In the market for a controller system

[edulover]

Hey guys...I am looking to buy a controller system for my 120 gal. I have upgraded my lights and skimmer....this will be my next addition. Are there any suggestions on which system to buy? What are the pros and cons of each? It appears that most people favor the Apex but why is it better than the others. Also, where is the best place to buy? Local? online? I appreciate the input.

Eddie

 

[lilrobb]

Check w IU_Gary, I think he still has his Apex Lite for sale...

 

[edulover]

I was told that it's more economical to buy the complete system as apposed to the Apex lite and then upgrade later. What do you think?

 

[lilrobb]

Edulover;738917 wrote: I was told that it's more economical to buy the complete system as apposed to the Apex lite and then upgrade later. What do you think?

You're missing the ORP probe and variable speed ports, ORP is a nice to know thing, but certainly not required.
Variable speed is only important for those that need it for dimming or Tunze control.

If I was in the market for one right now, and find the Lite for a good price - my decision would be clear...

 

[dine]

i grabbed the light because as robb said unless you need to dim or monitor ORP, your just wasting your money. and if the time comes where your needs change and you do need those things its still possible to upgrade. the light is a good system for the money imo

 

[seth the wine guy]

One thing I know for sure with this hobby is NEEDS CHANGE. I suggest you don't buy for what you need now. Buy for what you may need later. Same mindset you use when buying a house. It may start as just you and the wife, but... THings happen.

 

[cr500_af]

Edulover;738900 wrote: Hey guys...I am looking to buy a controller system for my 120 gal. I have upgraded my lights and skimmer....this will be my next addition. Are there any suggestions on which system to buy? What are the pros and cons of each? It appears that most people favor the Apex but why is it better than the others. Also, where is the best place to buy? Local? online? I appreciate the input.

Eddie

Better is subjective, but it is more powerful and flexible. The trade off is that it is harder to program and a little more involved to set up than its competition (Reefkeepers).

If you are following Seth's advice, buy an Apex. I certainly understand being on a budget (I am), so if that's the case I'd have no issue buying an Apex Lite.

If, though, you can comfortably swing an Apex and you are just trying to make sure it's worth it.... buy it and don't look back.

 

[realfish]

I bought the full Apex. I dont think I will ever use rhe cariable soeed ports since I'm an Echtech guy, but I wanted the extra pH/orp port. It was more economical than buying an add on module for pH. BTW, I will have an AC3 up for sale shortly.

 

[edulover]

RealFish;738982 wrote: I bought the full Apex. I dont think I will ever use rhe cariable soeed ports since I'm an Echtech guy, but I wanted the extra pH/orp port. It was more economical than buying an add on module for pH. BTW, I will have an AC3 up for sale shortly.

What is the AC3?

One of the features I definitely want is the capability to control my system remotely i.e..from my cell phone or my computer at work. Being able to dim my lights will be a luxury butI don't think it will work with my current LED setup anyway.

I will eventually upgrade to echotech pumps but I'm not there yet. Is the wireless expansion module something I will eventually need?

 

[realfish]

Wow, typing on the ipad at 3:30 in the morning is frought with perils.

I'm upgrading to the Apex primarily for the remote connectivity (although you can do it with the AC3 as well). I have not purchased the wireless module, but i guess if you want remote access to your Vortechs you will want it.

 

[cr500_af]

The Vortech module is very nice, but not a NEED. The module lets you do a few neat things with them, like increase/decrease power or change mode based on time or other factors. Without the module you'd have to physically interact with the Vortech's driver.

 

[edulover]

Edulover;738983 wrote: What is the AC3?

One of the features I definitely want is the capability to control my system remotely i.e..from my cell phone or my computer at work. Being able to dim my lights will be a luxury butI don't think it will work with my current LED setup anyway.

I will eventually upgrade to echotech pumps but I'm not there yet. Is the wireless expansion module something I will eventually need?

Will I be able to get this functionality with the Apex Lite?

 

[lilrobb]

Edulover;739115 wrote: Will I be able to get this functionality with the Apex Lite?

Net?
Absolutely

 

[edulover]

Thanks Robb, as always you are so helpful. I appreciate everyone's input.

 

[edulover]

Seth The Wine Guy;738955 wrote: One thing I know for sure with this hobby is NEEDS CHANGE. I suggest you don't buy for what you need now. Buy for what you may need later. Same mindset you use when buying a house. It may start as just you and the wife, but... THings happen.

THings have happened three times for me (with 3 tries) so I feel you on this one.

Eddie