Help picking an Apex controller

[habs247]

For all of you out there using Neptune systems, I could use your help. Looking to add a controller to my brand new setup - and I'd like to make it as cost effective as possible. Hence my interest in the Apex Jr.

My setup is as follows (items relevant to a controller):
- Vertex Illumina SR200
- Tunze auto top off
- Koralias (may upgrade to Tunzes)
- heater (obviously)

Plans to keep SPS once my tank is established, in a year or so. So no reactor (and LPS) until then. As such, I can only think I'd need the controller to work with the listed equipment (and the reactor down the road). Am I forgetting anything?

Can I get away with JR? Or do I need to step up to the Lite?

Thanks in advance.

[The Grizz]

I would go with the Apex Full system Ray, it has the built in Led controls. If you go with the lite or Jr. You have to buy an extra module for them for LED controls I believe which makes the price very close to the same.

[habs247]

Thanks Greg. If I'm happy with the built in controller for the Vertex, is there any added benefit to hooking it up to the Apex? Sorry for not adding that to my original post - I meant to ask that previously.

[The Grizz]

Not to firmilliar with the built in controller on the Vertex but I believe it is the real deal & can do a great dust to dawn so you probably don't need the controller to handle it & in that case I would look at the Apex Lite, it has a much nicer display then the Jr.

[Enigma]

http://www.neptunesys.com/index.php?...d=62&Itemid=40

That is a very handy comparison chart between the different models, in case you haven't seen it yet. It helped me decide.

After I did my comparison, and then my cost analysis for future upgrades and plans, the full Apex was clearly the best choice for me. The Apex Lite would have cost me more in the long run, and the Jr. isn't as expandable.

I've ordered mine. Just waiting for it to arrive.

[habs247]

Thanks Enigma. I have seen that chart but I'm a bit confused about some of the features.

The differences I see between the Lite and the JR are that the former has (correct me if I'm wrong, not sure about any of this):

- ph out of the box with the addition of a probe (to add ph to the junior a pm1 module would be needed)
- a display (a big feature, but smartphone or pc could be used as a workaround)
- vdm (have no idea what it is or if I need it)
- legacy support (again, no idea what it is or if I'll need it given my setup)
- upgradability (a big feature - would I need more than 5 aquabus modules for the equipment I've listed above?)

Does this sound correct? Any insight from anyone on the above would be great. Thanks.

[Enigma]

Originally Posted by habs247

Thanks Enigma. I have seen that chart but I'm a bit confused about some of the features.

The differences I see between the Lite and the JR are that the former has (correct me if I'm wrong, not sure about any of this):

- ph out of the box with the addition of a probe (to add ph to the junior a pm1 module would be needed)
- a display (a big feature, but smartphone or pc could be used as a workaround)
- vdm (have no idea what it is or if I need it)
- legacy support (again, no idea what it is or if I'll need it given my setup)
- upgradability (a big feature - would I need more than 5 aquabus modules for the equipment I've listed above?)

Does this sound correct? Any insight from anyone on the above would be great. Thanks.

I'm really new to all of this, but the above looks correct to me.

The VDM (Variable Speed/Dimming Module) will allow one to control most LED systems (I think) with the exception already noted. It will also allow one to control powerheads (I'm unsure of brand comparability).

I think it is very hard to determine how many modules someone will need. Technology changes things so rapidly. It may be that today only four would be required, but who knows what abilities will be available in a year or two. I personally don't like the limitation of 5 modules.

[The Grizz]

I still say go with the Apex full system as it has more built in functionality already just in case you upgrade something down the road. I have a Profilux 2ex on the 8'er but if I bought an Apex it would have been the full meal deal because you just never know what might be down the road.

[syncro]

You can expand any Apex model to get any feature offered by the higher models. It may or may not be cheaper in the long run to buy a more expensive model now.

For example, if you think down the road at most you'll add is pH then an Apex Jr. + pH expansion module is cheaper than an Apex Lite. If you think down the road you'll need pH + 8 outlets + VDM + display then the Apex Lite or Apex will be cheaper.

All depends on where you will go, but at least you won't have to throw away your initial investment regardless of your decision now.

Also these Apex units are rarely sold used and keep their value compared to most electronics.

[habs247]

I also meant to ask a question about my auto top off unit - can this be controlled by any of the apex units or do they have a built in function for ato. In which case I guess I would sell my ato.