Which Apex?

AdamNC · Jan 23, 2016

Finally talked the wife into getting a controller but confused on which is best now. Apex Full or an Apex Lite. I'm looking to control/monitor 2 BRS dosing pumps, temp, ph, 2 Jebao WP-10s(upgrade in the future to MP10s), Tunze 6040 and a Tunze 3152. Possibly stuff later. Is the Lite upgradable or am I stuck with what it comes with?

RussM · Jan 23, 2016

The Apex Lite was discontinued a couple of years ago. An Apex Jr won't meet your needs without adding several expansion modules right off the bat, so take a look at the two available Apex packages: https://www.neptunesystems.com/products/apex-controllers/apex-controller-system/

jonh2765 · Jan 23, 2016

The thing I like about the Apex system is that you don't have buy everything at one time. I have been buying parts when i have the extra money.

bevo5 · Jan 23, 2016

There's really no reason to not go with the junior if if you feel like the Gold is too much controller. It used to be that they limited the number of extra modules you could connect to the junior, so you would eventually run out of options. But they've upped it or removed the limit - I can't remember which. Either way, you can get the junior an then add the modules you want. You'll want the WXM to run the pumps/lights and probably the PM1 for PH.

Of course this will cost you more in the longterm....but many of the modules you would want to buy (wxm, PM1, PM2, leak detection, feeder, DOS) don't come with the gold anyway. So unless you are just itching to know your ORP or have a conductivity probe that is hard to get to work...go with the junior.

You will probably want to add an EB8..so that will be another $140 or so right off the bat. That will give you 12 outlets. The gold (I think that's $700) comes with an EB6...so you would possibly still need another EB4 anyway.

jsker · Jan 23, 2016

Gold. Why mess around?

Sabellafella · Jan 23, 2016

The regular and gold come with an eb8. Theonly difference is thegoldcomes withpm2 . conductivity probe and orp probe

bevo5 · Jan 24, 2016

jsker said:
Gold. Why mess around?

I agree - but - $$$$$$.

I bought a Junior as my first one about a year ago. Spent all the money on upgrades. Then I bought the Gold for a new build and it's great to have it all in one.

jsker · Jan 24, 2016

bevo5 said:
I agree - but - $$$$$$.

I bought a Junior as my first one about a year ago. Spent all the money on upgrades. Then I bought the Gold for a new build and it's great to have it all in one.

I took me a couple of month to save up for it, but after doing the math. Buying the regular Apex and the upgrades for what I wanted, I paid upfront for the gold instead of later for the upgrades. I like the fact the gold also comes out of the box with Lab Grade probes. Also conductivity/salinity is included. Did i need the ORB, not really, again gold made more since the piecing it together.

Harry_Y · Jan 24, 2016

I went with the regular since I really don't have a need for the salinity probe

AdamNC · Jan 25, 2016

Well just got my W-2 in today, so looks like I'll be going with the regular next month

Look for incoming questions lol. Overtime pay from working MLK Day + Taxes should be more then enough for my Apex and a new Dish Washer that the wife has been wanting. Guess I have to make compromises somewhere.