Which Apex Controller should I get?

[GoPitt88]

So, the boss at home has given me the okay to get a controller!!! :) So, should I get the full version, or would the ApexEL be good enough? I would just need to control two BRS dosing pumps. I have 2 Kessil A360WE Tuna Blues, and two Vortech MP10 powerheads, but they both have their own controllers. Any words of wisdom? Thanks :)

 

[Imran Sid’s]

I am in same boat as you my friend and I am asking myself do I need more control and monitors when I am travelling

 

[TheHarold]

Apex 2016 with a handful of extra eb832s, DOS, FMM, etc. o_O

 

[GoPitt88]

I’ve heard people complain about the salinity probe not being accurate, and do I really need an ORP probe? Besides that, what other benefits does the full version have?

 

[GoPitt88]

Apex 2016 with a handful of extra eb832s, DOS, FMM, etc. o_O

?

 

[Matt Carden]

The full version allows for 2 variable speed ports to control lights powerheads etc. Along with the additional probes

 

[Monte26]

If you are planning on controlling the two Kessils with your Apex, you'll want the full version. The EL is missing the two 0-10v variable speed ports as mentioned above. I suppose you could go with the El and a VDM module to save some cash if you didn't need the salinity or ORP probes.

 

[Monte26]

I’ve heard people complain about the salinity probe not being accurate, and do I really need an ORP probe? Besides that, what other benefits does the full version have?

I have the full Apex (bought before the EL was released) and almost never use the salinity or ORP probes. Unless you are running Ozone, I don't personally see a need to monitor ORP. I could maybe see setting up alarms based on salinity if your ATO got stuck on or something.

 

[GoPitt88]

If you are planning on controlling the two Kessils with your Apex, you'll want the full version. The EL is missing the two 0-10v variable speed ports as mentioned above. I suppose you could go with the El and a VDM module to save some cash if you didn't need the salinity or ORP probes.

Any advantage of the apex controller vs the kessil light controller?

 

[Monte26]

Any advantage of the apex controller vs the kessil light controller?

I've used both. I prefer to run the Kessils through the Apex so I have everything on one interface. I also have the full Apex with the 0-10v ports built-in, so I eliminate the Spectral controller that uses up an outlet which is nice. The Spectral controller limits you to 6 (I think?) points for ramping up/down. With the Apex, its pretty much unlimited as far as I know, so you have more flexibility. At the end of the day, if you already have the spectral controller, there is no performance benefit that I can see running it through the Apex.

 

[GoPitt88]

Is ORP useful at all if I'm not running ozone?

 

[Monte26]

If something big dies in the tank, your ORP number should change, but I wouldn't pay the $300 difference for it. You can always add it down the line if you choose to.

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

Is ORP useful at all if I'm not running ozone?

nope!