|
12/31/2015, 12:37 PM | #26 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 16
|
|
12/31/2015, 12:44 PM | #27 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Tujunga, CA
Posts: 1,443
|
Cool, thanks for the answers. And glad you got your issues sorted out, jsbull - I know it was frustrating but I promise you, after you've used your Apex for a while you'll be glad you didn't return it!
__________________
"Get a reef tank!" they said. "It'll be relaxing!" they said. 65g mixed reef, 30g display fuge, 20L sump/pod fuge, ATI 4x24 + 2 Kessil A360NEs, Aquamaxx EM100, Gyre 130 |
01/01/2016, 04:53 AM | #28 | |
Registered Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 55
|
Quote:
That is outstanding customer service from Apex! |
|
01/01/2016, 09:49 AM | #29 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Alamogordo, NM
Posts: 77
|
I recently dismantled my African Cichlid tank, and started setting up another SW tank. I figured I'd use the Apex Jr. off the Cichlid tank in the new SW tank until I got an expansion box and probes for the Profilux on my 260.
First thing I tried to do was update the firmware. That was also the last thing. Now the only thing the Apex Jr. will do is flash the status LED at me. I put a temp controller on the heater for the new tank, moved a powerbar over to it, and am running it off the Profilux now. I'm afraid to even try updating the firmware on the Apex my wife is using on her tank. |
01/01/2016, 10:33 AM | #30 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 46
|
Apex & Vectra
maybe this is a stupid question but can you still use the Vectra M1 independent of the Apex?
|
01/01/2016, 10:43 AM | #31 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Idaho
Posts: 217
|
Neilmu,
I have a Vectra L1 I am using on my set up. It is plugged into the Apex so I can turn it on and off from the Apex but I used the Reeflink to program it and set it up. It is kinda round about but I had the reef link for my lights anyhow. My LFS told me the Reeflink was a much easier way to run the lights. Having said that, I an new and don't even have fish in the tank yet. I am hoping I can shut the pump down during feeding without issues. I can't see why it will not work. |
01/01/2016, 10:47 AM | #32 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Idaho
Posts: 217
|
JSbull,
I had a hard time when I started out with mine. Finally someone steered me to the "native interface". Once there I used the configuration tab and fixed all my problems. It confounds me why the "fusion" interface does not allow you to configure things or tell it to update firmware. Or if it does I can't find it. |
01/01/2016, 11:01 AM | #33 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 46
|
I'm upgrading from a 72g to a 180g. hope to have the tank in the couple couple of weeks. My previous 72 which I sold off 2+ years ago was running for 12+ years but all my equipment was run independent. I had no controllers except for the heater. For my 180 I went and bought 3 radions Xr30's, 2 MP40's, the ventra L1 and the apex lab grade. I'm no IT/computer expert and after reading this thread I'm super nervous about setting it up. Im up for the challenge but what are the best sites, forums etc to review when I do encounter problems and is the ReefLink a must have piece of equipment?
Last edited by Neilmu; 01/01/2016 at 11:21 AM. |
01/01/2016, 12:06 PM | #34 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Idaho
Posts: 217
|
Neilmu,
Someone else would be better to answer you I think. There is a way to run the Radions and MP40's from the Apex (I have not done it). If you only run the Vectra on one speed (or manually vary it) you don't NEED the reeflink. I was just told the interface was easier and I found one used for $50.00. Based on the cost of all the other stuff $50.00 was an easy decision. Also I think you need a wireless module to add to the Apex (if you want to control the lights and powerheads) and it cost at least as much as the Reeflink. |
01/01/2016, 01:32 PM | #35 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 46
|
yes I ordered the WXM module with the apex
|
01/01/2016, 02:00 PM | #36 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 5,313
|
Interesting as my Apex came with PH calibration fluid.
Not that I'm on Apex's website ever, but I didn't notice any difference in the fusion webpage either? Only thing I noticed after a firmware upgrade was that with my LED's, you no longer have to use the light programming curves, then switch over to basic mode to enter your own code for feed modes and such. It all opens from the programming screen. There has never been a "configuration" tab in fusion(least for me and I've had it nearly 7 months now). That has always had to been accessed via the web front end. Took me almost 3 weeks before I actually read the manual and found the front end from my local IP addy. The WXM module is what you need for the radions and mp40's. They work pretty easily(plug and play), and the setup for them in fusion is super simple.
__________________
80G SCA Build: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2560256 Originally posted by der_wille_zur_macht: "He's just taking his lunch to work" |
01/01/2016, 09:20 PM | #37 | |
Fish Nerd
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 378
|
Quote:
-Ivan
__________________
225 mixed reef (72"x30"x24") started 2/4/17 http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2559165 Current Tank Info: Slowly stocking.... |
|
01/01/2016, 09:23 PM | #38 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: BC
Posts: 136
|
I had to get my electrical engineer and website software design guy to hook it up. I was in the same boat as you. Esp when he was saying how dinosaur age everything it uses is.
But now that it's up and running im happy with it.
__________________
250G DD LED SPS corner blow out RIP 300 G build in progress 80”x36”x24” 180G LED see thru |
01/02/2016, 08:26 PM | #39 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 216
|
E-mail their support and they will setup a SCREEN SHARE meeting with you where one of the techs will actually control your computer while its connected and TEACH YOU everything you need to know in 10 minutes.
I went through far worse of a nightmare than you and I TRIED to return mine only to be told that because I opened it - they wouldn't take it - I was told to call neptune. So I did and they were amazing at helping me learn to use it RIGHT in front of me from my own home. PS - The gaming adapter - Every time you unplug it and plug it into the apex - SETUP > NET SETUP > RESTART!!!!!!! It will fix the entire issue you're having there.
__________________
66 Gallon Red Sea Max 250 Melanarus Wrasse, Sleeper Goby, Firefin Goby, Pajama Cardinal, Coral Beauty Angel, Coral Hogfish, Pair Clowns, Urchin, CB/Fire Shrimp, 6 Chromis, Clown Goby, 2 Skunk Shrim |
01/03/2016, 02:11 PM | #40 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 46
|
sounds like a call to Neptune is in my cards when I'm ready to set up.
|
02/19/2016, 07:17 PM | #41 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 2
|
I promise you it will only get worse, and if you aren't a computer programmer you better learn some patience. They will go out of their way to have you troubleshoot it for days before they decide to contact you for phone support, and hopefully you have a job that you can work for your home cause you gonna be there often if you want it to work right or give up.
Now you own their controller they gotcha.. Hopefully you don't do like me run out and buy every new product they introduce because you will have the same issues and regrets with every one. Their favorite excuse was that my slow internet (ATT/ DSL) causing the problems. I spent almost 5,000 to my local internet provider to bring fiber to my home and nothing has changed. Most recently my 6 WAV power heads operate but don't follow the programming. I didn't notice that was happening until colonies of SPS Started bleaching. |
02/19/2016, 07:36 PM | #42 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Wyocena Wi
Posts: 6,936
|
Had my temp probe (finger) in the tank the other day it sent an email to my controller(brain) this seems a bit cool. I forgot to plug my heater back in.
__________________
Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT |
02/19/2016, 08:14 PM | #43 |
Home made abyss
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Lake Saint Louis, MO
Posts: 2,047
|
Trust me, I'm not knocking a controller for my system. I have never had one in the twenty years of the hobby, but may go that route in the near future.
But here's what concerns me. The apex and reefkeeper have been around now for a long time. Yes, both have improved over the years, but what is very disconcerting is that the technology hasn't gotten to the "plug and play" level by now. Issues that owners here on RC and other sites that have been having due to difficulties in set up are, for lack of better words, inexcusable.
__________________
Don Reefing since 1993 Current Tank info: 125 gallon DT , 125 gallon basement sump. Rw 15 & Rw 8. Panworld 150ps return. Reef Octopus 150 skimmer, 3 165w mars aqua led. |
02/19/2016, 08:16 PM | #44 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,923
|
|
02/19/2016, 08:23 PM | #45 | |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Wyocena Wi
Posts: 6,936
|
Quote:
__________________
Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT |
|
02/20/2016, 11:17 AM | #46 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: ks
Posts: 127
|
I am the most technically challenged person you could imagine and yet after much hair pulling, obscene expletives and stomping around wondering why I ever bought that thing I found a guy on the apex forum who walked me through the trials and tribulations and now I have a fully functional controller. He still texts me occasionally to see if everything is going well. Best purchase I ever made along with the ATO. Stick with it find a mentor and WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN!
__________________
a wise man learns from his mistakes. a truly wise man learns from others mistakes! Current Tank Info: 67g rr, 30g sump, rlssr6i skimmer, Dsuny LED's Apex controller |
02/20/2016, 12:37 PM | #47 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 2,753
|
One day of annoyance for years of automation. Love my apex
__________________
Current tank: 90G mixed reef. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon |
02/20/2016, 04:58 PM | #48 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 743
|
I would think spending 1200.00 on a Apex system you would get pretty much all the devices and gadgets apex makes for it. I seen a place online and can't remember where that sold the 1200 kit and it looked like covered every addon possible.
|
02/20/2016, 05:11 PM | #49 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Normal, Il
Posts: 140
|
My set up was easy. If you call them, and ask for Paul he will walk you through everything. What all did you receive for 1200$? mine was 550$ plus another EB8, night lights, auto feeder, and i'm still not close to a grand. I hope your local fish store didn't screw you! aside for my AWC the apex is the second best investment i have made. Take a break and come back, i think you are over complicating this, just IMO. GOOD LUCK
|
02/20/2016, 05:15 PM | #50 |
Smelly fish
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Denham Springs, LA
Posts: 262
|
I found Neptune to respond fast and very helpful. Got mine for Christmas and have to admit it was a learning curve
__________________
Vince 120 RR Bare Bottom & 56 Bean animal connected to one sump. Life Reef external/blueline 40 HDX, Carbon reactor, GFO reactor, proton 48 led, 2 Kessils 160we tuna blue on 120 & 6 HQ t-5 on 56, b |
Tags |
apex, automation, controller, neptune |
Thread Tools | |
|
|