Thinking about getting a triton as when I’m gone testing is easier. Is it worth $700? How does everyone like the automation of it controlling your dos? My thought process is it will help my guessing game of dosage and correct alk adjustments during the day. How does everyone like it and do you find it worth the price tag. Thanks all for input!
One thing to note is that not everyone who uses equipment posts on forums. Ask the question who is more likely to post. Happy vs. frustrated user... Just to put it into perspective.
Trident ACM (Alk, Ca, Mg) - has been out for a long time now so probably has the wider installation base as it relates to the Neptune ecosystem. Neptune reagents come in 2 month, or 6 month kits. Include calibration solution. Lot numbers on bottles. Allow manual calibration using hobbyist test results. Also supports assisted, controlled, dosing based on results. Has a safety net such that if a test error occurs it will fall back to the hobbyist dosing limits. So as it relates to test result and dosing, it is more or less fool proof by falling back to the hobbyist limits. Service options are self service (cheapest) and cross ship new which includes 2 month reagent (more expensive). There used to be a middle one of cross ship, refurb, but I've not used that. I've used the other two with good results. Service recommendation is 18 - 36 months - forget the window. I have gone beyond it but it is a guideline.
Trident NP is new. I'm a bit biased as I was part of the NSI test team so have many reagents and tests through mine before they hit the market. I've tested with high and low nutrients. I've calibrated it using their solution and manual test results. Various firmware and AOS versions. In any case it also works well and I've tracked results to manual tests of Hanna phosphate and nitrate. Point is that yes, reports are of frustration but they seem to have tapered off with many happy after the latest firmware update and inclusion of calibration using tank water (like the Trident ACM allowed). Note: The NP today does not support assisted/controlled dosing. That is only on the ACM. Another drawback is that today there are only 2 month reagent kits which makes it a bit expensive as it relates to cost per test. The ACM with 6 month kits is dirt cheap (cost per test - cents per test). The NP is not - almost a buck per test.
If one is already in the Neptune Apex ecosystem the Trident ACM and NP are viable quality of life improvements for automated testing. Neither are needed, they are a luxury item in my opinion. I have both and like them. I love looking at the data for trends. Doesn't take up much of my reefing yearly budget so it works for me.
You can buy them in stages. ACM first. NP later. Buy neither and manual test. Hanna's alk, nitrate, and phosphate kits can do manual tests and be done with all in 10 minutes or less. Put the numbers in Excel, Numbers, or Sheets and Bob's your Uncle.
I don't know how many use the ACM's controlled dosing. It is a nice feature. I've used it when I was using ESV 2 part. I no longer use it as I've since switched to Tropic Marin All For Reef. It is not an option for that product due to how AFR works. My point is not sure "I" would buy the Trident for this alone. It is a perk, bonus, option, feature - if you get my point.
This is a long way of saying if you are new, get them later. Run manual tests for a while to get to know your system and its pattern. If you are in the hobby after a year or two then buy them if you have the budget. Run away from anyone who tells you that they are a requirement. They are not.
My experience with the ACM, and NP, are positive and will continue to use both.
Hope your evening is well.
