Apex worth it?

[sturgesz]

Is an apex worth it? I would love the trident for testing but I’m not sure if I should go apex jr bundle for 900 or bump up to 1200 for the a3 combo from brs .

Any input good or bad experiences please share.

This is also for a new tank build, building my dream tank 100 gallon sca….
Big upgrade from my current ada 60p nano!!

Ps the fish was a rescue and he’s only been in there a short while I even tried to rehome him but nobody would take him sadly. But he’s only in there until the 100 is complete.

 

[Cell]

Hydros would be the other primary option to consider if you find Apex is not your cup of tea. It seems a bit more user friendly to me on setup.

 

[Malum Argenteum]

Any input good or bad experiences please share.

I've had Apexes since early 2011. I had overall good luck with the classic models (lite and jr), though one of mine seemed a little sensitive to power fluctuations. My original Apex just died recently (so, after 13 years), and I got an A3 to replace it.

I ended up not using the EB832, which is probably for the best since they (the EB832 power bars) have a reputation for less than stellar reliability. The A3 is compatible with the classic power bars.

I really like Fusion (the web interface for the Apex), and the overall programming options. There are preset programming options to choose from (like a simple temp setting for the thermostat control of a heater, simple timed on/off for lights), though I use the advanced programming (where you set if/then statements), since then you can program a piece of hardware to act depending on what some other hardware is doing (e.g. if the ATO is running then also run the powerheads, and continue running the powerheads for five minutes after the ATO stops).

 

[sturgesz]

Hydros would be the other primary option to consider if you find Apex is not your cup of tea. It seems a bit more user friendly to me on setup.

I also like the hydros but im mostly interested in the auto testing feature of the Neptune trident.

 

[sturgesz]

I've had Apexes since early 2011. I had overall good luck with the classic models (lite and jr), though one of mine seemed a little sensitive to power fluctuations. My original Apex just died recently (so, after 13 years), and I got an A3 to replace it.

I ended up not using the EB832, which is probably for the best since they (the EB832 power bars) have a reputation for less than stellar reliability. The A3 is compatible with the classic power bars.

I really like Fusion (the web interface for the Apex), and the overall programming options. There are preset programming options to choose from (like a simple temp setting for the thermostat control of a heater, simple timed on/off for lights), though I use the advanced programming (where you set if/then statements), since then you can program a piece of hardware to act depending on what some other hardware is doing (e.g. if the ATO is running then also run the powerheads, and continue running the powerheads for five minutes after the ATO stops).

Thanks for the input! It’s just so confusing to me all of the mixed reviews I’ve seen. I really want it for automated testing. I’d love to be able to move to some sps

 

[exnisstech]

I really want it for automated testing. I’d love to be able to move to some sps

Wanting is fine but automated testing is not needed to move to keeping sps. Just saying I would guess more people do not have it than do.

 

[Jmp998]

I also like the hydros but im mostly interested in the auto testing feature of the Neptune trident.

I think a controller is worth it, mostly for safety-detect and report equipment failures etc to avoid crashes-and secondarily for convenience and just the gear junky aspect. I recently switched from Apex to Hydros and like the Hydros better, but Apex worked fine and either is a good option. Hydros is coming out with an auto tester this fall and the demos look good, but there are no real-world user reports yet.

 

[sturgesz]

I think a controller is worth it, mostly for safety-detect and report equipment failures etc to avoid crashes-and secondarily for convenience and just the gear junky aspect. I recently switched from Apex to Hydros and like the Hydros better, but Apex worked fine and either is a good option. Hydros is coming out with an auto tester this fall and the demos look good, but there are no real-world user reports yet.

I’ll look into the hydros auto tester.

 

[sturgesz]

Wanting is fine but automated testing is not needed to move to keeping sps. Just saying I would guess more people do not have it than do.

I know it’s not necessary but I’m horrible at testing and dosing consistently and acros don’t like big swings

 

[OfficeReefer]

Is an apex worth it? I would love the trident for testing but I’m not sure if I should go apex jr bundle for 900 or bump up to 1200 for the a3 combo from brs .

Any input good or bad experiences please share.

This is also for a new tank build, building my dream tank 100 gallon sca….
Big upgrade from my current ada 60p nano!!

Ps the fish was a rescue and he’s only been in there a short while I even tried to rehome him but nobody would take him sadly. But he’s only in there until the 100 is complete.

I personally would go with Hydros now but TBH, buy the smallest unit you can. In fact, I would by these units used in hindsight.

 

[GARRIGA]

Hydros is coming out with an auto tester this fall and the demos look good, but there are no real-world user reports yet.

Sat through the demonstration at RAP and their tester seems legit but I'm waiting for dust to settle as there's a slew of testers now becoming available. Having said that. I'm heavily leaning towards Hydros due to their collective architecture. Reminds me of the Borg

 

[sturgesz]

I personally would go with Hydros now but TBH, buy the smallest unit you can. In fact, I would by these units used in hindsight.

Are you saying buy used hydros and then add to it as needed

 

[sturgesz]

Sat through the demonstration at RAP and their tester seems legit but I'm waiting for dust to settler as there's a slew of testers now becoming available. Having said that. I'm heavily leaning towards Hydros due to their collective architecture. Reminds me of the Borg

I love the reference!!

 

[sturgesz]

I think a controller is worth it, mostly for safety-detect and report equipment failures etc to avoid crashes-and secondarily for convenience and just the gear junky aspect. I recently switched from Apex to Hydros and like the Hydros better, but Apex worked fine and either is a good option. Hydros is coming out with an auto tester this fall and the demos look good, but there are no real-world user reports yet.

The auto tester looks pretty legit!

 

[OfficeReefer]

Are you saying buy used hydros and then add to it as needed

Both if you can.

 

[Naekuh]

after using a apex, i don't think i can ever go back unless it was a nano.

Apex with trident is such a god send.
Im sure Coralvue with Mavin is the same, but seriously auto water testers make your life a TON easier.

 

[Formulator]

I am in love with mine, but if you like to tinker like me, be prepared to spend even more as you learn what its capable of and inevitably want to expand with additional modules. Highly suggest looking on ebay before buying new. Sad as it is, this hobby has a surplus of barely used equipment because people just don’t know what they are getting into and give up within the first 6 months to a year.