AVIDAQUA Insight Pro Display Panel - Review

cobraz · Feb 25, 2026

All, I used to do reviews on equipment many years ago... today I will be reviewing the AVIDAQUA Insight Pro Display Panel.

The packaging is firm and well made and if you have purchased one of the Probe or Doser lines holders, you can appreciate the packaging.

Beyond the packaging..once opened what is inside the box.
The Display Panel
A USB-C to USB-C cable
A optional mount that works with their magnet sets.
A information card to download the App.

At this point two things need to be done.
1. Power the Display panel up - that is a challenge: number 1...USB-C to USB-C cable that rules out plugging it into your Neptune Apex Pro's EB8 as the EB8's have extra USB ports if you have not used them all.

Also not being able to have a USB end on the cable you plug it into a USB mini plug just about all of us have one in our home. Very disappointed in this cable configuration for the average users.

Lucky for me, I just happened to have a USB to USB-C cable...and I plugged it into my EB8 problem solved. (Nope not solved as you are not supposed to plug it in the EB8)..notified by App after power up.

To further solve the issue with the supplied cable I picked up a USB to (Female)USB-C connector for $9.00 on Amazon.

2. The Display needs to be configured using the App which with a quick search is named slightly different from what instructions said.

Also the App Display Pic seemed childish for a New Display Panel for a Neptune Apex (just my opinion).

cobraz · Feb 25, 2026

Part 2:
Now that the Power issue is solved.
The App connects to your Interent connection (Note you need to be on the same network name as the Apex).
The Display panel connects - runs an update and the display shows the Preset configuration.

It displays the CO2 info and temp..not house temp but temp near the Display.
It also shows the following from the preset choices... Temp, PH, Salinity, Alk, Calcium and Magnesium. 6 choices that can be reconfigured to your pleasure.

If you have a Neptune Trident...your ready to go out of the box.

I played with the settings and changed what I wanted to show for the moment..see Pic.
It also supported other setting such as water level which I found interesting. For now I also added ORP and Salinity. Once I get a Neptune Trident I would add Cal and Mag for sure.

If you swipe Left or Right on the Display panel you can control items on the screen and Feed options as well...very useful as long as your hands are not wet.

cobraz · Feb 25, 2026

Final thoughts:

It is what it is a Display panel that takes the place of a Kindle or the old Orange Apex display panels that are outdated in this era of technology.

Pros:
Fun little gadget that allows you to look across the room and see your tank if your Cell Phone is not near by or for others to see your tank info.
Like the CO2 option to see if a oxygen scrubber is needed to boost PH.

Easy to configure and do limited customizations...based on what's avaliable.
Would like to see more User friendly options to display information. Icons or colors..maybe a second screen swipe as not everything will fit on one screen.

Cons:
It's not water tight, so because it has Air sensors they do some valuable information such as CO2 etc... It cancels the ability to mount it to the outside of your tank stand as it cannot get wet.

You are also limited as you do need power to keep the panel connected..so an outlet in a dry spot might be a challenge if you also want to see it.

Cons Update1:
The Display panel is extremely hot to touch hurt my finger ...trying to swipe left and right..odd issue to say the least.

Update 2:
Received a message on the app, not to use the EB8 for powering the Display panel. This is disappointing but may have something to do with panel heat..we will see.

Summary:
It works for what I wanted.... I can see it in a dry place and its just a fun toy to play with.
We will see as it evolves.

Cost:
The Base model sells for $150.00
Note: The base model does not do the following; CO2, Ambient Room Temp and VOCs (environment fumes, a.k.a. floor cleaner, room fresheners, sprays, etc.)

Which for $50 more is well worth it
The Pro model reviewed here sells for $200.00

It can freely stand on a counter or you can use the magnet kit which will also set up back another $25.00 but if you have a Control board you can mount it there using the supplied clip.

Other video's support mounting it in a cabinet - which to me is defeating the whole purpose of this device.

Jamie814 · Feb 25, 2026

I don't' really understand the need for this. IMO a tablet and the apex fusion app is better and more functional...

but that's just me.

rtparty · Feb 25, 2026

Do NOT plug it into the AquaBus ports on the EB8 or EB832!!!! They explicitly state this in many places.

Glad you found it

cobraz · Feb 25, 2026

rtparty said:
Do NOT plug it into the AquaBus ports on the EB8 or EB832!!!! They explicitly state this in many places.

Glad you found it

Yes, the App immediately popped up the warning.

areefer01 · Feb 25, 2026

rtparty said:
Do NOT plug it into the AquaBus ports on the EB8 or EB832!!!! They explicitly state this in many places.

As you are already aware, but for others in case they are not, EB832 ports are not the typical USB port. While they look similar they operate at different voltages. I believe a different pin configuration. This is documented.

Acroholic89 · Feb 25, 2026

I just got mine last week. Sitting by the tv upstairs so i can watch the tank. pretty awesome little device!

RSnodgrass · Feb 25, 2026

Appreciate the review and first impressions!
There are always trades for sure when designing and as we continue rolling out additional features (there a considerable list) it will become increasingly more powerful.

Glad the screen didn’t fry for you

Thank you for giving it a go and supporting us!

cobraz · Feb 25, 2026

RSnodgrass said:
Appreciate the review and first impressions!
There are always trades for sure when designing and as we continue rolling out additional features (there a considerable list) it will become increasingly more powerful.

Glad the screen didn’t fry for you

Thank you for giving it a go and supporting us!

I really do like your products, as I have the Probe Holder and Doser tube holder.
Their very well made and space saving a must.
Plus their not going anywhere once mounted, very strong construction.
I also have the Frag Traveler Trio... used it at Reefapalooza last year it was awesome for Zoanthids.

theishkid · Feb 25, 2026

Just to add on... I've had mine since December and it's honestly one of my favorite things. The tank is in our living room but we spend most of our night in our media room and I have this sitting below the TVs. I absolutely love glancing down to check on the tank. And as someone that used to use cheap smart devices I prefer the simplicity and size of the InSight. At first I didn't think much of it... but it's so great seeing it so easily without having to pull out the phone. I honestly love this and if they ever figure out a way to make them work if you're at another location (different wifi) I'll be getting one or two more.
My ony complaint is how small the bottom 3 parameters are. From where I sit they are not easy to read and the only thing I can think of is if they took off the dials around the numbers to just make the numbers larger. That being said if I had this at my office desk it would be perfect so everyone is going to have their own opinion there.

RSnodgrass · Feb 25, 2026

theishkid said:
Just to add on... I've had mine since December and it's honestly one of my favorite things. The tank is in our living room but we spend most of our night in our media room and I have this sitting below the TVs. I absolutely love glancing down to check on the tank. And as someone that used to use cheap smart devices I prefer the simplicity and size of the InSight. At first I didn't think much of it... but it's so great seeing it so easily without having to pull out the phone. I honestly love this and if they ever figure out a way to make them work if you're at another location (different wifi) I'll be getting one or two more.
My ony complaint is how small the bottom 3 parameters are. From where I sit they are not easy to read and the only thing I can think of is if they took off the dials around the numbers to just make the numbers larger. That being said if I had this at my office desk it would be perfect so everyone is going to have their own opinion there.

There has been active discussion around launching different skins and layouts.

I think I may have seen you post that font suggestion to our feature wish list, appreciate it.

For myself I really like it next to my bathroom sink. First thing I see in the morning and last at night... also close enough for alarms. I've had to many moments over the years with a new phone or setting silencing it. Or frankly silencing a minor alarm and missing the domino of new alarms after.