Why would I do this??? (Apex controlling AI lights via MXM)

[Jesse Sunday]

Hi all!

TL;DR version: Why would I want my AI lights in the Apex system?

Long version: I just set up my new MXM on my Apex Pro and connected my AI Prime 16HDs... As best I can tell, connecting them to Apex negates the ability to control them through Mobius and MyAI. So those fancy presets that come with AI are not usable.

Can someone help me understand why I would want my lights to live in my Apex ecosystem?

What are the Pros/Cons?

Thanks so much for helping me work through this. :)

Jesse

 

[Jesse Sunday]

Anyone?

 

[Fish Styx]

TL;DR: You don't.

The MXM was rolled out with crippled functionality as a money grab. Until it is updated to allow for the full functionality of connected Ecotech devices, it is merely a brick.

 

[MrPike]

So that you can help fund the aperture investment fund?

 

[Jesse Sunday]

TL;DR: You don't.

The MXM was rolled out with crippled functionality as a money grab. Until it is updated to allow for the full functionality of connected Ecotech devices, it is merely a brick.

Well, I'm learning. :)

 

[OfficeReefer]

Funny, I asked a similar question. It's not just presets but one may overdrive their LED too easily. Honestly, this doesn't make much sense, as Neptune Apex, AI, Ecotech and others are all owned by the same parent conglomerate.

 

[dangles]

I had my AI lights on my Apex via the MXM for a while but took them off in the end. It’s just… buggy. And pretty stinking unnecessary. Once the lights are set up, you don’t really need to adjust them for anything.

The other issue I didn’t like was that there was no option for a demo mode, or a “lights to 50%” or “lights on” (100%) for a short period like there is in the AI app. In fact, when it’s tied to the MXM, you LOSE that functionality - even from the AI app! The buttons in the AI app will work for a second or two, then it reverts right back to the MXM (Neptune) settings. So I went back to just using the AI app.

It’s just redundant, and reduces the functionality you get through the AI app.

When I first set up my tank, I bought into the AI/Ecotech/Neptune ecosystem HARD. Now a year later I’m finding it’s not as useful (or needed) as BRS and the Aperture YouTube shills would have you believe. Don’t get me wrong, there are some advantages to a Neptune ecosystem. But it’s FAR from perfect, and a beautiful, very functional reef tank can be had for WAY less money.