Vectra/Apex confirmation

jcs11236 · 05/05/2016, 11:48 AM

Can we get a confirmation once and for all that the Vectra will not be compatible with apex ever. There's tons of members including myself that have not jumped on buying new return pumps because we don't know any status on the compatibility as of yet.
Let us know so we can decide either we get Vectra and reef link or move on to a apex ready return pumps.
Thank you

Zwickm · 05/05/2016, 12:45 PM

Doesn't it connect via the WXM?

Sent from my SM-G925T using Tapatalk

jcs11236 · 05/05/2016, 12:57 PM

No. It is not compatible at all.

bobbravo2 · 05/07/2016, 09:43 AM

This is pure speculation, but I think the lack of compatibility may be because N*ptune is going to release their own line of return pumps this year.

kodo28 · 05/10/2016, 12:26 AM

I've been running my Reefer actually with 3 Radions, 2 MP40QD & Vectra M1...I bough two weeks ago an Apex system, I knew that the Vectra was "still"

not able to connect to the Apex system.
But this was not an argument to stop me to buy the Apex system...
At the end what Ecotech will push me to do if meantime the Vectra is still not compatible with Apex system until they release their new pump it is exactly to go to the Neptune pump and resell the vectra.
So not sure which strategy Ecotech is following but for sure not the best one for their customers...

bobbravo2 · 05/10/2016, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kodo28

I've been running my Reefer actually with 3 Radions, 2 MP40QD & Vectra M1...I bough two weeks ago an Apex system, I knew that the Vectra was "still"

not able to connect to the Apex system.

But this was not an argument to stop me to buy the Apex system...

At the end what Ecotech will push me to do if meantime the Vectra is still not compatible with Apex system until they release their new pump it is exactly to go to the Neptune pump and resell the vectra.

So not sure which strategy Ecotech is following but for sure not the best one for their customers...

Well said. Any word from Ecotech?

davehead86 · 05/10/2016, 11:19 AM

Its a great business strategy to have all of the Ecotech stuff work off the ESL app and interface. Especially since APEX is now putting out competing products.

There is such a small niche of people who are willing to drop the cash on Ecotech and then on APEX. That this WMX thing seems like such a moot point in the business sense, or that it would affect more than a small percentage of their customers.

No one says anything when Ford has their own infotainment system and Chevy has a different one its the same concept. You still end up with a completely controllable aquarium through your phone. There is just an extra app to work with.

jimbow · 05/10/2016, 12:21 PM

I have the Apex and I have an L1 pump (also have the Radion lights). I just run the pump and lights off the reeflink. It works fine. I have the pump plugged into the apex so if I need to shut it off the Apex does that.

I will say that if the ESL and reeflink intends to compete with Apex, I think they have a ways to go. For the past 6 months I've only had one time where the Apex quit communicating for some reason. It lasted for about and hour then reconnected.

On the other hand, every time I try to use the ESL/reeflink it is not connected and goes into offline mode. The first couple of times I spent an hour trying to figure out how to get it to connect. You need to juggle the chipmunks while facing north (true north not magnetic north). It is much faster now but I need to unplug and reconnect the reeflink. It then reboots or something and starts working. This is irritating but not insurmountable while I'm home but I travel and often access my Apex while on the road to adjust and check things. I'd be very unhappy if the ESL was my interface to anything I needed to change often.

JakeGr · 05/10/2016, 10:20 PM

I'm with ya. I'd like to purchase a Vectra, but I won't before it is compatible with WXM/Apex.

jcs11236 · 05/11/2016, 03:46 AM

I would prefer to run Vectra together with my wxm/apex. Don't feel the need to go out and buy the reef link and have a whole separate app/etc

I will wait patiently to see if they make them compatible. If they were smart they would make the compatibility before the Cor is released because once it is, there is no more waiting for Vectra. Lol

roblk · 05/11/2016, 05:44 AM

No problem for me i'll just wait until Neptune comes out with their COR pump I would buy a Vectra pump today if it communicated with my Apex through the WXM module. So basically what EcoTech did in my case is lost a sale, not a great business strategy in my opinion must be that sales are really good and they can afford to loose sales rather than make their product compatible with a competitor. Really glad Apex hasn't taken the same attitude and started eliminating (or limiting) communication capability with their competitors.

NYCEnglish · 05/21/2016, 07:08 AM

I'm in the same boat as many others. I'd buy the Vectra today if it worked with my Apex, I'm very happy with my 3 Vortechs and two Radions, Ecotech makes quality products.

As it stands I'll wait until the Neptune Cor is released or possibly even look at the new Apex compatible Reef Octopus pumps.

jduck · 05/21/2016, 11:35 AM

I bought the vectras and replaced reeflo hammerhead and 2 mags, now I just use the controller instead of a valve to control flow. Would like to have the use of the rest of the options.

chercm · 05/22/2016, 01:41 AM

Tim from Ecotech mentioned during the interview that it allow 3rd party integration

3rd party controllers – With legions of WXM modules out in the world, it will be no problem for the Vectra to communicate with third party controllers such as the Apex. This feature won’t be seen quite at the launch of the Vectra pump but it should follow suit fairly shortly after Ecotech actually starts catching up with orders and the actual production of the Vectra pumps.

i think Tim is thinking to allow vectra support in the year 2050 when we all are DUMB . hahaha

wings516 · 05/23/2016, 06:50 AM

This would be nice to know since I have 5 Vectra L1's in the plans currently and if Ecotech won't play nicely with Apex... Maybe this is an Apex question since Ecotech wants to put more in the ditch than they are taking out.

jcs11236 · 05/23/2016, 11:41 AM

According to Apex forums administration, it's not in their hands. They ready whenever Ecotech is

chercm · 05/26/2016, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcs11236

According to Apex forums administration, it's not in their hands. They ready whenever Ecotech is

seems that the game is getting interesting as Aquatronica might be announcing the Ecotech module and able to control the Vectra

Joeb1983 · 06/09/2016, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcs11236

According to Apex forums administration, it's not in their hands. They ready whenever Ecotech is

First off, I love both companies; but being in the same boat I'd like a little more details.

Anyways, I recently purchased EcoTech's Vectra M1.

Neptune's WXM module is controlling my MP40's. (MFD's 2011-2013)

Honestly, I was pretty stumped that the Vectra (2016) can not be controlled via Apex's EcoTech pump controller given the Vectra is manufactured by EcoTech and it is indeed a pump.

So, I gave Neptune a call to inquire:

I was told, "We are waiting for EcoTech to play ball"...

Is this is an attempt to push ReefLink, something else or is there an actual interface issue?

Usually when things are tight lipped, things are in work/development.

Obviously, all of us with Apex's (arguably the juggernaut of aquarium control) and Vectra's would like to have this feature. (I know I sure would)

From what I gather it is/has been in the works, but no real progression updates with most things ending with the ball is in EcoTech's court. (no pun intended)

But, there are always two sides to a story and these are two pretty big names in the industry... EcoTech?

Joeb1983 · 07/21/2016, 02:42 PM

EcoTech?

chercm · 07/25/2016, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joeb1983

First off, I love both companies; but being in the same boat I'd like a little more details.

Anyways, I recently purchased EcoTech's Vectra M1.

Neptune's WXM module is controlling my MP40's. (MFD's 2011-2013)

Honestly, I was pretty stumped that the Vectra (2016) can not be controlled via Apex's EcoTech pump controller given the Vectra is manufactured by EcoTech and it is indeed a pump.

So, I gave Neptune a call to inquire:

I was told, "We are waiting for EcoTech to play ball"...

Is this is an attempt to push ReefLink, something else or is there an actual interface issue?

Usually when things are tight lipped, things are in work/development.

Obviously, all of us with Apex's (arguably the juggernaut of aquarium control) and Vectra's would like to have this feature. (I know I sure would)

From what I gather it is/has been in the works, but no real progression updates with most things ending with the ball is in EcoTech's court. (no pun intended)

But, there are always two sides to a story and these are two pretty big names in the industry... EcoTech?

maybe by the time Vectra 2 is out then they will consider lol

Joeb1983 · 07/25/2016, 08:43 PM

Seems like they are avoiding answering this question like the plague...

fcmatt · 07/25/2016, 09:01 PM

I am a bit confused. Why doesn't N*ptune just reverse engineer the pump and figure out how to control it and not wait for ecotech? The interface to the pump cannot be terribly complicated. How is it much different then a MP40?

Just curious. I do not know all the details.

Breadman03 · 07/25/2016, 09:27 PM

Ecotech's software is legally protected. Neptune could certainly hack their software, but doing so would create legal issues as well as damage their reputation as a company.

I looked at the situation and spoke with both companies at MACNA 2015. From what was said and what was not said, I bought a Red Dragon pump.

Joeb1983 · 07/25/2016, 09:58 PM

I've read countless forums and threads in regards to this and I have it yet to this day seen a direct reply from ecotech.

If I place the Vectra in feed mode via the controller, it also initiates feed mode on my MP40's w/ "upgraded" QD drivers.

If I initiate feed mode via my MP40's the Vectra is not effected however and remains at speed.

That's the main reason why I would like Apex controlabilty...

Obviously, I can turn the Vectra on/off via the relayed outlet, but we know how turning your return pump off goes. (I like the slow flow feed mode)

Anyways, not the end of the world by any means, but I would like to hear from ecotech even if it's "it will never be controlled via WXM" just so I/we know.

Just like Breadman03, many have opted to purchase a different pump over the Vectra for this simple reason alone.

All in all I am happy with my Vectra and am thankful I was lucky enough to not get a loud or hot one like others unfortunately have.

I sent them an email as well in regards to this, but no reply to date.

Maybe I will call and see if I can get an answer tomorrow...

chercm · 07/26/2016, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joeb1983

I've read countless forums and threads in regards to this and I have it yet to this day seen a direct reply from ecotech.

If I place the Vectra in feed mode via the controller, it also initiates feed mode on my MP40's w/ "upgraded" QD drivers.

If I initiate feed mode via my MP40's the Vectra is not effected however and remains at speed.

That's the main reason why I would like Apex controlabilty...

Obviously, I can turn the Vectra on/off via the relayed outlet, but we know how turning your return pump off goes. (I like the slow flow feed mode)

Anyways, not the end of the world by any means, but I would like to hear from ecotech even if it's "it will never be controlled via WXM" just so I/we know.

Just like Breadman03, many have opted to purchase a different pump over the Vectra for this simple reason alone.

All in all I am happy with my Vectra and am thankful I was lucky enough to not get a loud or hot one like others unfortunately have.

I sent them an email as well in regards to this, but no reply to date.

Maybe I will call and see if I can get an answer tomorrow...

thanks for helping but i would think they are going to play kicking ball again .

05/05/2016, 11:48 AM	#1
jcs11236 Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 503	Vectra/Apex confirmation Can we get a confirmation once and for all that the Vectra will not be compatible with apex ever. There's tons of members including myself that have not jumped on buying new return pumps because we don't know any status on the compatibility as of yet. Let us know so we can decide either we get Vectra and reef link or move on to a apex ready return pumps. Thank you

05/07/2016, 09:43 AM	#4
bobbravo2 Reef Addict Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 967	This is pure speculation, but I think the lack of compatibility may be because N*ptune is going to release their own line of return pumps this year. __________________ Bob G. - O.R.C.A Member Current Tank Info: 65 Gallon \| Radion Pro G3 \| MP40 \| MP10 \| Apex \| Jaebo DC9000 \| KNOP Calcium Reactor \| Mated Picasso Clowns \| Mix of LPS, SPS and Softies

05/10/2016, 11:19 AM	#7
davehead86 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Monticello, IL Posts: 819	Its a great business strategy to have all of the Ecotech stuff work off the ESL app and interface. Especially since APEX is now putting out competing products. There is such a small niche of people who are willing to drop the cash on Ecotech and then on APEX. That this WMX thing seems like such a moot point in the business sense, or that it would affect more than a small percentage of their customers. No one says anything when Ford has their own infotainment system and Chevy has a different one its the same concept. You still end up with a completely controllable aquarium through your phone. There is just an extra app to work with. __________________ My build thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=24225945#post24225945 Current Tank: 65 Gallon Mixed Reef\| 40B Sump\| 2 Radion Gen 3's\| 2 MP10wes\| Vectra M1 \| Reefkeeper Lite

05/21/2016, 11:35 AM	#13
jduck Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 389	I bought the vectras and replaced reeflo hammerhead and 2 mags, now I just use the controller instead of a valve to control flow. Would like to have the use of the rest of the options. __________________ 240 gal. Miracles, 2x150g Frag tanks, 120 gal sump, SRO XT5000 EXT, Abyzz a200, , SRO CR5000D Ca reactor. 4x Ati 8x54w, 4x250w Radiums, Apex. 45g QT

05/05/2016, 12:45 PM	#2
Zwickm Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Portland, OR. Posts: 124	Doesn't it connect via the WXM? Sent from my SM-G925T using Tapatalk

05/05/2016, 12:57 PM	#3
jcs11236 Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 503	No. It is not compatible at all.

05/10/2016, 12:26 AM	#5
kodo28 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: France Posts: 58	I've been running my Reefer actually with 3 Radions, 2 MP40QD & Vectra M1...I bough two weeks ago an Apex system, I knew that the Vectra was "still" not able to connect to the Apex system. But this was not an argument to stop me to buy the Apex system... At the end what Ecotech will push me to do if meantime the Vectra is still not compatible with Apex system until they release their new pump it is exactly to go to the Neptune pump and resell the vectra. So not sure which strategy Ecotech is following but for sure not the best one for their customers...

05/10/2016, 12:21 PM	#8
jimbow Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Idaho Posts: 217	I have the Apex and I have an L1 pump (also have the Radion lights). I just run the pump and lights off the reeflink. It works fine. I have the pump plugged into the apex so if I need to shut it off the Apex does that. I will say that if the ESL and reeflink intends to compete with Apex, I think they have a ways to go. For the past 6 months I've only had one time where the Apex quit communicating for some reason. It lasted for about and hour then reconnected. On the other hand, every time I try to use the ESL/reeflink it is not connected and goes into offline mode. The first couple of times I spent an hour trying to figure out how to get it to connect. You need to juggle the chipmunks while facing north (true north not magnetic north). It is much faster now but I need to unplug and reconnect the reeflink. It then reboots or something and starts working. This is irritating but not insurmountable while I'm home but I travel and often access my Apex while on the road to adjust and check things. I'd be very unhappy if the ESL was my interface to anything I needed to change often.

05/10/2016, 10:20 PM	#9
JakeGr Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 11	I'm with ya. I'd like to purchase a Vectra, but I won't before it is compatible with WXM/Apex.

05/11/2016, 03:46 AM	#10
jcs11236 Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 503	I would prefer to run Vectra together with my wxm/apex. Don't feel the need to go out and buy the reef link and have a whole separate app/etc I will wait patiently to see if they make them compatible. If they were smart they would make the compatibility before the Cor is released because once it is, there is no more waiting for Vectra. Lol

05/11/2016, 05:44 AM	#11
roblk Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Rush NY Posts: 108	No problem for me i'll just wait until Neptune comes out with their COR pump I would buy a Vectra pump today if it communicated with my Apex through the WXM module. So basically what EcoTech did in my case is lost a sale, not a great business strategy in my opinion must be that sales are really good and they can afford to loose sales rather than make their product compatible with a competitor. Really glad Apex hasn't taken the same attitude and started eliminating (or limiting) communication capability with their competitors.

05/21/2016, 07:08 AM	#12
NYCEnglish Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: NYC Posts: 109	I'm in the same boat as many others. I'd buy the Vectra today if it worked with my Apex, I'm very happy with my 3 Vortechs and two Radions, Ecotech makes quality products. As it stands I'll wait until the Neptune Cor is released or possibly even look at the new Apex compatible Reef Octopus pumps.

05/22/2016, 01:41 AM	#14
chercm Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Singapore Posts: 2,971	Tim from Ecotech mentioned during the interview that it allow 3rd party integration 3rd party controllers – With legions of WXM modules out in the world, it will be no problem for the Vectra to communicate with third party controllers such as the Apex. This feature won’t be seen quite at the launch of the Vectra pump but it should follow suit fairly shortly after Ecotech actually starts catching up with orders and the actual production of the Vectra pumps. i think Tim is thinking to allow vectra support in the year 2050 when we all are DUMB . hahaha

05/23/2016, 06:50 AM	#15
wings516 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 64	This would be nice to know since I have 5 Vectra L1's in the plans currently and if Ecotech won't play nicely with Apex... Maybe this is an Apex question since Ecotech wants to put more in the ditch than they are taking out.

05/23/2016, 11:41 AM	#16
jcs11236 Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 503	According to Apex forums administration, it's not in their hands. They ready whenever Ecotech is

07/21/2016, 02:42 PM	#19
Joeb1983 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Stationed in Oklahoma, but from Florida. Posts: 597	EcoTech?

07/25/2016, 08:43 PM	#21
Joeb1983 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Stationed in Oklahoma, but from Florida. Posts: 597	Seems like they are avoiding answering this question like the plague...

07/25/2016, 09:01 PM	#22
fcmatt Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NH Posts: 850	I am a bit confused. Why doesn't N*ptune just reverse engineer the pump and figure out how to control it and not wait for ecotech? The interface to the pump cannot be terribly complicated. How is it much different then a MP40? Just curious. I do not know all the details.

07/25/2016, 09:27 PM	#23
Breadman03 New Old School Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Luzerne County, PA Posts: 3,293	Ecotech's software is legally protected. Neptune could certainly hack their software, but doing so would create legal issues as well as damage their reputation as a company. I looked at the situation and spoke with both companies at MACNA 2015. From what was said and what was not said, I bought a Red Dragon pump.

07/25/2016, 09:58 PM	#24
Joeb1983 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Stationed in Oklahoma, but from Florida. Posts: 597	I've read countless forums and threads in regards to this and I have it yet to this day seen a direct reply from ecotech. If I place the Vectra in feed mode via the controller, it also initiates feed mode on my MP40's w/ "upgraded" QD drivers. If I initiate feed mode via my MP40's the Vectra is not effected however and remains at speed. That's the main reason why I would like Apex controlabilty... Obviously, I can turn the Vectra on/off via the relayed outlet, but we know how turning your return pump off goes. (I like the slow flow feed mode) Anyways, not the end of the world by any means, but I would like to hear from ecotech even if it's "it will never be controlled via WXM" just so I/we know. Just like Breadman03, many have opted to purchase a different pump over the Vectra for this simple reason alone. All in all I am happy with my Vectra and am thankful I was lucky enough to not get a loud or hot one like others unfortunately have. I sent them an email as well in regards to this, but no reply to date. Maybe I will call and see if I can get an answer tomorrow...