Considering Neptune automated system

[honeydewcrew]

I'm considering buying a neptune automated set up:
- Neptune Apex Pro
- Neptune Trident
- Neptune Trident NP
- Neptune DOS

Anyone have experience with this system or recommend something else? I have a mixed reef in my prostar 90 and want to move towards automation.

Thanks for all the help!

 

[smitten with ocean life]

i really like my apex. and their doser. never have messed with the trident because from the things ive read, it looks to much like a headache for me. i do my own testing.

 

[Matt L]

I'm considering buying a neptune automated set up:
- Neptune Apex Pro
- Neptune Trident
- Neptune Trident NP
- Neptune DOS

Anyone have experience with this system or recommend something else? I have a mixed reef in my prostar 90 and want to move towards automation.

Thanks for all the help!

What would you like to know?

 

[rtparty]

I’ve had great success with the Apex stuff but skip the Trident NP. They still have horrible reviews a year later

 

[BryanM]

I have neptune, and mine works great.

But I thin the support and products from CoralVue (HYRDOS) are better, and I will be switching at some point.

 

[Tangdora]

0 issues using one. Have always for the most part been able to automate what I have need. Recently added a MxM to gain automation control for my blades, g6 and ecotech pumps which is nice. If I had to throw out a negative getting their salinity probe to calibrate is always a B#%^* no matter how many past times you have done it. But when you get it right it’s reading are right on point.

 

[Wen]

I like my Apex, it’s running a lot of stuff, plug in play easy. Skip the trident, put $ towards something else like a second DOS.

 

[areefer01]

I'm considering buying a neptune automated set up:
- Neptune Apex Pro
- Neptune Trident
- Neptune Trident NP
- Neptune DOS

Anyone have experience with this system or recommend something else? I have a mixed reef in my prostar 90 and want to move towards automation.

Thanks for all the help!

Ask yourself first what you hope to accomplish using a controller of any brand as it relates to "automation". You listed out one with supported modules which is a nice start. Now consider prioritizing them as the budget buy in may be high and take up a lot of it if a new system. Not budget shaming but rather mentioning the buy in price for all items in the list is high. Also what lights, return pumps, and power heads are you using? A controller may be able to manage them

ATO
Controlled dosing with the Trident
Auto top off
Auto water change
Dosing of 2 part, or other
Monitor
On/off switch (how many outlets)
Pumps
Lighting

Neptune Apex is fine. There are plenty of good and bad reviews with plenty of hobbyist not posting on either side of the question. The Trident is fine and has been out a while. Neptune offers 6 month reagent kits which lowers the cost per test to around $0.17 cents when using the default testing schedule of 4 alk, 2 ca, 2 mg. The Trident NP is perfectly fine and has a few changes since its launch that played a role. The only draw back is that it DOES not have the 6 month reagent kit and only offers 2 month so the cost per test at 1 test per day is $1.00. A bit high in my opinion.

Reef type doesn't care about the controller. Your choices are Neptune, GHL, and Hydros. DIY Reef Angel or PI based open source.

 

[steve bergmann]

I am thinking of not using Neptune for anything way too unreliable!!!!!!

 

[BryanM]

I am thinking of not using Neptune for anything way too unreliable!!!!!!

Well that has not been my experience. All of my neptune gear has worked great.

My issue is more with support, and the fact that I think the hydros gear is made better, and their support thusfar has been fantastic.