Neptune systems APEX vs APEX lite

[burrows14]

Im looking at adding a controller to my system in the next couple months and am doing some reasearch. I was liking the DA elite to start with but now I am Leaning towards Neptune systems. Can anyone tell me the difference between the lite and the regular apex? As an intermediate reefer would I need to spend the extra cash on the regular apex?

[xtreme]

From what I can tell the main differences are that the Lite doesn't have the ORP/second pH probe port nor does it have the 4 variable speed ports used for controlling Tunze's or dimmable T5's. I have been running the Apex since Monday night and am loving it so far. Very easy to program through your web browser.

[xtreme]

Just to add to that, the reason I opted for the Apex was because I wanted to have tunze control. My ORP port currently sits vacant as I decided not to buy the ORP probe. If you run a Ca reactor you would want the second pH probe so that may be a deciding factor. I run dosing pumps and don't know if its that important to monitor ORP so I could live without the second port.

[burrows14]

Sweet thanks for clearing that up for me I used to run Tunze but now Im running a vortech and plan on adding another one by the end of the year. I see Neptune is developing a system for that but not sure if its an add on or a firmware update.

[burrows14]

Did you have to buy any software with your unit or did it come with some?

[xtreme]

I haven't bought any software. Programming can be done through the apex display, or better yet through your web browser as long as you can hook it up to your home network and to the internet. You can get a free iphone app called aquanotes to control your tank from your phone and you can also log in from anywhere with internet access when set up.