Profilux vs Apex

[Aquattro]

Thanks guys! I've seen the Profilux in action at Progressive, and Garreth has invited me over to see his (he's got way too much setup on his ). But I'm leaning towards the Apex, it looks like it will do all that the Profilux does within the scope of my needs, and is way cheaper. Adding things on later looks cheaper too. I love the shiny blue lights of the Profilux, but not $500 worth -lol

My only hesitation is expandability, as a full scale fishroom might be in my future plans down the road, and I don't want to limit myself. Although, with the Apex, I'm not sure what it's limits are.

For those using the full Apex, what can it NOT do?

[cwatkins]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

For those using the full Apex, what can it NOT do?

I have read that the Apex can run and monitor multiple tanks (I.E. a main display tank and also a frag tank, etc), and you can even setup multiple displays (one per tank, etc). Just keep daisy-chaining your devices together with the USB (a.k.a. AquaBus).

Edit: Regardless of which Controller, as long as it's one of the top 3 (Apex/RKE/Profilux) and has network access, you can add a cool signature (see below)

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by cwatkins

Edit: Regardless of which Controller, as long as it's one of the top 3 (Apex/RKE/Profilux) and has network access, you can add a cool signature (see below)

Yes, just read that thread

[StirCrazy]

I was just looking at the APEX.. for the price thats what I would buy. I like the proflux but think the prices of there products are a rip off.

Apex has internet/email warnings and embedded webpage controle out of the box. but doesn't have pump controls for dosing (the only thing I would want that it doesn't have) but there are stand alone units for stuff like that.

Steve

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

I was just looking at the APEX.. for the price thats what I would buy. I like the proflux but think the prices of there products are a rip off.

Apex has internet/email warnings and embedded webpage controle out of the box. but doesn't have pump controls for dosing (the only thing I would want that it doesn't have) but there are stand alone units for stuff like that.

Steve

Ya, I think that's my line of thinking also. And I don't need dosing, so all else being equal, the Profilux is sexier, but not something that would make me pay almost double.

[Jason McK]

Not a lot of Profilux supporters. Yes I have to admit that they are expensive (I got mine used)
I'll admit I know nothing about other controllers, but to point out some of the high lights of the Profilux unit
1) simple to use PC interface
2) Online Support Profilux Support Forum that is top notch
3) Unending expandability
4) 3rd party manufactures of lights, pumps, anything really have been integrated to be driven by Profilux

J

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Jason McK

Not a lot of Profilux supporters.

I'm not sure that's accurate. I support that it's a great product, and support has a good reputation. I would buy one today, BUT....for the basics to manage what I need comes in around $1400 after taxes. The Apex unit, which has a good reputation and good support as well, comes in at under $800 for the same functionality I require.
So far the only function the Apex apparently can't do(within my reqs) is create lightning effects...not something I desire on my setup.
Now if the Profilux was even close in price, I would buy it for sure, based on reputation, functionality and curb appeal. But for a difference of 600 bucks, I have to look at the Apex to fill my needs.

[cwatkins]

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

Apex has internet/email warnings and embedded webpage controle out of the box. but doesn't have pump controls for dosing (the only thing I would want that it doesn't have) but there are stand alone units for stuff like that.

For sure the Apex can handle dosing right out of the box. My brand new $339 Apex Lite was dosing just a few minutes ago! You just need to program your Alk and Calc outlets to dose for x minuts using whatever interval you desire.

The trick is that low wattage devices must use the "Relay" ports on the EB8 (which are plugs 4 and 8) instead of using the Triac plugs. An Energy Bar 8 has 6 triac and 2 relay plugs standard. If you use low wattage devices on a triac plug, it may not turn them off correctly, and this is an issue with triac technology not the Apex.

I'm really happy with my Apex so far and I only set it up on Tuesday. I'm about to setup a feed cycle to turn off my return pump and skimmer for 10 minutes while I feed. Additionally it controls my cooling fans based on water temperature.

Happy with it considering how little it cost.

P.S. I'm using it with two BRS dosers that I bought on Black Friday (and Randy's two-part).

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by cwatkins

Happy with it considering how little it cost.

And we can't forget that cool sig block you have now

My research has shown that most people are happy with it regardless of cost, meaning it's not a "it works good for being less expensive" pattern. I think the Apex full unit will do everything I need it to do as well as the Profilux and perhaps with a friendlier programming approach. The support for it seems good with the forum at RC, so really, I think it's a good investment. If the Profilux was the same price, or even 10% more, I might go that route, but mostly for the blue lights.

[cwatkins]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

If the Profilux was the same price, or even 10% more, I might go that route, but mostly for the blue lights.

With the Apex you'll still get a blue backlight display.