Which controller did you get?
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SuncrestReef
That Apex guy
I chose the Neptune Apex partly because the Hydros didn't exist in 2018 when I was starting my tank.
I am probably one of the biggest fans of the Apex here on R2R, so much so that I wrote a whole series of Apex tutorials to help other reefers get the most out of their systems. If you're interested in seeing what Apex programming is like, take a look at my tutorials here:
www.reef2reef.com
I haven't used a Hydros yet, but I will say it looks impressive. But I'm perfectly happy with my Apex and have no plans to make a change.
I am probably one of the biggest fans of the Apex here on R2R, so much so that I wrote a whole series of Apex tutorials to help other reefers get the most out of their systems. If you're interested in seeing what Apex programming is like, take a look at my tutorials here:
Articles by SuncrestReef
www.reef2reef.com
I haven't used a Hydros yet, but I will say it looks impressive. But I'm perfectly happy with my Apex and have no plans to make a change.
Gtinnel
10K Club member
I went with Neptune Apex because it has a ton of community support, a lot of which is from @SuncrestReef.
I looked at GHL but I could often find users posting questions online that no one ever answered, which that doesn't happen with Apex.
Hydros was around when I got my Apex but I didn't consider it because it's still too new to the controller industry for my liking.
I can honestly say that I don't regret my decision at all and I couldn't image having a reef tank without the Apex/Trident/Dos combination. I absolutely love controlled dosing.
I looked at GHL but I could often find users posting questions online that no one ever answered, which that doesn't happen with Apex.
Hydros was around when I got my Apex but I didn't consider it because it's still too new to the controller industry for my liking.
I can honestly say that I don't regret my decision at all and I couldn't image having a reef tank without the Apex/Trident/Dos combination. I absolutely love controlled dosing.
DIY running on Node-RED. 
But if you want ease of setup and operation then Apex would be my choice.
But if you want ease of setup and operation then Apex would be my choice.
I have both...
Been running Neptune for 5 years (couple of my items are 7+ years old) and not a single failure to date. Knock on wood! The wifi was not easy to get setup the first time but the community help is unreal.
Picked up a Hydros like 8 months ago. Way easier to setup than Apex initially but I'm weird and find the Apex coding easier than Hydros. If then is so simple.
Hydros is definitely making a splash but I'm hesitant to believe CoralVue will provide good customer service consistently. It hasn't been my experience in the past with them.
So it comes down to community help IMO. Apex wins this by a landslide and I'm optimistic that BRS is going to push Neptune back in the right direction.
Been running Neptune for 5 years (couple of my items are 7+ years old) and not a single failure to date. Knock on wood! The wifi was not easy to get setup the first time but the community help is unreal.
Picked up a Hydros like 8 months ago. Way easier to setup than Apex initially but I'm weird and find the Apex coding easier than Hydros. If then is so simple.
Hydros is definitely making a splash but I'm hesitant to believe CoralVue will provide good customer service consistently. It hasn't been my experience in the past with them.
So it comes down to community help IMO. Apex wins this by a landslide and I'm optimistic that BRS is going to push Neptune back in the right direction.
ProxyAquarist
Active Member
I got my son a Apex for the Holidays and his birthday.
I checked out reviews and the Apex forums first. As mentioned by Gtinnel, there is a large degree of "community support." As a novice and new member here, I was not aware of SuncrestReef's Apex tutorials. I will definitely check them out and send my son the information.
Let 2022 be great for all Reefers,
Jim
Lbrdsoxfan
5000 Club Member
Bought a Apex classic in early 2017 from a co-worker that upgraded to a newer 2016 model. Once I figured out the programming it's pretty easy. I picked it due to being less choices in the market at the time and fairly wide support outside of official channels.
At this point I run 2 systems on two classic controllers, one system has a PM2 & FMM and a mix of EB8's and EB4's on both systems. Also a few breakout boxes for AWC, ATO & feed/equipment button shutoff setups. I'm preparing to start a third system with another classic setup. I don't plan a 2016 model as I don't plan to submit totally to Neptune's ecosystem. I'm happy with simplicity and rock solid reliability I've had in almost 5 years of running Apex classic controllers.
Now if I was to buy a system today from scratch, either a Hydros or reefpi would be my choices. Lower break in cost and not as much ecosystem investment to one brand.
At this point I run 2 systems on two classic controllers, one system has a PM2 & FMM and a mix of EB8's and EB4's on both systems. Also a few breakout boxes for AWC, ATO & feed/equipment button shutoff setups. I'm preparing to start a third system with another classic setup. I don't plan a 2016 model as I don't plan to submit totally to Neptune's ecosystem. I'm happy with simplicity and rock solid reliability I've had in almost 5 years of running Apex classic controllers.
Now if I was to buy a system today from scratch, either a Hydros or reefpi would be my choices. Lower break in cost and not as much ecosystem investment to one brand.
A;exr54
Well-Known Member
Awesome present!!
n2585722
2500 Club Member
I went from the Digital Aquatics Archon to the Hydros. So far it has been able to do every thing I was doing with the Archon. That includes heaters, cooling fans, Return pump and skimmer at the tank. It also controls my RODI unit along with my three storage tanks in the garage. It also controls ATO, AWC and All for Reef dosing. I have a DI storage tank in the garage for ATO. When it goes low it turns on the RODI and refills it. I also have a fresh saltwater storage tank in the garage that is used for AWC. when it goes low it refills it with water from the mix tank if it is ready to use. Once the water is transferred it will turn on the RODI and refill the mix tank. all I have to do is add the salt mix and press a push button when it is ready for use. Of course this was all being done previously with my Archon. I was even able to use most of the sensors I was using with the Archon except the temp sensors. I have been using it for over a year and really like it.
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YOYOYOReefer
Valuable Member
Anybody else finding with controllers built into the equipment that a "master controller" is a bit dated to own these days. My lights run themselves, the powerheads/wavemakers have their own controllers. I use a ph meter with my calcium reactor but not a controller,kalkreactor doesnt need a probe. Waterchanges by litermeters and ATO by Litermeter , inkbird and the thermostat in the heaters, they all have controllers built in. Ive been out of the hobby 10 years but to me it seems the apex didnt improve much besides get uglier looking , but the rest of the gear sure improved much..
I can see a controller to monitor parameters, These first generation ALK testing devices if they need a controller will probably sway me. I would like to auto check and dose alkalinity , Im waiting till they start making second generation as they will improve , thats a real nice improvement coming to the hobby.
ive got a hydros control 4 and a profilux 4 in my cart , give me a reason to push the button.
Those apex power bars are just way to expensive and not built for marine environments, ive had several friends tanks crash when their power strips internals succomb to salt vapor. None of these power bars are really made correctly for the task thats asked of them.
I can see a controller to monitor parameters, These first generation ALK testing devices if they need a controller will probably sway me. I would like to auto check and dose alkalinity , Im waiting till they start making second generation as they will improve , thats a real nice improvement coming to the hobby.
ive got a hydros control 4 and a profilux 4 in my cart , give me a reason to push the button.
Those apex power bars are just way to expensive and not built for marine environments, ive had several friends tanks crash when their power strips internals succomb to salt vapor. None of these power bars are really made correctly for the task thats asked of them.
ColoredRock
Well-Known Member
I just bought myself a Christmas present and if the weather in Canada would warm up a smidge I might be able to play with it.
I went with a Reef-Pi/Robo Tank. I might have bitten off more then I can chew (again) .. not as pretty fairly complex but oh so many options....
Also does not lock you into a certain line of products. It is open source so if a brand name controller gets discontinued, there is still support for it.
regarding controller needs -- I will continue to use the built in controllers for the equipment if they come with it. I want the controller as a fail safe.
Ph High - shut off dosser - alarm/email
Water level high Shut off top off
Temp - high shut off heater alarm/email
Water where it is not supposed to be alarm/email
etc.
I went with a Reef-Pi/Robo Tank. I might have bitten off more then I can chew (again) .. not as pretty fairly complex but oh so many options....
Also does not lock you into a certain line of products. It is open source so if a brand name controller gets discontinued, there is still support for it.
regarding controller needs -- I will continue to use the built in controllers for the equipment if they come with it. I want the controller as a fail safe.
Ph High - shut off dosser - alarm/email
Water level high Shut off top off
Temp - high shut off heater alarm/email
Water where it is not supposed to be alarm/email
etc.
Galiant50
Community Member
I went with APEX a few months ago because with the backing of BRS the amount of support that it will have in the future will be unmatched. That and with the amazing community this thing has been a breeze
Utubereefer
10K Club member
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+1 for Apex
Andresnyc93
Valuable Member
Apex for the same posted reasons, have been around for longer and have more information in case something happens which always does. It also offers more support for more brands out there so therefor less hassle on trying to figure things out
n2585722
2500 Club Member
The Hydros controllers with exception of XP8 are IP65 rated. The XP8 will have AC outlets so that will kill the rating but it is still in the same type case as the other controllers. The WiFi power bars are not IP65 rated either. The issue with AC is none of the equipment you would be plugging into it has the proper type of plug for a IP65 rating. Also the Hydros will interface with the Alkatronic and Mastertronic units via WiFi. They each are a WIFI device. The Hydros controller will control up to 8 WiFI devices. Of coarse if you require a lot of AC outlets on the controller you will probably want a XP8 and that is a controller and not considered a WiFi device and has 8 outlets. If you have not seen the Hydros app below is a couple of screenshots of my storage tanks page. You can make several pages to split up the inputs and outputs into groups like I have.These are not all the inputs and outputs I have setup but just what is in the garage with the storage tanks. There are a couple of outputs that are not even associated with the aquarium but it was easy to use the Hydros to control them. If you do go with the Hydros control 4 if it is the first controller you want to get the starter kit. That way you will get the power supply to power the controller along with a pH probe, temp sensor and one WiFi power strip.
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encrustingacro
2500 Club Member
I don’t have experience with the Apex or the Hydros, however, I would get the Apex if you have a larger budget or the Hydros if you have a smaller budget.
