Does anyone like the look of the Apex?

[FishyFishFish]

I know that the primary reason for buying a controller is (and should be) the functionality, but I can't get over the aesthetics of the Apex line of controllers and accessories to even get as far as seeing what it can do.

Is it just me?

Do you like the look of the Apex (and the Trident?), has the design put you off, or do you not even think about it as long as it works?

 

[ReefRondo]

Personally I have adopted the Neptune products line based on their capabilities. I happen to love grey and orange though and even my company colours are similar.

 

[rhostam]

I know that the primary reason for buying a controller is (and should be) the functionality, but I can't get over the aesthetics of the Apex line of controllers and accessories to even get as far as seeing what it can do.

Is it just me?

Do you like the look of the Apex (and the Trident?), has the design put you off, or do you not even think about it as long as it works?

The design is from almost a decade ago with not iteration since. Back then, the offering was amazing. I’m not sure what me that long ago would have thought about aesthetics. “Interesting, but not practical,” would be my guess.

As for today, “not practical” is all I’d say. It would be better if they changed their form factor. I’m sure they will do that in their next iteration. With competition like Profilux and Hydros, it’s almost a requirement.

I still use their products though. They work well (for me) and satisfy the tech geek in me. Definitely adds another layer of fun (and convenience) to the hobby.

 

[JC Reef]

I was never interested in Apex because of the design.

I love my GHL Profilux 4. I recently added the KH Director. Hopefully in the next month or so I will be receiving the ION Director

 

[SuncrestReef]

I only see my Apex hardware about 4 minutes per month during maintenance events, so what it looks like really doesn’t matter to me. What does matter to me is that it’s controlling everything on my aquarium exactly the way I programmed it, and it’s alerting me to issues that need attention. Last week I experienced my first ever heater failure, and the Apex alerted me exactly as planned, even though I never thought it would be an issue. I received a low temperature alert, and confirmed the heater output was on but not drawing any watts. I swapped out the heater with a spare and everything was back to normal within 4 hours.

When I spend time looking at my aquarium, I care about the life in the aquarium. I don’t care what color my return pump is, what shape my UV sterilizer is, or the aesthetics of my controller. Those things I keep behind closed doors so I can focus on the spectacular colors and shapes of my corals and fish.

I know some people are gear heads and the controllers are a showpiece, but to everyone their own priorities.

For those who want to get the most out of their Apex (regardless of what it looks like), check out my series of Apex tutorials here on R2R:

Articles by SuncrestReef

www.reef2reef.com

 

[attiland]

If we are not talking about the functionality than look at the drain.
I have to add before you read the rest I don’t own one because of luck of UK support.
so the deign as I see it is dated. It has a 90s look to it is still likeable but looks chunky to me.
Especially the power bar doesn’t seems to be practical because loads of adapter ar chunky these days and wouldn’t fit in that space.
I work in IT so I have an idea what works for a cabinet and I think still a long line of sockets would give you more.
same to say about the water testing unit. Fancy shape but you have no chance to stock up anything on top so if you are limited in space thinking would not work.
I have no doubt it is a great product though I would just put the modules in a different sleek little box and display as much information on the front as possible.

 

[Sleepydoc]

I think Terrance is the only one who really likes the design; I bet if they offered it in Black the orange models would have an inch of dust on them! I don't care for it either but I'm with @SuncrestReef - I don't buy a controller for how it looks, I buy it for what it does.

GHL units are made to stack on a shelf. Apex is made to hang on a wall, as is the Hydros. In most cases, they are all in a cabinet so take your pick.

 

[bevo5]

Other than the tanks themselves, seeing a perfectly arranged and mounted APEX system is about as cool as it gets. For me at least.

 

[PeterC99]

I only see my Apex hardware about 4 minutes per month during maintenance events, so what it looks like really doesn’t matter to me. What does matter to me is that it’s controlling everything on my aquarium exactly the way I programmed it, and it’s alerting me to issues that need attention. Last week I experienced my first ever heater failure, and the Apex alerted me exactly as planned, even though I never thought it would be an issue. I received a low temperature alert, and confirmed the heater output was on but not drawing any watts. I swapped out the heater with a spare and everything was back to normal within 4 hours.

When I spend time looking at my aquarium, I care about the life in the aquarium. I don’t care what color my return pump is, what shape my UV sterilizer is, or the aesthetics of my controller. Those things I keep behind closed doors so I can focus on the spectacular colors and shapes of my corals and fish.

I know some people are gear heads and the controllers are a showpiece, but to everyone their own priorities.

For those who want to get the most out of their Apex (regardless of what it looks like), check out my series of Apex tutorials here on R2R:

Articles by SuncrestReef

www.reef2reef.com

Agree 100% - dashboard aesthetics are a nice to have but Apex functionality has helped me achieve a successful mixed reef and saved my aquarium from my mistakes and equipment failure.

I’ve also learned so much as a result of my Apex. For example, From monitoring the pH on my Apex, I’ve learned that I can increase the pH of my aquarium by .10 by keeping my windows open in the house. Also learned about my aquarium‘s energy usage of pumps, lights, and heaters. Many components to what an Apex can do for a Reefer!

 

[n2585722]

I don't care for orange and silver. Besides the power bar is too big to fit in my cabinet. Not even sure if the head unit would fit either. I had to turn the small hydros controllers sideways to get them to fit. The WiFi power bars fit Ok but could only get two in there one on each side. The stand was designed to accommodate a Digital Aquatics RKE system. I did get the Archon to work in there. Now converting to Hydros.

 

[vtecintegra]

Hate the orange. Too cartoonish. I still use an Apex though.

 

[DHill6]

I’m going to say it straight out…it looks cheap. I had it, sold it, back to me for now. If GHL would

 

[DHill6]

Work off IOS I would go that way.

 

[n2585722]

Work off IOS I would go that way.

Hydros work on IOS. I use my iPad with it all the time.

 

[DHill6]

Hydros work on IOS. I use my iPad with it all the time.

I’ll look into it, thanks

 

[Darren in Tacoma]

I was turned off by those Apex pumps facing outward at almost a 45 degree angle and the other weird shaped stuff. I can't fit the stuff I need inside the cabinet if it isn't compact and the pumps are clearly designed for aesthetics over functionality.
That said, If I had room for it and if it provided the functions I needed I would consider using it.

 

[Tamberav]

I have apex and it is ugly as sin and feels cheap as heck in your hand. Like a plastic toy.

I keep it behind lock doors and never look at it.

The original apex that was just black looked 100x better and sturdier.

 

[MONTANTK]

Looks don’t concern me. I like the look of the EB832 but I opted for the EB8 for quality purposes. Plus, I don’t really intend on many people seeing my controller anyway

 

[Kaboobie]

I don't mind the look of it but personally, I would rather it be in full matte black. It's really not about the aesthetic for that line of devices though it's the features. If I were to pick one up and the look bothered me enough I might look into 3d printing a new housing for it or just hide it away.

 

[BillyW]

I’m torn, originally I thought the new color scheme was a joke, but I love what my apex can do for me. Now when I look at all these gorgeous tanks on here I personally would like to know what’s under the hood too. There’s a lot going on with our systems and I like seeing the whole thing.