Apex Controller

[nanoreefer22]

So I'm looking to buy my first real reef controller and wanted feedback on what you would go with IF you've actually used it.

It's going to be a K.I.S.S. 35g cube SPS reef.

The details:

35g Tank
3 Channel Doser
2 X Gyre Flow pumps
2 X AI Vega
Barebottom
Tonga branch ONLY aquascape
BH-2000 RO Skimmer
150 watt Heater
Bi-weekly Water changes (25% ~ 10g)

Do I need a controller with this setup? If you think so, what do you recommend?

Best,
Kris

 

[Chefjpaul]

I've used reef keeper. apex jr. GHL p4. (Cerebra for about a day). Im kinda equipment junkie.

I absolutely love my P4, so solid.

The apex interface is a bit easier to use than ghl.

Apex is a great company and good customer service.

Do any of us need a controller? No.

Since my downgrade i just kept mine. (Cost more than tank at this point..hahaha),
It does make life much easier, safer, and enjoyable with one vs. Without, especially when various equipment are compatible with the chosen controller.

It can......take you to the opposite side of KISS reefing if you let it. I just set them up and forget it at this point.

I mainly use for emergency control for my tank after a major flood, multiple sensors etc...
Feeding, pump control.



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[duke62]

Didn?t I just read you were out of the hobby for good lol but seriously love my apex. I don?t think I would run a system without it

 

[nanoreefer22]

Didn?t I just read you were out of the hobby for good lol but seriously love my apex. I don?t think I would run a system without it

:lol2: You know how it goes!:thrash::grouphug::wink1::biggrin::teeth:

 

[duromega]

No Chiller?
I think you can get away with the Apex Jr. just to control temp and pH
the push alerts if something goes up or down is a must.

 

[Mooka151]

I do not use the Apex to full ability, but I am very happy with its, performance and interface thus far and happy to know that when I upgrade to a larger system I have room to grow with the addition of controllability of equipment ect. Only downside is the cost. Im sure there are less costly options like the Apex jr or competing brands. That said Apex coming out with the Trident would pretty much tilt the scale in their direction.

 

[nanoreefer22]

Agreed. I was looking at the Trident and it's swaying me that way. So I have to make sure I get a compatible version.

 

[fritz]

The new apex is what has made it possible for me to stay in the hobby. It and my powermodule are my favorite pieces of equipment.

 

[nanoreefer22]

The new apex is what has made it possible for me to stay in the hobby. It and my powermodule are my favorite pieces of equipment.

Wifi model?

 

[fritz]

Yes but I use it hardwired.

 

[nanoreefer22]

Yes but I use it hardwired.

:thrash: Debating what I should go with. Just not sure I'll fully use something that costs $800 to just get started.

 

[fritz]

Just to get started?! Lol! You?re an OG. You started twelve to fifteen years ago, at least.

It?s seriosuly my favorite piece of equipment. It has a ton of features not present on the older models. The power monitoring feature perhaps being the best and most useful.

 

[Mooka151]

Just apply reef math. $800 on a piece of equipment for a 35 gallon tank....
$800 / 35gal = $22.85 per gal. Tough call.
$800 / 300gal = $2.66 per gallon thats almost a 1,000% discount tough to say no.
Im no expert but numbers dont lie.

 

[Chefjpaul]

Just apply reef math. $800 on a piece of equipment for a 35 gallon tank....
$800 / 35gal = $22.85 per gal. Tough call.
$800 / 300gal = $2.66 per gallon thats almost a 1,000% discount tough to say no.
Im no expert but numbers dont lie.

Not including livestock..... well worh the $$

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[Mooka151]

With the savings you will get for upgrading to a 300 gal tank, there will be plenty of $ left over.

 

[albano]

Just apply reef math. $800 on a piece of equipment for a 35 gallon tank....
$800 / 35gal = $22.85 per gal. Tough call.
$800 / 300gal = $2.66 per gallon thats almost a 1,000% discount tough to say no.
Im no expert but numbers dont lie.

Those numbers may be lying!

 

[noelskii]

you'll be fine with a Jr, Jr!

 

[hunter]

I'm trying to figure out the difference between the junior and the regular, I'm just starting out with a 45 gal with 35 gal sump. Is the junior for me?