To keep or sell Apex El?

[Stang67]

So I am at a crossroads and I need some advice. I currently am working on an upgrade to a 180g. I currently run a 60ish low boy set up. Currently everything is controlled with alexa and kasa strips, ink bird, and the sicce app. Everything is running and has ruined flawlessly for over a year. Now with the upgrade came some black Friday purchases. With one of those purchases I won a Apex el. Now I am faced with a decision. I never had any interest in running an apex or any of the neptune gizmos due to the cost. I have been researching the system more since I recieved one and I am still not getting warm fuzzy feelings about the system. The only positive I could find for my situation is that it's a central control system that I can run everything from, aka one ring to rule them all. Other side of the coin. I could really use the 500$ to offset some of the things I purchased for the tank as well ( skimmer heaters baffles etc).
So for you users out there convince me that the extra redundancy is worth what appears to be alot of headaches with the overall tech aspect and for those of you that think I should sell let me know what I should spend the $ on.

 

[Joe31415]

Did you just get the brain or did you get one of the kits?
If all you got is the brain, I'd probably sell it. If you got one of the kits, at least one that comes with a power bar, I'd probably at least try it out.
I also have avoided the Neptune ecosystem for the same reason. It's just so expensive, plus I read regular stories about expensive parts failing and having to be replaced in a hurry. Expensive like a $300 power bar or DOS.
However, if you got a kit that came with some of those expensive pieces of equipment, at least if something went wrong, you wouldn't be paying for it twice. If all you got is the brain, you'll still be spending a good chunk of change to get it to do anything.

Come to think of it, if you wanted to get into the Neptune system, you might almost be better off selling the brand new Apex brain and using the money to buy a kit.

Having said all that, I'm not sure what I'd do either. I've been hemming and hawing about the Neptune system since I set up my tank about a year ago, but I just can't justify the cost. If I got a free kit, I'd probably play with it and see how much I like it. If all I got was a brain...I'm not sure. To adapt something from Seinfeld, it's not a free Apex, it's a bill for a thousand dollars worth of Netptune gear.

 

[Stang67]

Did you just get the brain or did you get one of the kits?
If all you got is the brain, I'd probably sell it. If you got one of the kits, at least one that comes with a power bar, I'd probably at least try it out.
I also have avoided the Neptune ecosystem for the same reason. It's just so expensive, plus I read regular stories about expensive parts failing and having to be replaced in a hurry. Expensive like a $300 power bar or DOS.
However, if you got a kit that came with some of those expensive pieces of equipment, at least if something went wrong, you wouldn't be paying for it twice. If all you got is the brain, you'll still be spending a good chunk of change to get it to do anything.

Come to think of it, if you wanted to get into the Neptune system, you might almost be better off selling the brand new Apex brain and using the money to buy a kit.

Having said all that, I'm not sure what I'd do either. I've been hemming and hawing about the Neptune system since I set up my tank about a year ago, but I just can't justify the cost. If I got a free kit, I'd probably play with it and see how much I like it. If all I got was a brain...I'm not sure. To adapt something from Seinfeld, it's not a free Apex, it's a bill for a thousand dollars worth of Netptune gear.

Yeah it's the EL so it has most things I would have bought if I purchased one. Only thing I would want down the line is the ability to control my CBB lights. That would require an add on component and some mods. And you Seinfeld quote is exactly what I am afraid of. I have always been interested in programming as well but at my age I think the time to learn how to do it may not be worth it either. Thanks for your imput!

 

[hart24601]

Realistically with all the various controls out there on each equipment is not needed but I have been using one since 2013 then got the brs monitor package to use the new brain and get a trident.

that device opens a whole other conversation but alk monitoring at least has saved me rear more than once.

I like mine fine but could live without it and get and alkatronic.

 

[Stang67]

Realistically with all the various controls out there on each equipment is not needed but I

That's what I think as well as far as existing backup tools and redundancy. I have been functioning without one for so long successfully and I am worried about adding something else that may jack the whole thing up.

 

[hart24601]

Yeah if your had success now and worried about messing it up then sell it! It’s not magic. It can be handy, I have a skimmer float and when cup is full it shuts off skimmer and texts me, but that is primarily the only thing besides the trident I use it for. I used to use it for more, like awc, but moved to just timers for space.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

I'd say buy a good used Apex classic for 1/3 to 1/2 the price of the EL and go from there. I just picked up a complete spare classic setup with a single eb8, classic controller, PM2 and FMM for 200 bucks. Probes are dry, but ph & ORP probes are cheap enough to replace.

 

[Stang67]

I'd say buy a good used Apex classic for 1/3 to 1/2 the price of the EL and go from there. I just picked up a complete spare classic setup with a single eb8, classic controller, PM2 and FMM for 200 bucks. Probes are dry, but ph & ORP probes are cheap enough to replace.

Yeah I have a free apex el I won. So sell it and buy and older model?

 

[Stang67]

Yeah if your had success now and worried about messing it up then sell it! It’s not magic. It can be handy, I have a skimmer float and when cup is full it shuts off skimmer and texts me, but that is primarily the only thing besides the trident I use it for. I used to use it for more, like awc, but moved to just timers for space.

Yeah I am leaning that way for sure. I like being "involved" in my tank. Maintenence testing water changes I think it keeps me more honest and helps me understand what is going on better. And if something goes south what to do to fix.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Well you can go that route. I didn't see that you won it, so that changes things, lol. But ya, you can sell it, buy a older model and still have some cash for other stuff.

Yeah I have a free apex el I won. So sell it and buy and older model?

 

[Stang67]

Well you can go that route. I didn't see that you won it, so that changes things, lol. But ya, you can sell it, buy a older model and still have some cash for other stuff.

I don't think that would be something I would do. It either keep what I got or sell.