Thinking about switching to an Apex

[Rob.In.AZ]

I am considering switching out from my RKL to and Apex Jr. I have been struggling with this for awhile, largely because my current setup runs fine, has for years, and I would need to spend in the neighborhood of $400 just to get the functionality I have right now.

So what I would want to do...

-Temp probe & control my heater
-Run my ATI fixture
-Run my MP40s
-Run my dosing pumps
-Have my skimmer, return, & ATO on the controller
-Control everything from my phone

I am looking at getting...

Apex Jr.
Energy Bar 8
WXM Module
Wireless Bridge


Need to keep this under or as close to $500 as possible.

Will this give me everything I need?
Is there a better option?
Does this give me expandability in the future?

 

[smh254]

I would suggest getting the apex classic over the apex Jr.

 

[Rob.In.AZ]

What is the benefit? Or what is the downside of the Jr?

The problem is the full Apex blows the budget, without giving me all of the functionality I am looking for. I guess maybe the Jr doesn't give me all the functionality I want. TBH I'm not really familiar with the Apex controllers...

 

[smh254]

The Jr comes with a eb4 and no ph probe. You would have to get a eb8 $160 a pm1 module $85 and ph probe $60 to do the same thing as the classic.

 

[Breadman03]

Keep in mind that with the new Apex out, there will likely be deals on used Apex Classics.

 

[Rob.In.AZ]

The Jr comes with a eb4 and no ph probe. You would have to get a eb8 $160 a pm1 module $85 and ph probe $60 to do the same thing as the classic.

So the only difference is the pH probe & the 8 vs 4 outlets?
Honestly I don't monitor pH, I think I tested it last in 2004, on a different tank. And I will need to either buy an EB4 or an EB8 no matter what.

I am definitely keeping an eye out for a good deal on a used one though.

 

[BetURWrasse]

Why not jump onto that vertex controller?

 

[Kungpaoshizi]

Wxm doesn't support some functionality, I wouldn't buy it again. Stick with the reeflink.

 

[jsker]

I went with the gold, and that really blow you budget, but in the long run I saved with getting the lab probes and salinity probe along the a eb8 so that I can run low voltage in some outlets.

 

[CODE3EMT]

I have the Apex Jr. with the WXM module, ALD module w/4 sensors on a Reefer 450. Honestly I don't chase PH, a $40 refractometer is what I use to monitor salt levels, and I test for KH, phosphate, and calcium. IMO the Jr works great for me. I have my return pump, heater, skimmer, and Kessil AP700 all plugged into the Jr. My 2 MP40's are plugged into a power strip. If you are running Vortechs and have the WXM module......you do not need to have the Vortechs plugged into your Apex.

 

[Rob.In.AZ]

Why not jump onto that vertex controller?

I'm a little leery of something so new. Also not sure if it will give me everything that I am looking for.

Wxm doesn't support some functionality, I wouldn't buy it again. Stick with the reeflink.

Is it a matter of it not supporting or not working? What functionality is not supported?

I have the Apex Jr. with the WXM module, ALD module w/4 sensors on a Reefer 450. Honestly I don't chase PH, a $40 refractometer is what I use to monitor salt levels, and I test for KH, phosphate, and calcium. IMO the Jr works great for me. I have my return pump, heater, skimmer, and Kessil AP700 all plugged into the Jr. My 2 MP40's are plugged into a power strip. If you are running Vortechs and have the WXM module......you do not need to have the Vortechs plugged into your Apex.

That is kind of where I am at. Did not realize that I did not need to plug the MP40's into Apex outlets, I assumed I did. That changes things.

Assuming I need Apex outlets to control my dosing pumps, correct or no?

 

[hybridazn]

I'm a little leery of something so new. Also not sure if it will give me everything that I am looking for.



Is it a matter of it not supporting or not working? What functionality is not supported?



That is kind of where I am at. Did not realize that I did not need to plug the MP40's into Apex outlets, I assumed I did. That changes things.

Assuming I need Apex outlets to control my dosing pumps, correct or no?

The only issue with the wxm is that it can't communicate with the new Vectra DC pumps. Other than that it works fine with the Vortech's and radions.

 

[CODE3EMT]

Yes. You will need to connect your dosing pump into an Apex outlet. Keep in mind you can always "daisy chain" another EB Apex power bar. The Jr. can handle a total of (7) modules.

 

[ngvu1]

if you want to "-Run my dosing pumps", you want to watch the PH level and shut off the dosers just in case. Besides, you can't control all those with 4 outlets

 

[Rob.In.AZ]

Yes. You will need to connect your dosing pump into an Apex outlet. Keep in mind you can always "daisy chain" another EB Apex power bar. The Jr. can handle a total of (7) modules.

After I thought about it, makes sense. Wireless for the MP40's...duh

How are modules defined in the Apex world?

if you want to "-Run my dosing pumps", you want to watch the PH level and shut off the dosers just in case. Besides, you can't control all those with 4 outlets

Understood. Something I would look at down the road.

I will need to pick up another EB regardless.
3 plugs for lights
2 for dosing pumps
Return pump
Skimmer
ATO
Heater

 

[CODE3EMT]

Remember, to control the Vortech pumps you will need the WXM module. Modules are plugged into the Apex via a USB type port. Likewise modules can be plugged into other modules via USB type port in the actual modules themselves.

 

[ngvu1]

Apex modules are USB devices. The device enumeration/discovery is very much like USB device enumeration/discovery. Each module except the EB8, that has 6 USB ports, has 2 USB ports; 1 for the connecting to the existing system and the other is just in case you need to plug another module to the system..

 

[smh254]

Here u go Apex Jr. For sale
I purchased this apex Jr. from another member here on the r2r forum. I had intended to use it on my new build, but I've decided to go a different direction.

Looking for $175 and I'll ship.
https://www.reef2reef.com/index.php?posts/3009112/