What can Apex do that Hydros can't (or vice versa)?

[JeffB418]

May be a blessing or a curse. On the other hand why Neptune does not have a more in-depth backup, restore, today is a bit frustrating. There is a backup option as well as a module replace. My guess is the connections and how ID's are managed probably has something to do with it.

Having said that they all have warts so it is wise to label cables clearly and annotate modules with names. Then take screen shots of the UI for reference on top of any backup options they have. If you are OSD or an over achiever, or just better (and there is always someone who is), create documentation. Those of you here who have gone into a telcom room know what I am talking about.

Yeah I will say the automatic cloud backups of configs on Hydros are a game changer for recovery. Also configs being in json are nice too. I’ve been able to clone full collectives to entire other sets of devices by replacing device serial numbers in configs and pushing it to new setups. The vast majority would never do anything remote to this but it’s nice to have that back door. Do note that you can only push configs to serial numbers registered to your account. The cloud verifies all transactions to ensure security in device changes.

 

[Luisn17]

I have both.

My primary tank uses Apex and my office tank has hydros. They both do the job but I do find the coding option of the apex, takes some time to learn but far superior. I feel I can basically code a rule to allow me to have something setup exactly the way I want it not a predetermined slider. I find the hydros app is slower and a little glitchy at times.

I do give it to hydors if an apex module goes bad, like it happened in my case, Neptune support was helpful but I had to track down which module was broken by plugging each model back one by one. There is also no recovery mode for apex.

To me, the lack of the maven still places the hydors in the little kid status. Hopefully the maven launches soon and pushes Neptune to fix apex np.

 

[MJD_Aqua]

Support from hydros is massively superior vs neptune, and that's why I'm going to switch.

I have zero experience with Hydros. But as a relative newly, who has been using a Neptune EL on a 75g planted tank, and now also have a Neptune A3 Apex Pro running on a small newbie reef, the support I have received from Neptune is terrific. They will stay on the phone with me, listen to what I want to have done, then either program the code for me, or walk me through it. I've even had them follow up with me, later, telling me they saw something on my system where there was a bit of an issue with how I had programmed an outlet. (I don't remember the specifics, but THEY reached out to me. I LOVE that.)

Do I wish a few things could be tweaked with the Apex? Sure. And I tell them. But their customer service is fantastic.

One more thing. I live on the East Coast, and there are a lot of reef aquarium stores out here. Most that I have been to use Neptune Apex equipment and/or sells the components. Maybe I missed it, but I haven't seen "Hydros" in the stores I've been in, except for maybe one or two, and I've been in a lot. I used to buy high end audio equipment, and the "Great Recession" (or even before) wiped out a lot of those companies, like Wadia, Enlightened Audio Designs, etc., so I had to scrounge to find somebody to repair two of my pieces when they needed repairs years later. One was in Virginia, and the other on a farm in central Iowa. So if I am buying into a system of products, I buy now try to only buy from companies that seem to have an established market and customer base, because they are more likely to come out the other side of a recession, and I won't be left having to scrounge around for repair shops or eBay for replacement parts. Being under the Aperture Pet & Life umbrella probably gives Neptune a greater financial footing, as well as likely tighter integration with a number of equipment manufacturers under the same umbrella.

Just my two cents.

 

[Fuzznutz36]

This says a lot for Apex quality...my 4 outlet box relays are just now going bad. Can't get them anymore though, so I'm searching too. I like the simplicity of the Hydros, but have yet to pull the trigger on either yet.

 

[Peer.Boerner]

What makes support from Hydros superior?

As with most products we use to hobbyist can use the same product and have different experiences. Odd how that works.

I’m a hydros guy. I’m sure Apex s great too. Regarding support, if you post on the Facebook page someone immediately answers. It’s usually a user but if not a hydros support person jumps in and asks you too open a support request for more complex issues or solves immediately. It’s amazing.

 

[BryanM]

Hydros support is vastly superior.

They get roasted for the Maven, which is fair considering how long ago it was announced, though I still personally believe it is forthcoming.

The big deals to me come down to 3 things.

1). Distributed network / collective vs a single controller.
2). IP65 water resistant, self explanatory (better connectors as well)
3). Buy what you want/need (lots of controller options, easy to expand)

Do they both work well, sure do. I've had 3 issues that were not easily fixable, all of them after a couple emails were met with "Lets set up a call", and resolved in less than 30 min.

 

[MJD_Aqua]

I cannot speak to Hydros, but the folks at Neptune are exceptional. And an added bonus is that when I call, they can peek into my system and help me with, for example, programming a new routine. If my system is hung up, they can reset it. It also helps that because they are all under the Aperture umbrella. They are all reasonably well-versed in the products of the other companies, such as the My AI and Mobius apps used by AquaIllumination pumps, lights, etc. Same is true for the folks at their sister companies who know a bit about the Apex.

As I stated in my earlier post, I started with a Neptune Apex EL on my 75 gallon planted Aquarium about three years ago (note that not one thing has failed). Last December I added an Apex A3 Pro to a small reef tank, but held off buying another MXM module (which I have on the other Apex) until I catch one on sale. Here we are in August, and I I still have only the one MXM module. BUT, I use it to run the schedules for my return pump, wave pump, and light over my reef, despite these pieces of hardware, all being plugged into the energy bar associated with my Apex Pro. That is, I am sharing one MXM module across multiple Apex systems. I have an AI light over yet another tank that I could run through that same MXM module if I chose to do so. At some point I will get that other MXM module because it will open up the programming a little more for my reef Apex. I have found it to be a valuable benefit of the Apex environment that I am able to share some equipment across systems.

I use Ring cameras to monitor my aquariums when I’m gone, and have found it a huge benefit to be able to get on my Neptune app and make adjustments from 1200-3000 miles away, such as turning down the intensity on the lights when green dusting starts to appear on my glass, etc.

 

[Ryan - Serious Reefs]

I’m curious: if you gave a room full of reefers a random controller from the big four, Apex, Hydros, GHL, and now Red Sea, would you see any meaningful difference in tank success rates or overall satisfaction with the tank? I suspect not.

The one exception might be Red Sea, simply because it’s new, and there are almost always some growing pains with new technology.

For me, there’s one decision-maker that outweighs almost everything else: if someone in your life already owns one and is willing to show you how to use it or answer questions when they come up, that’s probably the best controller for you.

You’d need some pretty specific needs or preferences to outweigh that advantage.