Craig Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 Whats everyone using for tank controllers? I was thinking about adding a Apex JR to the 25g and just adding the PH module down the road. What all can be done on an Apex out of the box? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redevil13 Posted January 22, 2017 Share Posted January 22, 2017 (edited) Get it! Best purchase by fay and away, Out of the box a jr will have 4 outlets and a temp probe, you will be able to safe guard against a broken heater and will be able to shut off filters when feeding and control lighting by having them shut off if the tank gets to hot and using the jr as a light timer. If you start adding modules the sky is the limit to what those things can do and control Edited January 22, 2017 by redevil13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muttley000 Posted January 22, 2017 Share Posted January 22, 2017 I like this page for comparing the Neptune controllers. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?c=3578&articleid=3026&d=158&category=585 the wifi would be cool, but reading their forums it doesn't work reliably and causes other problems so throw that out. I'm forking the extra over for full blown version for IOS alerts, salinity, Ph, and ORPmonitoring out of the box, and soon to be avaliable alk monitoring. I also want the power monitoring and the ability to write logic based on it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Posted January 22, 2017 Author Share Posted January 22, 2017 I will have it hard wired since my modem is right next to my tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesse Posted January 23, 2017 Share Posted January 23, 2017 I"m all Apex here. dingoinde 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Posted January 23, 2017 Author Share Posted January 23, 2017 Ordering my apex Thursday. Seems like a no brainer. dingoinde 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr.Fraggenstien Posted January 23, 2017 Share Posted January 23, 2017 I run Reefkeeper - no complaints and generally can find for next to nothing used (due in part to the popularity of Apex). Go Apex if you feel like you'll need plug and play, but if you're a DIY type, reefkeeper is definitely a suitable option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Posted January 23, 2017 Author Share Posted January 23, 2017 Had a ReefKeeper on my old tank and it was good but I just love the easy web interface the apex offers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muttley000 Posted January 23, 2017 Share Posted January 23, 2017 Which one are you doing @Craig? Have you decided who to buy from and why? I'm ordering in a couple weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Posted January 23, 2017 Author Share Posted January 23, 2017 Buying it off amazon and going Apex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Posted January 23, 2017 Author Share Posted January 23, 2017 Was gonna order from Premium Aquatics but they're sold out. I'm going Apex JR and just gonna add what I need later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muttley000 Posted January 23, 2017 Share Posted January 23, 2017 49 minutes ago, Craig said: Was gonna order from Premium Aquatics but they're sold out. I'm going Apex JR and just gonna add what I need later. I want to order it from them too, but the price is the same everywhere with the MAP pricing, and thier competitors rewards programs equal like 80 bucks off a next order. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cptnspanky Posted January 24, 2017 Share Posted January 24, 2017 I just use a reefkeeper lite. Does all i need it to do, and reliably. And as was said above if you get it used its cheap. I just cant justify the cost of an apex. Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crimsonvice Posted January 24, 2017 Share Posted January 24, 2017 I'm still trying to hold out for the Fishbit unit. I just was texting them, and they are hoping to have it out by April. Big snags along the way, but it's coming together. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Posted January 24, 2017 Author Share Posted January 24, 2017 Out of curiosity what makes a Fishbit better than an Apex? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redevil13 Posted January 25, 2017 Share Posted January 25, 2017 Just personal preference but I would wait for someone else to work out the bugs in any new system Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redevil13 Posted January 25, 2017 Share Posted January 25, 2017 Full Apex with 8 outlets, ph and orp with temp and the option to dim leds on 4 channels and the option to have power backup 550.00. Apex Jr with 4 outlets and only temp probe + pm1 + ph probe 385.00. If you want to add pm2 + orp and a eb4 (4 more outlets) and vdm to control leds add 385.00. Full apex 550 vs creating one from a apex jr 770.00 The lower cost can be seductive but just make sure a jr is what you want, as this system unlike other equipment we buy for our tanks can and will grow with you and expand with tank size. I bought a apex lite system (not available anymore) and spent more then the full system to get the same capabilities later on, so I understand the more expensive route These controllers are a watershed moment too (How did I ever live without these before kinda thing) Muttley000 and Redd 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crimsonvice Posted January 25, 2017 Share Posted January 25, 2017 Out of curiosity what makes a Fishbit better than an Apex? Preference. It is only $500 out of the door. Monitor and power supply are two separate pieces. So you don't have to have one to control the other. It can control anything that has WiFi built in. Standard pack monitors temp, pH, salinity, and water level for ATO. Then you also have the app that monitors all your water parameters and equipment. It hasn't hit the market yet, but it will soon. It may not be tried and proven like other brands, but I personally like what it has to offer, so I will try it before I buy and Apex. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbtm64 Posted January 25, 2017 Share Posted January 25, 2017 A quick update on the Fishbit unit. They got all their approvals and are waiting on plastic for the housings. Shouldn't be much longer. Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muttley000 Posted January 25, 2017 Share Posted January 25, 2017 3 hours ago, bbtm64 said: A quick update on the Fishbit unit. They got all their approvals and are waiting on plastic for the housings. Shouldn't be much longer. Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk That is good news, once you are done tweaking a product the approvals are the biggest hurdle! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redevil13 Posted January 25, 2017 Share Posted January 25, 2017 That fishbit system looks interesting but having the probes hanging over the seal seems weird, if you have a canopy or lid that could be a problem. Even a sump it would depend on how high you keep the water. Maybe that wont be the finished product design but it would be something to look at for issues, not to mention it is the same price as a apex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redevil13 Posted January 25, 2017 Share Posted January 25, 2017 Looks like the ORIGINAL intent of the fishbit was to measure Ca, Mg, Ph, Salt, Temp, Phos, Alk, Nitrate and Nitrite according to the startup paperwork and that would have been a game changer. Too bad they pulled back on that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crimsonvice Posted January 25, 2017 Share Posted January 25, 2017 That fishbit system looks interesting but having the probes hanging over the seal seems weird, if you have a canopy or lid that could be a problem. Even a sump it would depend on how high you keep the water. Maybe that wont be the finished product design but it would be something to look at for issues, not to mention it is the same price as a apex Looks like the ORIGINAL intent of the fishbit was to measure Ca, Mg, Ph, Salt, Temp, Phos, Alk, Nitrate and Nitrite according to the startup paperwork and that would have been a game changer. Too bad they pulled back on that There are still plans to expand the Fishbit unit, but the initial release will not contain the CA, Mg, Po4, or Alk. However, I believe if you already have a unit that monitors/controls these, as long as the unit has WiFi, Fishbit will be able to control that via WiFi as well. As far as comparing it to an Apex, I think there are pros and cons. Apex is time tested and already has lots of expandability. My only problem with that is Apex now has their own dosing pumps, power heads, return pumps... What's next? You almost end up buying the brand as a package. Yes other products can be controlled with an Apex via programming, but ain't nobody got time for that. Also if you buy an Apex...correct me if I am wrong...but unless you buy the 2016 version you have to buy expansions for salinity, WiFi connectivity, and water sensors for float valves. Which makes the initial $550, not so much $550. Now, I do not have a Fishbit connect to my tank, YET, but it is essentially plug and play. Create and account, connect you equipment, and you are up and running. Everything is controlled via the app...no programming. So it makes life super easy. But like I said, my opinion is all based on product videos and demo, not my actual experience. We will see where it goes. I think it has a lot of potential. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk cptnspanky 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redevil13 Posted January 25, 2017 Share Posted January 25, 2017 (edited) Yep you are 100% correct on the apex needing modules to add those features. The startup paperwork for the fishbit wanted to include all of those monitoring options in the base package and even apex dosent have the ability to look at ca alk mg etc.., that's why it would have such a big deal. Yes you are correct about apex getting lazy about the things it controls (pumps, wav makers etc) I think they need the competition that the fishbit system will bring. I was kinda shocked though that fishbit didn't undercut the apex pricing by even just 50-100 bucks just to make a splash (pun intended) I cant think of any systems (not control) that use wifi and not their own setup (vortech) to control equipment, that dosent mean there aren't any I just cant think of them. Edited January 25, 2017 by redevil13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbtm64 Posted January 25, 2017 Share Posted January 25, 2017 I beta tested one of their original units. I had a small problem getting it connected but once I reset my router it connected right away. Also, the original design of the monitor wasn't completely sealed so after about a year it failed. They did away with inductive power supply for the monitor unit as there were some problems with glass/acrylic thickness. Each outlet on the controller unit is customizable for either time of day or parameter. It also includes, I believe, 4 dimming channels for LED fixture control. It's also the only unit the Rapid LED uses for their Corona fixture, all controlled from the app. Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk cptnspanky 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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