everything else. Once the Radion, Vortech and Vectra are set in Reeflink, I hardly make any more changes. Sure, one interface would be easier and more convenient, but I find it fairly easy to use both. Its not perfect, but at the end of the day, most all the gear that I like to use is automated.

 

[William Bunton]

So, FWIW, here's my take on it. I've got a Vectra on of my tanks. Sure, it would be nice to put it into feed mode along with the rest of the tank, but just turning it off works just as well. (Assuming the Vectra starts up again, sometimes it doesn't...)

When I bought four Radions, I bought a reeflink. Well, that was a mistake. It sort of controls the Vectra, but frankly the control of the Radions was pitiful. I might have given it more than the one shot, but it turns out it's not connected (status led shows green/orange) about 75% of the time. So, now that I've replaced my MPs with WAVs, I'll keep the Radions until I can't control them through the Apex any more. And see if I can recover a few bucks by selling the Reeflink.

As far the argument "Neptune is starting to make competing products", if that's the rationale for no Vectra support that's just sour grapes. If I'm looking for a return pump that can be controlled by the Apex, then Ecotech doesn't get the sale, though they most likely would if they had Apex support. That's not just theoretical -- I'm actually sort of in the market for a new pump for my 265, something that's Apex controllable. So the Red Dragon is looking good to me too.

 

[Jlobes]

well if your looking for a return pump that can be controlled with the apex, youll have to wait for the COR

 

[nbagnardi]

it would be fantastic if ecotech actually responded and ended all the he said, she said bull.

 

[rbraunberger]

I purchased Radion lights, Vortech pumps, and the Vectra for my tank. I have been really happy with everything except the Vectra. Building a new tank and EcoTech unfortunately is not on my equipment list.

I tried to incorporate the ReefLink with my system, but like others on this forum have said it is difficult to be running multiple controllers on a system. Plus the reliability of the ReefLink has a LONG WAYS to go to match APEX. My Link constantly looses connection, and I get those emails saying my Vectra is no longer connected! I do like the ability to use the battery backups, but I will find a way to incorporate on my new build. Sorry EchoTech, but you lost me! Going with the APEX WAVES, and will pull the Vectra when the COR or another apex controllable pump is released.

I am sticking with the Radions since I already have them, but really hope that they do not go into some political crap and update the firmware to not work with APEX.

 

[Gasman]

I was about to buy the Vectra but, then I read here that it can't be controlled by Apex.......But the MP40's can? I'll wait for one that can be controlled by Apex. Don't know what's up with these 2 companies but, it's going to cost Ecotech Vectra sales.

 

[francoiskarm]

Here in Europe Apex start an internet shop ( 220-240v-60hz) with compatible power bare ( different for each contry).
The natural return pump is the Royal exclusiv Red Dragon Mini 3 in 70 watt with the 0-10 v control box option.
Not cheap, but build like a tank in GERMANY, and it will never fail to restart.

 

[Azerione]

What about connecting the reeflink to apex!!!

 

[Teddyboy16]

I purchased Radion lights, Vortech pumps, and the Vectra for my tank. I have been really happy with everything except the Vectra. Building a new tank and EcoTech unfortunately is not on my equipment list.

I tried to incorporate the ReefLink with my system, but like others on this forum have said it is difficult to be running multiple controllers on a system. Plus the reliability of the ReefLink has a LONG WAYS to go to match APEX. My Link constantly looses connection, and I get those emails saying my Vectra is no longer connected! I do like the ability to use the battery backups, but I will find a way to incorporate on my new build. Sorry EchoTech, but you lost me! Going with the APEX WAVES, and will pull the Vectra when the COR or another apex controllable pump is released.

I am sticking with the Radions since I already have them, but really hope that they do not go into some political crap and update the firmware to not work with APEX.

Get a WXM module to control, your Radions and Vortechs. You can do battery backup with a ups appropriately sized. Search for it.

 

[Dumaurier7]

Anymore on this ?anyone at EcoTech care to respond ?

 

[Chris155hp]

i gave up going to red dragon 80w especially with the L1 over heating issues

 

[Dumaurier7]

I've had two L1's for a couple months now with no issues.

 

[Chris155hp]

Your lucky have talked to a few local reefers who have had issues especially when the pump is used externally

 

[Dumaurier7]

I use mine externally too, maybe it's because I don't run them constantly at full capacity, they folly a schedule where they peak at 45% at midday. Thus far I think they are a great value for the money which can only get better if they allow 3rd party control. I absolutely hate being dictated to after I spend my money! The thing already has the wifi capability, I just don't get it. I had purchased 4x Hydra 52 HD lights and sold them 2 months after for the same reason.

 

[Breadman03]

I use mine externally too, maybe it's because I don't run them constantly at full capacity, they folly a schedule where they peak at 45% at midday. Thus far I think they are a great value for the money which can only get better if they allow 3rd party control. I absolutely hate being dictated to after I spend my money! The thing already has the wifi capability, I just don't get it. I had purchased 4x Hydra 52 HD lights and sold them 2 months after for the same reason.

Based on the reading I've done, the overheating issue seems to be primarily affecting people who run them externally at near 100% power.

As far as connectivity with the WXM goes, well, I bought a Reeflink just for Radion G4 Pros. It was a royal pain to get two Radions and 3 MP40's connected and it seems like half of the time either one or more devices aren't connected or ESL thinks I'm offline when my Reeflink says it's connected fine. Needless to say, I'm stoked that Neptune has a beta for G4 Pro control that I'll be installing tomorrow since I've got a few days off of work and can work on the reef.

 

[gcarroll]

i gave up going to red dragon 80w especially with the L1 over heating issues

Why are you concerned over the L1 issues. If you got an L1 you would be running it near 50% compared to your RD3. Of the few with overheating issues, most all are running at 100%. The M1 hasn't had any issues from what I have seen. That is the pump that is more in line with your RD3 performance.

 

[Azerione]

+1 on the M1 mine has no issues and even works on my DIY 12v Battery Back-up...

 

[Dumaurier7]

i gave up going to red dragon 80w especially with the L1 over heating issues

If the folks at Ecotech don't even have the courtesy to provide a response of any type I may have to do the same and chuck my L1's for a pair of RD3's.

 

[sn2per]

If the folks at Ecotech don't even have the courtesy to provide a response of any type I may have to do the same and chuck my L1's for a pair of RD3's.

Your not going to get an official reply from Ecotech on this subject via a user forum. The issues between the two companies have been held close to the chest with users of the equipment like us left to speculate. I was also a Product tester once upon a time and even we weren't told why the Vectra wasn't officially going to be Apex ready. No one officially said anything about them being compatable... a lot of people had an opinion and hopes but nothing directly from Ecotech.

Those of you with issues surrounding the Reeflink. I've been helping people with these units for years now and a popular issue in the U.S. by far is the internet provider. Your ISPs seem to change DNS and DCHP settings on a regular basis along with Firewall issues that you can't even see at the user level. I always try the basics and then suggest that the owner contacts ETM via their Zendesk service. The guys are normally able to pinpoint the issue and offer a fix. I've not heard of too many users going down this route that then continue to have issues. I have owned a Reeflink since just after they were released in the U.K. and it's never dropped it's connection. I can unplug it for weeks at a time and it always fires back up once it's plugged back in via cat5 or wifi...

Forums are a good place to vent but issues need to be logged and corrected or ETM will never know you have an issue.

Don't get me wrong this forum carries members that will work for ETM I have no doubt but it was run by Randy and now by Myself and we don't work for Ecotech. It's a users forum..