Black vs. Orange Label Apex

[Bob Escher]

Well you can add the separate modules separately and they will work

 

[Sleepydoc]

I've been going back and forth between the Classic and the 2016. I finally bought the Classic model mainly because the modules are seperate. I realized in case of a failure, I'd rather be without a module than the brain. You cant send in a section of the 2016 model if something goes south.
Thats just my idea.

Not sure I follow - the only difference in ports on the 'brain' unit between the classic and 2016 models is that the 2016 model includes a salinity probe port. Otherwise they have the same ports. Are you referring to the fact that the 1Link and DC24 ports are included on the EB832 but not the EB8?

 

[Adam Kuhn]

I know I’m waaaaay late to the party but there was so much good info here I thought it might be worth asking a few questions rather than start a new thread.

I’m just getting back into the hobby at the request of my 12 year old daughter. She has fond memories of our previous tanks when she was little (of course she doesn’t remember doing any of the work to keep them going). Anyway, we’ve since relocated and travel fairly often to visit family back home so I want to get an Apex for peace of mind when we’re on the road. Our tank is pretty straight forward:
JBJ 45 AIO
AI Prime HD (we haven’t added corrals so this may turn into 2)
Using cheap generic powerheads until I can find a reasonably priced Gyre
Already have a AutoAqua ATO
Tunze 9004 skimmer (Which I want to throw out a window)
IM Reactor

Basically nothing overly complicated. I love the Apex 2016 but it feels like overkill on this tank. I’ll have to buy additional modules either way (ie. auto feeder) so it’s not even a one stop shop. Looks like they can be had second hand for about $650. Thoughts on opting for a Jr or Classic for a simple setup like this? If so, what’s the magic price that makes it worthwhile to save the money? (Some Jr’s with no display/ temp probe go for $100ish) The main thing I’d want on the 2016 is the 1Link and 24v connections but won’t I have to buy FMM to use the new leak sensors and opitc sensors? (Which I think gives me one or two 24v’s)

Sorry for the LONG post, hopefully it makes it in front of at least one person. Haha

Thanks in advance! (And for suffering through my rambling)
Adam

 

[Bob Escher]

Hmm I have the JBJ 45 AIO which I actually converted to have a external sump. Now not knowing what I was doing and having run into some money I bought a apex full classic controller for my 37 gal fresh water system back 5 years ago along with two VORTECHS MP10’s.
Since that time. I have added almost all modules, gone to the 2016 controller two DOS’s to Dose, the ATK
As well. So....
I use to be a computer nerd I just guess I transferred that to my fish hobby
I guess it’s up to you. Save a little more and buy the newer system.
Or buy the classic.

The 2016 controller you can now buy by itself as well so you use all the class modules with it ( that is what I did

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

I know I’m waaaaay late to the party but there was so much good info here I thought it might be worth asking a few questions rather than start a new thread.

I’m just getting back into the hobby at the request of my 12 year old daughter. She has fond memories of our previous tanks when she was little (of course she doesn’t remember doing any of the work to keep them going). Anyway, we’ve since relocated and travel fairly often to visit family back home so I want to get an Apex for peace of mind when we’re on the road. Our tank is pretty straight forward:
JBJ 45 AIO
AI Prime HD (we haven’t added corrals so this may turn into 2)
Using cheap generic powerheads until I can find a reasonably priced Gyre
Already have a AutoAqua ATO
Tunze 9004 skimmer (Which I want to throw out a window)
IM Reactor

Basically nothing overly complicated. I love the Apex 2016 but it feels like overkill on this tank. I’ll have to buy additional modules either way (ie. auto feeder) so it’s not even a one stop shop. Looks like they can be had second hand for about $650. Thoughts on opting for a Jr or Classic for a simple setup like this? If so, what’s the magic price that makes it worthwhile to save the money? (Some Jr’s with no display/ temp probe go for $100ish) The main thing I’d want on the 2016 is the 1Link and 24v connections but won’t I have to buy FMM to use the new leak sensors and opitc sensors? (Which I think gives me one or two 24v’s)

Sorry for the LONG post, hopefully it makes it in front of at least one person. Haha

Thanks in advance! (And for suffering through my rambling)
Adam

I never recommend the Jr just because I don’t think it’s a good deal considering its limitations compared to price difference between the other apex options.

Maybe consider a used apex classic lite. A few steps below the full classic but nothing that can’t be made up for with a few modules.

 

[Drauka99]

Agree with Lobster. I have a Lite as backup right now. The only reason a 2016 is running on my system right now is I wanted to be ready for the Trident add on when it does finally hit the market.

 

[crs751]

When I switched from DA/Archon to Apex I purchased a used Apex Classic Gold from a user on this site. I added a few more modules and an EB8 I needed to operate my tank. I have a 75G with a +/- 30G sump. My use of the Apex has expanded and includes AWC's, ATO, heater control, lighting control, Jebao power heads control, calcium reactor and nitrate reactor feed pump. In short I don't have any third party controllers on any of my equipment; just one source of control thru the Apex.

I think the decision you need to make comes down to numbers but most likely a used Apex would be the most cost effective IMO. The variable that didn't exist when I bought my Apex is that now you can buy the 2016 Head Unit only. With that unit you could eliminate modules like the PM2 if you only need to use one salinity probe and it gets you the 24v outputs as well.

You know this already but the Apex is a great piece of equipment made better by the support structure that exists through Apex directly and the large user group. You have security that when you have an issue or question it is going to be resolved quickly.

 

[Adam Kuhn]

Thanks all, I can't tell you how much I appreciate the responses. I didn't even know what the Trident was before now... I'm amazed at how Apex keeps cranking out amazing products. I'm sort of a gadget nerd with other things and I'm almost afraid to jump in knowing that it won't be long before I have an Apex addiction. (The same thing happened with z-wave/smartthings and I don't think my wife and daughter have ever fully recovered). I may keep an eye out for a classic or a lite - if I can get a solid deal on one then it definitely makes sense over the Jr. It also seems like the resale market is semi decent so even getting one in the meantime may cost me a few bucks in the end but will allow me to acquire some modules I'll want for my eventual 2016 anyway. Such an expensive ecosystem to buy in to but seems sooooo worth it. Thanks again!

 

[crs751]

FYI, check out the For Sale Drygoods forum on the site. Someone is selling a complete classic Apex at a great price. It includes a PM2 module with salinity probe. Only used about 2 years and the seller has the original paperwork. He is the only owner.