Apex EL Aquarium Monitor - BRS Special Edition.

[DarthSimon]

ApexEL Aquarium Monitor Special Edition

You can relax about your reef tank knowing that the Apex EL BRS Special Edition has your back. The BRS SE Apex EL monitors key tank parameters and comes pre-configured to send you alerts via the built-in WiFi if anything is amiss. It's hard to overstate the value of having an aquarium monitor...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

So this was just unveiled on Let's Talk Reef, Neptune Systems Live Weekly Chat.....

Any thoughts??? Let's talk and discuss this release here.

 

[Hallowhead]

I think it's great for people wanting to have a central location for monitoring those parameters. For once I don't think a Neptune product is over priced..

 

[Js.Aqua.Project]

I was just wondering the same thing:

BRS Edition Apex EL Monitor

Ok, so let me start by saying I completely understand from a business standpoint why BRS and Neptune Systems hooked up for this special edition Apex EL. But is anybody seeing the same thing as me? Here is a device that will let you know you have a problem, but you won't be able to do anything...

www.reef2reef.com

Now, for me (an Apex user), I don't see why I would just want to "monitor" without also getting the Alex's help fixing.

Imagine this scenario:

You are on vacation and walk past a TV playing the news, on the screen you can see your neighborhood is on fire with it quickly approaching your house, you have no cell signal, no way to call the Fire Department (or maybe turn on those Alexa controlled.sprinklers), nothing you can do to help save your house, all you can do is watch and "monitor".

Am I missing something?

 

[DarthSimon]

I'm trying to digest this new Product Package. What I am seeing is an Entry level Apex, with Temp, PH, and 2 Float Switches to monitor water levels. You get the Apex Brain, so the sky is the limit as far as expandability. EB832's can be added, and much more. I'm guessing this is the EL Apex Brain, so you don't get Salinity and Orp?? Which could both be added by more modules down the line if needed.

So it's an even less expensive price point for people to jump into the Apex EccoSystem. I like it....'

Curious if here is a new Task coming to configure the new Float Switch Device?
#Terence

 

[nickkohrn]

I think it’ll be nice for hobbyists that don’t want a full-blown controller. I’d happily pay $250 to monitor my temperature and water levels with Fusion if I were an "old school" hobbyist that didn't want to buy and install a full-blown controller—I could still use features to monitor it for 1/3 of the price of a 2016 Apex or 1/2 of the price of an ApexEL. Also, the alarms are already programmed, which will be nice for hobbyists that are afraid to dig into programming and find controllers too complicated. Regularly, I see Facebook posts in Apex user groups and in #AskBRSTV about someone getting an Apex and being overwhelmed; this could ease them into the ecosystem.

 

[Mical]

It's ok but... it's still the El - I've been considering upgrading my Classic to the newer Apex head but I still need the added inputs for Kessils etc (the 4 channels of variable speed/diming outlets) which this doesn't have. I've also been procrastinating because the changeover is going to take a full weekend of programming - which I'm not too enthused about.

 

[hobbyreefer]

I just started a new build and spent a lot of money getting the tank wet. I need to take it easy for a few months (spending), but I really want a controller. Monitoring temp and water level (and hopefully getting alerts on my phone) would be a huge value. If I’m planning on going full blown Apex down the road, is there any reason not to start with this version? The way I see it is I can get my feet wet with the ApexEL at a reasonable price and upgrade as needed. Agree or disagree?

 

[Amado]

I think this is very good for Neptune. You have a lot of people that can’t afford the $800 for the full system. What I don’t understand is why didn’t they add a 4 port power strip like the apex JR.

This is a big f-u to all the other distributors of Neptune products. They already have very small margins and I am also sure everyone is tired with not having inventory of trident or reagents.
If I was a LFS I would be clearing out the Neptune product wall. Let BRS sell it.

I sure Neptune is also not happy that saltwater.com is selling other controllers.
BRS only sells Neptune.

 

[Technewb]

Im about to pull the trigger on this. I have an apex el already and it works great. Salinity probes arent even accurate, no use for orp, and I have nothing using dimming ports so this is perfect for my new AIO tank. I have an extra eb8 laying around so this would be great.

 

[Js.Aqua.Project]

I guess technically, if you score one of these and buy an EB832 to add some of the control features you would spend the same as getting the EL and you get water level sensors...

 

[robbyg]

I guess technically, if you score one of these and buy an EB832 to add some of the control features you would spend the same as getting the EL and you get water level sensors...

Yep that is pretty much what it is. You now get two level sensors for free. This is great for BRS sales but it now makes it harder for the other distributors to compete on the low end. Personally I agree with @Js.Aqua.Project in that it's not really all that useful to be able to monitor stuff without having the ability to actually control it. Of course once again this is brilliant marketing by Neptune because 90% of buyers are going to be buying a power bar within months if not weeks, plus other add-ons so that they can actually have a complete controller.

 

[Schreiber]

Price point is better, but it's still overpriced, honestly.

 

[sharpimage]

I think its pretty good. I find alot of my stuff isn't hooked up to my EB8. Most things I have have their own controllers. With this, you could manage a dos and trident.

 

[DarthSimon]

I woke up this morning, thinking about it overnight. It’s a brilliant move... Win win for them and the end consumer. You can now buy in at half price of El..... And expand as you see fit.

 

[siggy]

It sounds like a good venture, the competition is going to LITE & LIGHT controllers so this sounds like a normal progression
to stay competitive and also to reward BRS for not selling the other competitors products. I now know why.
I recall Ryan asking the community about a replacement or the resurrection of the Reef Keeper so... replacement it is
BRS Foods, Heaters, Controllers and Chems, I wonder what's Next? Maybe buy vertex skimmers and sumps

 

[Silent]

This is a great way to get into having and using the Apex without the steep upfront cost. Personally I still have and use Reefkeepers but I don't get notified when things are wrong. This will be a great way to transition over to a newer system and be able to learn slowly and not feel overwhelmed.

 

[TheHarold]

Im about to pull the trigger on this. I have an apex el already and it works great. Salinity probes arent even accurate, no use for orp, and I have nothing using dimming ports so this is perfect for my new AIO tank. I have an extra eb8 laying around so this would be great.

Agreed re adding on an EB8 and having a sweet, modern setup. They go used on the classifieds for like ~$100.

 

[DarthSimon]

EB8 New is 159....

 

[vangvace]

I like the entry level monitoring bit, but I am really disgusted that it is a BRS Special Edition Super-exclusive run and my opinion on where the hobby is trending.

 

[MrWheelock]

I personally love it, I have an apex now, and had this been out when I started the hobby I would have gotten this over the reef keeper thats now in a box....