Thinking about switching to Neptune Apex

[BeanAnimal]

I think they will stay in the mode you override them to. I have some outputs that are overridden and they have stayed in that state when I loosed internet or wifi and use the emergency mode. Once communications is restored and back to normal they are still overridden. I have not tried to override one while in emergency mode that was still override when the issue with communications is resolved but I have to assume it should. Now updating firmware and the app it is best to go back and make sure they are still overridden after the update completes. It most cases during an emergency condition you will not need to change any of the settings since normally the condition does not last that long.

Thanks... While I don't own one of these, it is good to understand how they work.

 

[JeffB418]

so limited control, but no programming changes.. and I assume that whatever manual outputs are set during "emergency" mode are reset when the device goes back online?

There are 2 types of local mode control. Bluetooth mode still requires the app to connect to the server for user authentication. So in the case where you still have cellular but no local WiFi. Emergency mode is a backup Bluetooth mode that uses a pre-defined local password and does not require server authentication. Both use Bluetooth and both only allow changing output states. States remain if internet comes back.

 

[BeanAnimal]

There are 2 types of local mode control. Bluetooth mode still requires the app to connect to the server for user authentication.

Not wonderful if THEY are down.

Emergency mode is a backup Bluetooth mode that uses a pre-defined local password and does not require server authentication. Both use Bluetooth and both only allow changing output states. States remain if internet comes back.

Thanks for the explanation.

Certainly not an ecosystem that I will ever embrace without full cloud indepedence, but always helpful to understand more about it.

 

[Mike1970]

Coralvue blames their price increases on chips because of tariffs. I’m not buying that excuse. They have a cash flow and cost management problem. Big mistake letting the largest reefing online retailer (BRS) walk. Their reef octopus skimmers and Varios pumps were their cash cow. I know they had a falling out regarding hydros competing against their parent company, Neptune. I’ll just say it’s a huge coincidence that ever since they stopped distributing to BRS they’ve increased their prices at a rate much higher rate than everyone else.

Tariffs are real, I run my own small business and every time a order comes in from DHL I have to pay a import duty fee aka tariffs 30-50% or they will send my package back to sender

 

[JeffB418]

Not wonderful if THEY are down.


Thanks for the explanation.

Certainly not an ecosystem that I will ever embrace without full cloud indepedence, but always helpful to understand more about it.

Yep just trying to educate.

 

[Opah]

I currently have Hydros controllers, specifically the X10, XP8, and Wave Engine. I’ve thought about expanding my collective with more of their stuff, but no longer will be buying any products from coralvue. To me, it looks like they are falling apart as a company. I have this feeling they’re not gonna be around much longer or be bought out. Main reason why I went with hydros to begin with is their controllers were relatively cheaper than Neptune. In less than one year the XP8 has gone up from $279 to $330, along with outrageous price increases for everything they sell and distribute. I could go on and on about problems/issues I’ve been noticing.

I’ve seen the reviews on the EB832 on BRS and they don’t look to be that positive. What are y’all’s experience with Neptune? Any regrets or things that I should be aware about?

My experience has been exactly the opposite. Apex quality has gone way downhill and they haven't updated anything in any meaningful way (except dosqd). Hydros keeps coming out with new products and the build quality and software framework are far better. Once hydros comes out with Maven I don't think many people will continue to buy new hardware from Apex.

 

[PPBlimpy]

I had planned on going Hydros when I planned on upgrading controllers. I have bene rocking reefkeeper lites circa 2006. available if anyone is interested.

Anyways I picked up a complete system that had an apex a2, dos, eb832,wav and hand held display. Came with a second brain too.
Decided to give it a whirl since I now owned it. Found both brains were bricked, $12 for 2x 16gb sd cards and a factory reset and we are up and running.

So far I like it. Dos is a bit loud in initial testing. Planned to run Kalk in one side and wanted to have the other regulate my CalRX but not sure I could deal with the noise.

Seems easy enough to program and setup. Looking to ad a i/o break out board to control a float switch input incase my gravity fed ATO overfills and have to ability to shut a solenoid to stop flow.

will run dual PH probes to to monior DT and CalRX.
I don't plan to run lights or Heaters thru the 832. But do run the UV that i can shut down when tank temps heat up.
Pretty happy with it so far, but like i mentioned. I have been very happy with my old reefkeepers

I will admit when I was researching Hydros I was extremely confused trying to figure out what I would need.

I am just glad there are multiple choices and whatever fit your budget and needs.

 

[BryanM]

I currently have Hydros controllers, specifically the X10, XP8, and Wave Engine. I’ve thought about expanding my collective with more of their stuff, but no longer will be buying any products from coralvue. To me, it looks like they are falling apart as a company. I have this feeling they’re not gonna be around much longer or be bought out. Main reason why I went with hydros to begin with is their controllers were relatively cheaper than Neptune. In less than one year the XP8 has gone up from $279 to $330, along with outrageous price increases for everything they sell and distribute. I could go on and on about problems/issues I’ve been noticing.

I’ve seen the reviews on the EB832 on BRS and they don’t look to be that positive. What are y’all’s experience with Neptune? Any regrets or things that I should be aware about?

I have neptune, I have a wave engine as well, and I will almost certainly switch to hydros at some point.

I'm not sure why you can't believe that tarrifs are responsible for the price increase.... They certainly have affected many other items.

In any case, CoralVue's support is great, and from my standpoint they seem to be engaged in this community..

 

[RoanokeReef]

My big issue with Hydros is locking the Mavin behind DRM reagents all while using a manufacture that sells knock off reagents for Neptunes Trident and also distributing them.

 

[Fury808]

IMO, it’s a Coke vs Pepsi thing anymore, kinda like lighting. Both have their flaws and strengths from reviews I’ve read. I have an Apex system with four tanks on it, but I’m not gonna tempt fate by commenting on reliability or the like, lol!
I did notice that Hydros used to be the more budget friendly option, but now it seems they are about the same price as Apex when comparing with the same features.

I am new to controllers. I got Apex and Hydros to figure out what is best for me.

Without a doubt, I prefer Hydros.

I find Hydros intuitive and easy to use. I like all the different options. I have fresh and salt tanks. Small and large. Hydros lets me get what I need for each tank.

I find Apex very frustrusting. I spend an unreadonable amount of time researching every single thing I'm trying to do. Literally nothing is intuitive.

I also don't like that they are not rolling out updates to make it simpler. Nor are they rolling out new products.

I feel like Apex is stalled in time while Hydros is continuing to evolve. With Red Sea getting into the controller market, I am hoping Apex will try to make its products more beginner friendly.