Help me choose my first controller system, please !

[sck90]

Hello all,

I'm almost ready to start my new aquarium and I think it would be important to invest in a control system from this new beginning. I'm considering two options (you guessed it!): Neptune and Hydros.

First, here's some information on my current and future equipments:

- Waterbox 90.3 (60 gal tank)
- Eshopps protein skimmer
- Sicce return pump
- Heater
- 2x Tunze 6105 pumps (I used them in my old 125 gal tank)
- Maxspect razor led lights (they are getting old... planning on upgrading them in the next months)
- would like to get an ATO very soon

I'm looking for a good control system, but I'm also a little tight on the budget. I'm willing to pay the price I need to get something good, but I wouldn't mind avoiding some very advanced features if I can save some $.

Here are the 2 options that I am looking at right now. These systems, I think, would allow me to monitor and control important parameters and equipments, including my 6105 pumps.

OPTION 1

1) Hydros Control X4 starter pack, $607.50 CAD (https://www.jlaquatics.com/hydros-control-x4-starter-pack.html)
2) Hydros Leak Detection Sensor, $54 CAD (https://www.jlaquatics.com/hydros-leak-detection-sensor.html)
3) 2x Hydros Tunze Wave Engine Pump Adapter, $40.50 CAD (https://www.jlaquatics.com/hydros-tunze-wave-engine-pump-adapter.html)
4) Hydros 0-10v Quad Wave Engine Pump Adapter, $17.50 CAD (https://www.jlaquatics.com/hydros-0-10v-quad-wave-engine-pump-adapter.html)
TOTAL: $719.50 CAD

OPTION 2

1) Neptune Apex A3 Junior Aquarium Controller, $374 CAD (https://www.jlaquatics.com/neptune-systems-apex-a3-junior-aquarium-controller.html)
2) Neptune Variable Speed/Dimming Module (VDM), $130.68 CAD (https://www.jlaquatics.com/neptune-systems-variable-speed-dimming-module-vdm.html)
3) Neptune Apex Energy Bar 4, $156.63 CAD (https://www.jlaquatics.com/neptune-systems-apex-energy-bar-4.html)
4) Neptune Apex 2 Channel Stream Cable, $27.27 CAD (https://www.jlaquatics.com/neptune-systems-apex-2-channel-stream-cable.html)
TOTAL: $688.57 CAD

(these prices include Neptune discounts which are valid until June 16th)


I did look for the Neptune Apex A3, but the cost would be much higher than the Option 2 described above, since I still would need to by the VDM module in order to use my Tunze pumps.

For both of these options, I would have 4 AC outlets. I was thinking one for the heater, one for the skimmer, one for the return pump and one for the future ATO pump. My Tunze 6105 would either be plugged in the 0-10 V outlets in the Hydros controller or in the Neptune VDM module. My Maxspect lights would be plugged in the wall and when I will updrade the lights, I would maybe buy the required module, if necessary.

Any insight would be very much appreciated, as I'm a total noob in the controller world.

Thank you very much in advance !

Sam

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Following this, I have gone back and forth between the two!

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

I like option 2. I suggest you look at the platforms provided and make a decision. Many people have very successful tanks with Neptune. Apex offers great flexibility when you want to do something unique, opposed to having to color within the lines.

The path to expand seems about the same with both.

 

[AnomMatty]

I'd consider going x4 Pro Pack over starter - you gain 4 outlets and remove dropped signals as a concern.

I recently went through this, and chose Hydros. I don't think there's a right/wrong answer, just preference and maybe some very specific fringe case scenarios where one might have the edge over the other. Being in Canada availability of future upgrades and replacement parts might be another thing to research/consider.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Following this, I have gone back and forth between the two!

These threads never end well, it always comes down to the majority of posts for one or the other and that shouldn't dictate which one is better for the persons needs. It just means at this particular time, there's a majority of a specific brand loyalists online willing to respond to these threads.

 

[sck90]

I'd consider going x4 Pro Pack over starter - you gain 4 outlets and remove dropped signals as a concern.

I recently went through this, and chose Hydros. I don't think there's a right/wrong answer, just preference and maybe some very specific fringe case scenarios where one might have the edge over the other. Being in Canada availability of future upgrades and replacement parts might be another thing to research/consider.

Thanks for the suggestion. I don't understand the ''remove dropped signals'' part, could you please explain that to me ? Thanks again !

 

[Connor At CoralVue]

Well, given my username, my answer is going to be 100% biased. Please always feel free to reach out!

HYDROS is really about making sure you're set for the future with your aquarium setup. It's built so you can keep adding to it without worrying about parts becoming outdated. You can add new Controls to increase the number of ports you have for whatever you want to plug in—sensors, pumps, probes, you name it.

What's cool about HYDROS is this idea of a "Collective." Think of it as having several brains all linked together. If one part goes down, the others just pick up the slack. This not only keeps things running smoothly but also adds an extra layers of safety.

No coding required, one of the standout features of the HYDROS app is that it operates entirely without the need for coding. Users can set up and customize their systems through simple, intuitive menus and interfaces. This makes the app accessible to everyone, regardless of technical expertise. If you can manage a smartphone, you can manage HYDROS.

 

[AnomMatty]

Thanks for the suggestion. I don't understand the ''remove dropped signals'' part, could you please explain that to me ? Thanks again !

Some people have reported losing wifi signal to the 4-outlet wifi bars. Which leaves the status of the outlets constant until connection is manually restored. Not a big deal if they're 100% on outlets, can be if something wonky happens and your ATO is running or similar.

I have 0 personal experience with the wifi outlets/strips. I went with the pro pack and xp8 as I wanted the additional outlets and didn't want it to even be a worry.

 

[Stang67]

Get a good ato first. Just saying.

 

[sck90]

Some people have reported losing wifi signal to the 4-outlet wifi bars. Which leaves the status of the outlets constant until connection is manually restored. Not a big deal if they're 100% on outlets, can be if something wonky happens and your ATO is running or similar.

I have 0 personal experience with the wifi outlets/strips. I went with the pro pack and xp8 as I wanted the additional outlets and didn't want it to even be a worry.

thank you !

 

[sck90]

Get a good ato first. Just saying.

Yes, I will get it at the same time.

 

[Dragen Fiend]

Both are equally as good in my opinion. I myself went with a hydros launch, power 4 bar, 2x hydros dosing pumps and WaveEngine-LE. Eventually I'll get the Maven auto tester.
Mainly because of how each controller operates by itself as a failsafe and the expandability down the road.

The only reason I would go Neptune route is if you plan to have AI/Echotech products as they are plug in play with Neptune.

 

[officialreefbros]

I don't have either but would recommend looking a lot at your end state. Both have a lot of different options and Is definitely worth looking at their dosers, testers, probes. Most people add on to their system and setup over time and stick with that ecosystem.

 

[AnomMatty]

I don't have either but would recommend looking a lot at your end state. Both have a lot of different options and Is definitely worth looking at their dosers, testers, probes. Most people add on to their system and setup over time and stick with that ecosystem.

Second this. Knowing where you'd like to end up long term will aid decision making a ton.

 

[reely989]

They will both work well. I just swapped from Apex to Hydros after some issues, but as you can see by many here I'd say that Apex works great for most folks. I can only speak to my experience, but so far the biggest flaw in Hydros' ecosystem compared to Apex for me is dosing. The DOS pump is fantastic and I wish there was a similar product available for Hydros. Not that dosing is complicated, but that was a nice unit. I'm hoping that the Maven is a good auto tester. I was never in love with the Trident. It had a lot of head scratching design decisions imo. As others have mentioned, it really depends on your goals. If you just want a tank monitor, they will both work exceedingly well. If you want a well integrated doser into the system, I think Apex is ahead right now. If you want water testing right now, Apex is your only option.

 

[sck90]

Thanks a lot to all of you for your responses ! Much appreciated !

I cant tell precisely what are gonna be all of my future equipments. All I can say is that I'm going for a LPS dominated mixed reef and that I dont really plan on using a dosing pump.

I think both system would do an excellent job. I keep reading that Hydros controllers seem to be better build, but that the Apex compatibility is better for equipments of other companies... Tough choice, honestly.

What I can say is that general quality is important for me. I really dont know about customer service of neither company here in Canada.

Thanks again and please keep comments coming if you think of anything that might help me make a decision!

 

[n2585722]

Yes, I will get it at the same time.

The Hydros can also be the ATO with the addition of a water level sensor it uses a sense port. I use a Hydros simple dosing pump as the ATO pump and it plugs into a drive port. If you ever want to do AWC with the Hydros then the Hydros has to be the ATO also. Another suggestion is the Launch. It has 4 AC outlets, 4 drive ports, 4 sense ports, 1 pH or ORP port, 4 0-10v inputs and 1 salinity port. So if salinity monitoring is something you want then it has it. The temp sensor uses a sense port. If you get to where you need more of a port you can just get another controller with the ports needed, a Command bus cable and a couple of terminators and create a collective which acts like a controller with the some of the inputs and outputs of the member controllers. So it can grow without giving up the ones you already purchased. So you can start out small and add to it as your needs grow,

 

[Malum Argenteum]

I've been a Neptune user (one unit for each of two tanks) for over ten years. A couple glitches (and a failed unit recently), but I've been happy. I like the programming options a lot (if-then statements, with which you can do pretty much anything), but don't know what the Hydros is like in that regard.

One thing to maybe consider is the apparent paths that each company seems to be on, and from that try to judge what things will look like in five years (when you need product support and accessories). Coral Vue seems to be ascending the arc, whereas Neptune seems maybe to have lost their way.

I almost took the opportunity recently to switch to Hydros, but I have so much Neptune equipment and knowledge that I couldn't make the switch while in a panic state (controller was dead, and my reef was running on inertia). If I were smart, I'd get a Hydros system and take a few months to learn how to use it.

If I were to start over today, I'd strongly lean toward Hydros (but probably skip the wifi power bar thing).

 

[cooltowncorals]

Hello all,

I'm almost ready to start my new aquarium and I think it would be important to invest in a control system from this new beginning. I'm considering two options (you guessed it!): Neptune and Hydros.

First, here's some information on my current and future equipments:

- Waterbox 90.3 (60 gal tank)
- Eshopps protein skimmer
- Sicce return pump
- Heater
- 2x Tunze 6105 pumps (I used them in my old 125 gal tank)
- Maxspect razor led lights (they are getting old... planning on upgrading them in the next months)
- would like to get an ATO very soon

I'm looking for a good control system, but I'm also a little tight on the budget. I'm willing to pay the price I need to get something good, but I wouldn't mind avoiding some very advanced features if I can save some $.

Here are the 2 options that I am looking at right now. These systems, I think, would allow me to monitor and control important parameters and equipments, including my 6105 pumps.

OPTION 1

1) Hydros Control X4 starter pack, $607.50 CAD (https://www.jlaquatics.com/hydros-control-x4-starter-pack.html)
2) Hydros Leak Detection Sensor, $54 CAD (https://www.jlaquatics.com/hydros-leak-detection-sensor.html)
3) 2x Hydros Tunze Wave Engine Pump Adapter, $40.50 CAD (https://www.jlaquatics.com/hydros-tunze-wave-engine-pump-adapter.html)
4) Hydros 0-10v Quad Wave Engine Pump Adapter, $17.50 CAD (https://www.jlaquatics.com/hydros-0-10v-quad-wave-engine-pump-adapter.html)
TOTAL: $719.50 CAD

OPTION 2

1) Neptune Apex A3 Junior Aquarium Controller, $374 CAD (https://www.jlaquatics.com/neptune-systems-apex-a3-junior-aquarium-controller.html)
2) Neptune Variable Speed/Dimming Module (VDM), $130.68 CAD (https://www.jlaquatics.com/neptune-systems-variable-speed-dimming-module-vdm.html)
3) Neptune Apex Energy Bar 4, $156.63 CAD (https://www.jlaquatics.com/neptune-systems-apex-energy-bar-4.html)
4) Neptune Apex 2 Channel Stream Cable, $27.27 CAD (https://www.jlaquatics.com/neptune-systems-apex-2-channel-stream-cable.html)
TOTAL: $688.57 CAD

(these prices include Neptune discounts which are valid until June 16th)


I did look for the Neptune Apex A3, but the cost would be much higher than the Option 2 described above, since I still would need to by the VDM module in order to use my Tunze pumps.

For both of these options, I would have 4 AC outlets. I was thinking one for the heater, one for the skimmer, one for the return pump and one for the future ATO pump. My Tunze 6105 would either be plugged in the 0-10 V outlets in the Hydros controller or in the Neptune VDM module. My Maxspect lights would be plugged in the wall and when I will updrade the lights, I would maybe buy the required module, if necessary.

Any insight would be very much appreciated, as I'm a total noob in the controller world.

Thank you very much in advance !

Sam

I would advise the hydros it’s a great system and can expande

Hello all,

I'm almost ready to start my new aquarium and I think it would be important to invest in a control system from this new beginning. I'm considering two options (you guessed it!): Neptune and Hydros.

First, here's some information on my current and future equipments:

- Waterbox 90.3 (60 gal tank)
- Eshopps protein skimmer
- Sicce return pump
- Heater
- 2x Tunze 6105 pumps (I used them in my old 125 gal tank)
- Maxspect razor led lights (they are getting old... planning on upgrading them in the next months)
- would like to get an ATO very soon

I'm looking for a good control system, but I'm also a little tight on the budget. I'm willing to pay the price I need to get something good, but I wouldn't mind avoiding some very advanced features if I can save some $.

Here are the 2 options that I am looking at right now. These systems, I think, would allow me to monitor and control important parameters and equipments, including my 6105 pumps.

OPTION 1

1) Hydros Control X4 starter pack, $607.50 CAD (https://www.jlaquatics.com/hydros-control-x4-starter-pack.html)
2) Hydros Leak Detection Sensor, $54 CAD (https://www.jlaquatics.com/hydros-leak-detection-sensor.html)
3) 2x Hydros Tunze Wave Engine Pump Adapter, $40.50 CAD (https://www.jlaquatics.com/hydros-tunze-wave-engine-pump-adapter.html)
4) Hydros 0-10v Quad Wave Engine Pump Adapter, $17.50 CAD (https://www.jlaquatics.com/hydros-0-10v-quad-wave-engine-pump-adapter.html)
TOTAL: $719.50 CAD

OPTION 2

1) Neptune Apex A3 Junior Aquarium Controller, $374 CAD (https://www.jlaquatics.com/neptune-systems-apex-a3-junior-aquarium-controller.html)
2) Neptune Variable Speed/Dimming Module (VDM), $130.68 CAD (https://www.jlaquatics.com/neptune-systems-variable-speed-dimming-module-vdm.html)
3) Neptune Apex Energy Bar 4, $156.63 CAD (https://www.jlaquatics.com/neptune-systems-apex-energy-bar-4.html)
4) Neptune Apex 2 Channel Stream Cable, $27.27 CAD (https://www.jlaquatics.com/neptune-systems-apex-2-channel-stream-cable.html)
TOTAL: $688.57 CAD

(these prices include Neptune discounts which are valid until June 16th)


I did look for the Neptune Apex A3, but the cost would be much higher than the Option 2 described above, since I still would need to by the VDM module in order to use my Tunze pumps.

For both of these options, I would have 4 AC outlets. I was thinking one for the heater, one for the skimmer, one for the return pump and one for the future ATO pump. My Tunze 6105 would either be plugged in the 0-10 V outlets in the Hydros controller or in the Neptune VDM module. My Maxspect lights would be plugged in the wall and when I will updrade the lights, I would maybe buy the required module, if necessary.

Any insight would be very much appreciated, as I'm a total noob in the controller world.

Thank you very much in advance !

Sam

I would say 100% hydros, in my opinion
way more innovation and super easy to expand and plays well with others.

Think maybe about getting the controller that had the dosers could save you the cost of an additional doser if you plan on getting one later and you could dose in your tank when ready. Also the hydros has the WiFi plug option so you could get what you are planning on and add 4 controllable plugs for like 40 bucks. The eb8s are a lot of cash. As a long time hydros user I can say the programming is easy and intuitive. No coding.

You can buy inexpensive perilistic pumps from Amazon 30-40$ put them in the 40$ Wi-Fi plug and put on one level sensor from hydros 35$ and have an ATO.

Buy three 500ml perilistic pumps a little flexible tubing and set it up with the one level sensor you already have (a two sensor set up is optional) you can set up AWC automatic water changes for 80$ more bucks.

So it’s easy to phase up first one sensor one pump ATO

later 2 more pumps maybe one more sensor AWC

with great value and perilistic pumps can run dry and not break and are super reliable.

You need to buy the Two head dosing pumps from apex to run AWC and they are super expensive.

 

[cooltowncorals]

I've been a Neptune user (one unit for each of two tanks) for over ten years. A couple glitches (and a failed unit recently), but I've been happy. I like the programming options a lot (if-then statements, with which you can do pretty much anything), but don't know what the Hydros is like in that regard.

One thing to maybe consider is the apparent paths that each company seems to be on, and from that try to judge what things will look like in five years (when you need product support and accessories). Coral Vue seems to be ascending the arc, whereas Neptune seems maybe to have lost their way.

I almost took the opportunity recently to switch to Hydros, but I have so much Neptune equipment and knowledge that I couldn't make the switch while in a panic state (controller was dead, and my reef was running on inertia). If I were smart, I'd get a Hydros system and take a few months to learn how to use it.

If I were to start over today, I'd strongly lean toward Hydros (but probably skip the wifi power bar thing).

Promise it is so intuitive and app like the learning curve is like an afternoon not like months.