Which Apex

royy13 · 02/19/2018, 06:57 PM

Hello,

I want to add a controller, but I’m not sure which Apex unit would work best for my needs. I was hoping if I listed my needs someone that has knowledge of the Apex line could recommend a unit for me. This is the equipment that I currently run:

Skimmer
Return pump
Algae scrubber
Osmolator ATO
Heater
Fan
(2) Jebao rw4
Orbit Marine lights (have their own controller
Media reactor with Siporax (probably no need to control this)

Thanks In advance,
Roy

DesertReefT4r · 02/20/2018, 12:31 AM

I would get a RKE or RKL Plus. They will all everything you currently need and some right out of the box and can be expanded on with more modules. Apex are great but pricey and over kill imo unless you want full wireless, phone alerts, LED light control, powerhead control ect ect all the more advanced stuff which again RK can do as well. Or just a basic Apex Jr will work but for the money you can get a RKE and have more power outlets .

gonereefing654 · 02/20/2018, 01:37 AM

I would get a brake out box also. If you like diy stuff you should get one. I have a diy water on floor sensor. I have float switch for my skimmer. I added a couple door bells 1 is a one touch feed mode. An other will start or stop the pump in my water change station.

ca1ore · 02/20/2018, 03:43 PM

For a basic setup, the Apex Jr would suffice. You can also get pretty good deals used on the full Apex classic.

royy13 · 02/20/2018, 05:28 PM

I purchased a used Apex Jr. now I have to figure out the programming. If I find it inadequate I can sell it and buy the classic. To be honest, it all seems so confusing with all the modules and the breakout boxes. I surely have some research to do. Anyone have a tip on the best place to go to for learning about the Apex setups and programming.

Roy

DesertReefT4r · 02/20/2018, 06:34 PM

The Neptune forum.

ca1ore · 02/20/2018, 10:30 PM

There is a user-written, comprehensive reference manual on the Neptune site. A little dated, but still an essential resource.

Bent · 02/20/2018, 10:40 PM

Truthfully unless you are just going balls to the wall, the apex jr will do plenty.

I have no use for unlimited modules, ph monitoring and orp monitoring.

However, understand that the new trident that is coming out will actually monitor useful parameters and you will need a new apex in order to use it.

royy13 · 02/21/2018, 03:51 AM

Quote:

However, understand that the new trident that is coming out will actually monitor useful parameters and you will need a new apex in order to use it.

This is a good point. I guess I will set up the Apex Jr. now and then sell it if I decide I want the trident setup.

02/19/2018, 06:57 PM	#1
royy13 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 131	Which Apex Hello, I want to add a controller, but I’m not sure which Apex unit would work best for my needs. I was hoping if I listed my needs someone that has knowledge of the Apex line could recommend a unit for me. This is the equipment that I currently run: Skimmer Return pump Algae scrubber Osmolator ATO Heater Fan (2) Jebao rw4 Orbit Marine lights (have their own controller Media reactor with Siporax (probably no need to control this) Thanks In advance, Roy

02/20/2018, 12:31 AM	#2
DesertReefT4r Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Mesa Az Posts: 771	I would get a RKE or RKL Plus. They will all everything you currently need and some right out of the box and can be expanded on with more modules. Apex are great but pricey and over kill imo unless you want full wireless, phone alerts, LED light control, powerhead control ect ect all the more advanced stuff which again RK can do as well. Or just a basic Apex Jr will work but for the money you can get a RKE and have more power outlets . __________________ Tank history 29g tropical ,55g cichlid tank, 20H softy reef, 29g mixed reef, 20H brackish goby & puffer tank, 55g mixed reef, 6g Nanocube softy lps reef, 40B sps reef, 75g sps reef, 75g sps reef in bu Current Tank Info: 75g sps reef build in the works. Last edited by DesertReefT4r; 02/20/2018 at 04:32 PM.

02/20/2018, 03:43 PM	#4
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	For a basic setup, the Apex Jr would suffice. You can also get pretty good deals used on the full Apex classic. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

02/20/2018, 06:34 PM	#6
DesertReefT4r Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Mesa Az Posts: 771	The Neptune forum. __________________ Tank history 29g tropical ,55g cichlid tank, 20H softy reef, 29g mixed reef, 20H brackish goby & puffer tank, 55g mixed reef, 6g Nanocube softy lps reef, 40B sps reef, 75g sps reef, 75g sps reef in bu Current Tank Info: 75g sps reef build in the works.

02/20/2018, 10:30 PM	#7
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	There is a user-written, comprehensive reference manual on the Neptune site. A little dated, but still an essential resource. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

02/20/2018, 01:37 AM	#3
gonereefing654 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 51	I would get a brake out box also. If you like diy stuff you should get one. I have a diy water on floor sensor. I have float switch for my skimmer. I added a couple door bells 1 is a one touch feed mode. An other will start or stop the pump in my water change station.

02/20/2018, 05:28 PM	#5
royy13 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 131	I purchased a used Apex Jr. now I have to figure out the programming. If I find it inadequate I can sell it and buy the classic. To be honest, it all seems so confusing with all the modules and the breakout boxes. I surely have some research to do. Anyone have a tip on the best place to go to for learning about the Apex setups and programming. Roy

02/20/2018, 10:40 PM	#8
Bent I got nothin' Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: The anals Posts: 6,420	Truthfully unless you are just going balls to the wall, the apex jr will do plenty. I have no use for unlimited modules, ph monitoring and orp monitoring. However, understand that the new trident that is coming out will actually monitor useful parameters and you will need a new apex in order to use it. __________________ Quitters never lose. [QUOTE=CStrickland]Who gets mad at a starfish?[/QUOTE] Current Tank Info: 75g DT, 30G refugium, 10g chaeto tank, 50g stock tank basement sump