Apex or Jr for the controller ignorant

[hig789]

Apex question for those of you that have them.

I was going to buy a Kessil spectral controller for my 2 360we's but I have been debating on just getting a Apex or a Apex JR. About the only things I want to control with it is my lights, 2 BRS dosing pumps, heater and possibly my skimmer(so it doesn't overflow when I kill the return to feed. From what I understand I'd like to get a fusion also for email and text alerts since it won't always be connected to a CPU.

Would I need a Apex or would the JR be okay, and what extra would I need to control those things?

Thanks for any help. I'm controller ignorant.

 

[dbrewsky]

I would personally go with the full APEX if you can afford the slight upgrade. Its a great system and most people will upgrade beyond the JR. You also will get 8 outlets for control vs the 4 for the JR. The kessils can be controlled through the variable voltage ports via the kessil apex control cable:

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/kessil-a360-control-cable-type-1-neptune-apex.html

Once you get the system you will not regret your decision to go with the full APEX vs the JR to accomplish your goals. Regardless both systems can be fully upgraded to whatever system configuration you would like by adding modules, however, you will save money in the long run by purchasing the full apex from the beginning.

 

[hig789]

Thanks that's what I figured. Might as well get the full in the beginning vs upgrading in the future.

 

[dbrewsky]

It really is the best solution and you will kick yourself in the foot for not getting the full Apex as you will find shortly that you will want all your equipment controlled via the APEX. I have no issue stating that a controller such as the apex is a major factor in long term success with keeping reefs. It has saved me a couple times already from potentially livestock impacting events already.

 

[RussM]

The kessils can be controlled through the variable voltage ports

Adding to this.... the Apex has 4 variable speed/intensity ports built in. The Apex JR does not, so if you go with a JR, you'd also have to buy a $100 expansion module called the VDM to get variable speed ports in order to fully control your A360s.

 

[dbrewsky]

Sorry RussM I meant to convey that the JR does not have this functionality, but didn't re-read my post before sumbitting

 

[hig789]

Awesome. Thanks everyone. Doesn't seem that the Jr would be a very good route for anyone wanting to control lights or DC pumps.

 

[Harry_Y]

I use the vdm ports to control a pair of Maxspec Gyre pumps