Totally Confused on which Apex to get

[Rickbr]

After reading anything and everything for the last three days I am still not any closer to figuring out which model I should get. I think I have it narrowed down to going with a Neptune unit

Here is what I am looking to do.
I have a 65 with a 30g sump.

I don't plan on doing anything other than LPS and Softies but at some point I may want to add SPS.

I have two Ecoxotic Hoods with two whites and a blue in each. I would love to be able to control them with the controller but it's to much of a pain to swap everything just to get it to work
and I don't mind just having them turn on and off for now.

I would like to control an ATO and Kalk tank

I have two Koralia 750's that I would like to use as a wavemaker.

Being able to control the heater would be nice. (fairly new tank so I'm not sure if I am going to have a heat problem in the summer. So far no plans for a chiller)

Water on floor detection would be nice but not imperative since there is usually someone home.

The technogeek in me loves the internet capability.

Being able to shut down circulation while feeding and water changes is nice but not essential.

I would like to be able to monitor PH and Temp.

My understanding is that I need a breakout box to control ATO with any of the three systems. So I am thinking of going with the Apex Jr and getting a breakout box and an additional EB4.
Then eventually get the PM1 and ph probe


Looking at costs, I am not sure if I should get the jr and expand over time or if I should get the lite and again just expand over time. I really don't see me adding more modules that what I've already planned for
and I really don't want to shell out 5 bills plus right now.

I may want to control the lights way down the road but I think I should still be able to do that with the Jr shouldn't I?
I know that I am limited to 5 modules on the Jr and I know that I will never need any more than that.

So my question is should I get the JR and expand over time. Get the Lite and expand over time( Which I am really thinking is going to be overkill but...best bang for the buck...)?
Or considering the costs of the upgrades should I just get the full blown Apex. ( which I really really think is overkill for what I intend to use it for)

OR

I can DIY some things and can put together my own ATO or the JBJ ATO for @ 80.00 , I already have a Ranco that I am not using from another hobby. 70.00 For the Hydor wavemaker.
Couple of timers for the lights. Then I can sit back, Relax, Stop over thinking everything and Have a home brew. :)

 

[vbsaltydog]

DIY = no

The Hydors are not controllable by anything other than the Hydor controller.

Apex Jr will cost you more over the long run.

Apex Lite is a better value but might be more than you need.

Apex Full is more than you need.

Your best options are:

Apex Jr and pay more over time vs the lite or full but the expense IS spread over time.

Light timers and JBJ ATO, probably all that you really need.

Reef Angel if you are the techno geek that you suggest. Better option than Any of the Apex models.

 

[Eckolancer]

Get the lite unless someday you want to switch powerheads or lights also if you need a cal reactor the second ph probe is nice thing to have, which can be done on the full. I bought the lite and wish I had bought the full.


Sent from inside the shark tank!

 

[HiImSean]

i went with the JR and have expanded a little. you need more modules with the JR if you want to do everything you mentioned. i believe you NEED the PM1 to run the breakout box. with my JR i have the VDM to control my AI Sol LEDs and a EB8. I'm running the JBJ ATO but may eventually get a PM1 and breakout box to control more things with float switches.

 

[Rickbr]

Thanks for the info guys. I was able to pick up a slightly used Apex for a really good deal. It
just came in today so I can't wait to get it all hooked up.