Apex Classic or 2016?

[LBReefer]

After suffering some near disasters, I’m considering some level of automation for my tank and could use some advice.

Here are my must haves:

1. Leak detection and notification via email/text
2. Salinity monitoring
3. Controller for cooler/heater.


Nice to haves:
1. Pump and power head controller for MP40s
2. On/off function for lumilight and ATI T-5.
3. ph monitoring
4. Dosing pump controls (I don’t dose now, but I’m considering it in the future.
5. Dimming capability for the lumilight- I’m not sure if they are built for this.

I’m sure that there are many other functions out there, but these are the ones that strike me.

 

[Usctom]

I would go with the 2016. Most up to date and you will be able to use the trident when it comes out.

 

[Sleepydoc]

I would go with the 2016. Most up to date and you will be able to use the trident when it comes out.

Ditto. At this point the classic is getting a bit long in the tooth. It is still a viable, functional controller, though. What I found after I got an Apex was that I found more things to do with it.

Advantages of the 2016:
- ability to measure the power consumption of individual outlets and set alarms based on power usage
- ability to update firmware over WiFi
- built in WiFi (although it can be temperamental)
- EB832 powerbar also has two DC24 outlets and 3 1Link outlets. The onelink outlets are onlu useful for Apex accessories, but the DC 24 outlets are controllable like the 120V outlets and can be used for things like LED sump lights, fans, etc
- will be able to run the Trident (if that matters to you)
- better probes

Advantages of the classic
-cheaper, especially if you pick one up used. The converse of this is that it will have a lower potential resale value should you decide to sell it later.
- includes a display screen. You can buy one separately for the 2016, or just use an old iPad like I do.

 

[pelphrey]

I wanted the VDM port and ability to control heaters and floats with a controller. Which you can do with either the classic or newest model. Floats will require the break out box or FMM with optical sensors!

I’m running the classic and see no point in upgrading at the moment.

 

[pugcrush]

2016 for sure. As mentioned, Trident is definitely the biggest answer & best selling point. It should be a game changer.

You're must have's are encompassed in the 2016. Measuring salinity on the classic would need an additional module. If I recall, leak detection hooks up to the 2016 automatically also.

I've got both. Biggest advantage so far on the 2016 (for me at the moment) is the built in wifi. Like plenty of classic users, updating firmware probably isn't done all that often b/c of the wifi issue.

 

[Camaro Show Corals]

I just got the 2016 for my biocube 29 and it was well worth it best investment I made, the only issue was it took 3 days to install it because I couldn’t get it connected to my WiFi which is normally fine but it wouldn’t connect and ended up costing me $118 dollars to get a WiFi extender to work and provide strong enough signal

 

[LBReefer]

Thank you all for the feedback. Now to convince the spousal unit that spending $800 now will ultimately save us money ...

 

[eb_reef]

I had this same question but my tank is only 32 gallons so I couldn't justify spending 800 on a controller alone. I ended up picking up a used classic for 100 bucks and then a used EB8 for another hundred. I then grabbed a temp probe from my LFS for retail and made a custom breakout box. A set of float switches and a small pump from amazon and I have everything that I wanted with a controller for under 300. I have an ATO, can ramp my lights (Kessil a360), temp control (heater and fan for cooling) and email alerts.

I am sure I will end up spending more in the long run than I would have if I bought a new 2016 but this way I can slower add modules on as I go.

 

[DarthSimon]

I can understand maybe people that have classic not moving to 2016, but starting from scratch, 2016 all the way...

 

[BluewaterLa]

I've got the Classic package with three EB8's and all probes, DOS, DDR, 1 Link, WAV, FMM along with a few others.
This was bought three years ago and I continued to buy more for it as I wanted or needed, More wanted.
Two weeks or so ago I came home right in time to watch my tank blip, All outlets went to default ON or OFF.
After much trying and trouble shooting, made support ticket.
End of the line for this classic as the head unit is no longer communicating with the rest of the package.
Will be sending in the classic brain unit for repair / replacement but in the mean time did some thinking and just ordered a new 2016 package. Arrived today and will be spending any time available swapping over.
Hope this one last longer than three years.

Before anyone starts asking about how it got damaged, It didnt and never has been around moisture.
Separate equipment cabinet kept cool with smart fans for exhaust. Only One EB8 is under my stand to supply power to three things with short cords and provide Bus cables to the DOS units.
I have all Reefing gear plugged into four expensive surge protectors then the wall with two dedicated 20 amp circuits.
So No worries on storms or power surges here.
Dont know what the heck happened, Guess just more of my great luck :0