Nicrew Gen 2 to Apex

[Alvanck]

Hi All,

Currently have 2 hyper-reef gen 2s and the nicrew controller. Recently got my apex up and running, and was thinking of getting the converter box from Amazon, and RJ-45 cable and then returning the nicrew controller so it all goes into apex. Has anybody had much luck with this? Saw a lot of forums on apex but they are all with gen 1s and the 3.5MM wiring.

Or if it’s not worth it, i would hang onto the nicrew controller, and just apex to kill them of the tank gets to hot. I want to utilize the apex as much as possible, but don’t want to make things more complicated!

 

[oreo54]

Hi All,

Currently have 2 hyper-reef gen 2s and the nicrew controller. Recently got my apex up and running, and was thinking of getting the converter box from Amazon, and RJ-45 cable and then returning the nicrew controller so it all goes into apex. Has anybody had much luck with this? Saw a lot of forums on apex but they are all with gen 1s and the 3.5MM wiring.

Or if it’s not worth it, i would hang onto the nicrew controller, and just apex to kill them of the tank gets to hot. I want to utilize the apex as much as possible, but don’t want to make things more complicated!

You want to use Apex, use apex.
Some people like everything on one "box"
Some don't. Your call.

Looks like you lose a channel with the Apex converter. 4 instead of 5 . Don't know which 2 got put together.
Something to research.
https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-Converter-Third-Party-Controllers-HyperReef/dp/B0DZX6STK5/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2AG0TOJ3FEK3U&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Tx3XhbjHVxwANTMqUclw2kScsov7tm0CRzm8k_HPZguC-3JcexjE0upLbAGFigfTTjyjZPWQhX30Cr9Jxm9JLz_aF1LqkIuncfuZNoJyF6E.MFHInM8CtaSI3GsNlEk5d-HKi5HjVwaOYnLpuUaC3Yk&dib_tag=se&keywords=nicrew+apex&qid=1785509598&s=pet-supplies&sprefix=nicrew+apex,pets,111&sr=1-4

Also check out how the Nicrew Controller behaves in a power outage.
That may favor the Apex method.

Avoid Smart Plugs: According to user consensus, plugging these controllers into external smart strips or timers that completely cut power can disrupt regular schedules and force a clock reset every time they cycle. [1, 2]

You could get all DIY "fancy" and use a relay on the DC output side BUT I'm just throwing stuff out here.

 

[me & my baby]

Following along to see what you do

 

[areefer01]

You want to use Apex, use apex.
Some people like everything on one "box"
Some don't. Your call.

Looks like you lose a channel with the Apex converter. 4 instead of 5 . Don't know which 2 got put together.
Something to research.
https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-Converter-Third-Party-Controllers-HyperReef/dp/B0DZX6STK5/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2AG0TOJ3FEK3U&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Tx3XhbjHVxwANTMqUclw2kScsov7tm0CRzm8k_HPZguC-3JcexjE0upLbAGFigfTTjyjZPWQhX30Cr9Jxm9JLz_aF1LqkIuncfuZNoJyF6E.MFHInM8CtaSI3GsNlEk5d-HKi5HjVwaOYnLpuUaC3Yk&dib_tag=se&keywords=nicrew+apex&qid=1785509598&s=pet-supplies&sprefix=nicrew+apex,pets,111&sr=1-4

Also check out how the Nicrew Controller behaves in a power outage.
That may favor the Apex method.


You could get all DIY "fancy" and use a relay on the DC output side BUT I'm just throwing stuff out here.

The product says 4 channels which the apex will work with depending on the model. You can also add the VDM module which provide another 4. A lot will depend on how the channels are laid out but I've personally controlled a DIY multi 5 channel array. Not difficult.

 

[oreo54]

The product says 4 channels which the apex will work with depending on the model. You can also add the VDM module which provide another 4. A lot will depend on how the channels are laid out but I've personally controlled a DIY multi 5 channel array. Not difficult.

We

Think the channel limitation is in the Nicrew unit.
Internally combines 2 native channels to 1 apex channel.
There should be 6 wires going from the Nicrew to the light head.
5 + ground. Ground usually being +.

Sure one could use 5 0-10v converters in a diy way.

I'm only guesstimating with my understanding of it.

 

[Alvanck]

Following along to see what you do

I just noticed I didn’t get the Apex Pro anyway so Nicrew Controller it is!! And I’ll just have them shut off if for whatever reason the tank gets to hot

 

[winxp_man]

I just noticed I didn’t get the Apex Pro anyway so Nicrew Controller it is!! And I’ll just have them shut off if for whatever reason the tank gets to hot

I got the apex pro, just to not be limited. I’m curious how it would have worked had you had the pro and ability to connect it.

My with my Radions gone, I’m now have 4 Orphek natura icons. And they are about 16” off the water so no more need to have lights switch off. Also installed fans. You give fans a thought?

The pic is only lights, I installed the fans on the far right side this evening.

 

[me & my baby]

Following along to see what you do

I just noticed I didn’t get the Apex Pro anyway so Nicrew Controller it is!! And I’ll just have them shut off if for whatever reason the tank gets to hot

I have not had any issues with heat from them

 

[me & my baby]

My light have been on since 9am it’s 4 now and with uv , blue and white at 100% and red and green at 15 % this is the thermal reading .

 

[winxp_man]

My light have been on since 9am it’s 4 now and with uv , blue and white at 100% and red and green at 15 % this is the thermal reading .

Thinking of getting one of these devices.

 

[me & my baby]

My light have been on since 9am it’s 4 now and with uv , blue and white at 100% and red and green at 15 % this is the thermal reading .

Thinking of getting one of these devices.

The thermal gun ?

 

[winxp_man]

The thermal gun ?

Yes. Always needed one for other uses also, but checking light temp makes sense.

 

[me & my baby]

They are handy to have and I have found multiple uses for it

 

[beej210]

I haven't bought the Nicrew controller yet..... I keep hoping for the bluetooth module to come out. Supposedly there's 8 channels on that one. So at that point, double what you'd get by getting the VDM and the 0-10 from Nicrew to control through Apex.


Does anyone know what the 4, 5, and 8 channels even are?

 

[oreo54]

I haven't bought the Nicrew controller yet..... I keep hoping for the bluetooth module to come out. Supposedly there's 8 channels on that one. So at that point, double what you'd get by getting the VDM and the 0-10 from Nicrew to control through Apex.


Does anyone know what the 4, 5, and 8 channels even are?

Might as well do some speculation..
The white may be warm white or a combinations of whites. Same for other channels with say different "blues"
The Apex limitation just means you combine one of the 5 to make it 4 channel. Likely red/green eh... Couldn't resist.

As for 8.. no idea unless for a next gen light.