Do I need an APEX? - Page 3

Sk8r · 09/03/2017, 12:05 PM

Reef. Never used a controller. I do a lot of its work via kalk supply in my ATO reservoir, having an AutoTopOff, running simple weekly tests for alk-cal-mg, a marked line in my sump (salinity control) and lights that have an internal timer.

aaronpentz · 09/23/2017, 08:21 PM

Controllers aren't for everybody.

I for one won't run a tank without one. But that's all because I travel for work and the wife isn't so thrilled about the "helping out while I'm traveling" side of things. So anytime i can automate things and notify me of any issues I will.

If I can be home everyday to visually check things over then I wouldn't have spent the money but not having to ask her to follow the skimmer cord in the bundle of wires has paid for itself multiple times over

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

hkgar · 09/24/2017, 12:36 PM

Yes, a lot of wires! I am using 3 EB8's with my Apex.

UTCReefer · 09/24/2017, 10:24 PM

Need one? no. I got by on timers for dosing CA and ALK and even used timers for my ATO for years. However, if you ever travel for more than a day or two, like on vacation then an APEX is indispensable. You can monitor and control everything from your smartphone when you are out of town. Add a simple webcam and you are worry free. I wouldn't go without one. I have the 1st gen apex and if it ever dies then I will replace it with another one without hesitation. It gives you soo many safety nets from monitoring PH, Temps and float switches and is completely customizable to be able to do anything you can dream up.

naimasreef · 09/25/2017, 03:41 PM

sounds like a great window into the reef . . . what other brands are considered top performers in this category?

dorry54 · 09/26/2017, 08:20 AM

to sum it up .......no one needs an apex, but its a great tool when setup correctly

09/03/2017, 12:05 PM	#51
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	Reef. Never used a controller. I do a lot of its work via kalk supply in my ATO reservoir, having an AutoTopOff, running simple weekly tests for alk-cal-mg, a marked line in my sump (salinity control) and lights that have an internal timer. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

09/23/2017, 08:21 PM	#52
aaronpentz Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Pingree Grove, IL Posts: 952	Controllers aren't for everybody. I for one won't run a tank without one. But that's all because I travel for work and the wife isn't so thrilled about the "helping out while I'm traveling" side of things. So anytime i can automate things and notify me of any issues I will. If I can be home everyday to visually check things over then I wouldn't have spent the money but not having to ask her to follow the skimmer cord in the bundle of wires has paid for itself multiple times over Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk __________________ "Friendship is like peeing on yourself: everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling it brings" Current Tank Info: 67 Long

09/24/2017, 12:36 PM	#53
hkgar Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Dewitt MI Posts: 5,051	Yes, a lot of wires! I am using 3 EB8's with my Apex. __________________ Gary 180 gallon, 40 gallon sump, 3 250 W MH + 4 80W ATI T5's, MTC MVX 36 Skimmer, Apex controller Aquamaxx T-3 CaRx Current Tank Info: A 2 Barred Rabbitfish, Red Head Salon, Yellow/Purple, McMaster Fairy, Possum, 2 Leopard Wrasses, Kole, & Atlantic Blue Tangs, 2 Percula Clown, 3 PJ and 1 Banggai Cardinalfish , Swallowtail, Bellus and Coral Beauty Angels

09/24/2017, 10:24 PM	#54
UTCReefer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: San Diego Posts: 652	Need one? no. I got by on timers for dosing CA and ALK and even used timers for my ATO for years. However, if you ever travel for more than a day or two, like on vacation then an APEX is indispensable. You can monitor and control everything from your smartphone when you are out of town. Add a simple webcam and you are worry free. I wouldn't go without one. I have the 1st gen apex and if it ever dies then I will replace it with another one without hesitation. It gives you soo many safety nets from monitoring PH, Temps and float switches and is completely customizable to be able to do anything you can dream up.

09/25/2017, 03:41 PM	#55
naimasreef Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Posts: 124	sounds like a great window into the reef . . . what other brands are considered top performers in this category?

09/26/2017, 08:20 AM	#56
dorry54 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Posts: 16	to sum it up .......no one needs an apex, but its a great tool when setup correctly