Is Apex system worth it

[Pistondog]

Get one, you'll never regret it.
Automate as much as you want, or use it for monitoring and feed modes.
It comes in handy when you just want to shut some things off for maintenance or adding a coral. Otherwise you are pulling plugs.

 

[BrandonS]

I have thought of this but once I added up everything I would need I don't believe so. Once I add a PH controller, Temperature Controller, and ORP Controller Each about $150 plus a solution for power monitoring and some way of getting remote notifications it is about as expensive and not as seamless as a Neptune unit.

To be clear I plug my stand alone dosser into my Apex to turn it off if the pH gets too high, but I do not have the Apex control my dosing amounts directly. Likewise my Apex turns off my Ozone generator if the ORP gets too high but I have the generator dialed in to where I should be able to leave it constantly on. I also use a stand alone light controller and simply use the Apex as a temperature cut off.

I am not a fan of a single point of failure which is why I do not like when the Apex is the only "Brain" so to speak.

Very nice and well thought out solution. Do you does kalkwasser? hense the ph probe as the cut off?
I would think the ozone and ORP sensor is what throws a different solution over the threshold. Correct?

 

[MONTANTK]

The Apex is worth every penny. Especially with the trident and dos now

 

[Dr. Jim]

I came close to buying an Apex but then learned about GHL. I then spent a LONG time researching and comparing the two. I settled for GHL. I don't mean to start a debate here because there are already plenty of threads comparing them....just want to plant a seed in your head to make sure you at least consider this option. (I'd place GHL quality on the same level as expensive stereo equipment!)

That being said.....one thing I concluded is that the more instruments or "tools" you have, the more things you have that can go wrong. I got my Controller mainly so I can travel and not worry. I realize now that that will never happen....."not worry" that is.

 

[Super Fly]

Did not know GHL made controllers, finally an alternative to Apex... interesting and good for the hobby.

 

[ca1ore]

Had this very conversation with a local hobbyist - he's not a compete newbie, but only a couple of years in reefing. My view has always been that something like apex is a nice-to-have but not a must-have. I muddled through keeping a reef tank for almost 25 years before getting a controller. Get the really important stuff worked out, then go for a controller. Learn to judge the health of your tank through observation rather than a slavish obsession with 'numbers' on a screen. Also, recognize that an overreliance on hobby-grade automation will almost certainly bite you at some point.

 

[Montiman]

Very nice and well thought out solution. Do you does kalkwasser? hense the ph probe as the cut off?
I would think the ozone and ORP sensor is what throws a different solution over the threshold. Correct?

I am a big fan of kalkwasser. I dose through a reactor with a peristaltic pump. I also use ozone.

I guess using Kalk and Ozone makes me a bit of an old school reefer but I am a huge fan and would recommend anyone try these methods.

The key to kalk is using a peristaltic pump not connected to the ATO. The key to Ozone is running low levels that should be able to be added constantly. As long as you run low levels you will have crystal clear water with a low risk of failure.

 

[SelfieReef]

I think it definitively worth it. The question is choosing the one that is the best for you.
Apex Pro, Apex or Apex Jr. Controlling your aquarium from your devise it something that everyone must have if you have a great invention on your tank, receiving text messages if something is not working its an amazing feature.

 

[jmichaelh7]

Yes anybody say no is lying . Who doesn’t love convenience

 

[ReefPig]

I think it definitively worth it. The question is choosing the one that is the best for you.
Apex Pro, Apex or Apex Jr. Controlling your aquarium from your devise it something that everyone must have if you have a great invention on your tank, receiving text messages if something is not working its an amazing feature.

Post was from 3 years ago.