Controllers worth it ? Too apex ? Is it worth it? Full? Jr?

[erictorres0311]

Ok so my biggest question is it really worth it ? The whole purpose off a controller is ease of mind. Control wave makers , lights , heaters , etc.

If I had diy LEDs, or t5 and other wave makers and pump I get it it will control them . But I have some radions and mp40s , vectra pump and the reef link. I don't use my reef keeper elite as much as I used to .

So my question is with ecotech having there ecosmart live app, which controls majority of the tank equipment. Do I need a full ? Or can I get away with a jr. and not have a display since they provide apex fusion and it's all web interfaced ? How does that work? Set up wise with out display?

Or can I be cheap and get away with downsizing my elite to a lite?

Opinions comments tell me your experience and thoughts on controllers

 

[Jetsetter57]

Are you away from home a lot? You'd be hard pressed I believe to find anyone on here that says an apex isn't worth it. Unless you're barely ever away from home like if you work from home it's an amazing piece of equipment. Even if you saved one tank full of fish and coral from some runaway heater or chiller it'd pay for itself. There is a reason the apex hold their value and the reef keepers do not. Apex jr is what I have my eye on for the next setup. I just like looking at the display next to the tank instead of constantly checking my phone. An apex jr. should be plenty for you since most of your stuff is automated anyhow. Apparently you can add to it in the future if you feel the need. Even if buy a brand new Jr. At$240 and use it for 6mos and don't like it you could easily offload it for $200.

 

[LAreefguy]

There is no question in my mind that if your home a lot or not apex is just simply the best. Iv saved money on power just not having my chiller and heater fighting eachother. It also just makes so many things simple and automated. It is a lot like a cell phone we didn't need it for so many years but once you have it you can't live without it. Apex just simplifies the game baby!!!!!


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[Csreef]

Had an old chiller that failed and fried one outlet of my eb8(power strip for apex) and my main pump ran normally on it. Imagine using a normal power strip(everything fails). Had a local Reefer go to Vegas for three days and had a relative watch his tank turn white and fish float to 104 degree water. Heater failure. He probably had over $5000 in corals alone but never got around to buying a controller. Everything fails in reefing eventually. The controller is insurance, even a basic one is worthwhile.

 

[erictorres0311]

With that said can you set up with out a display ? How does that work ?

And wouldn't my reef keeper be able to do the same biggest difference is I won't get alerts thru my phone right ?


And I don't work from work but do work 2-3 min away from work but I see what you mean

 

[innerspark]

It's worth it and the apex will control all your echotech equipment. Get the full and get the leak detections system as well as the controller for your mp40's and lights. It has saved me quite a few times when heaters and such have failed.


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[REEFERDUDE562]

Apex or reefkeeper?

 

[xmas_one]

You want a controller, you don't need a controller.

 

[erictorres0311]

I have one was looking to upgrading to an apex if it's worth getting or keeping my elite

 

[BeanMachine]

Had an old chiller that failed and fried one outlet of my eb8(power strip for apex) and my main pump ran normally on it. Imagine using a normal power strip(everything fails). Had a local Reefer go to Vegas for three days and had a relative watch his tank turn white and fish float to 104 degree water. Heater failure. He probably had over $5000 in corals alone but never got around to buying a controller. Everything fails in reefing eventually. The controller is insurance, even a basic one is worthwhile.

+1

At the very least get a Ranco Temp controller for you heater/s.

 

[REEFERDUDE562]

What you mean?

 

[REEFERDUDE562]

Was thinking of upgrading also lol

 

[BeanMachine]

You want a controller, you don't need a controller.

Everyone should have their heaters on a controller. It doesn't have to be an expensive apex, but it is necessary as its not if heaters will fail but when.

 

[Jetsetter57]

Apex or reefkeeper?

You want everything to hopefully work on its own = reef keeper
You want to be able to control everything from anywhere and know when it's happening = apex

 

[NVTE]

Ok so my biggest question is it really worth it ? The whole purpose off a controller is ease of mind. Control wave makers , lights , heaters , etc.

If I had diy LEDs, or t5 and other wave makers and pump I get it it will control them . But I have some radions and mp40s , vectra pump and the reef link. I don't use my reef keeper elite as much as I used to .

So my question is with ecotech having there ecosmart live app, which controls majority of the tank equipment. Do I need a full ? Or can I get away with a jr. and not have a display since they provide apex fusion and it's all web interfaced ? How does that work? Set up wise with out display?

Or can I be cheap and get away with downsizing my elite to a lite?

Opinions comments tell me your experience and thoughts on controllers

get one that you need it and fit your purpose, not hype or without using full potential.

you have equipment that come with controller. what else it is not ?
for example are your heater or fan to keep the temperature constant. Do you buy Full Apex just for it or lite/jr/ranco are good enought?

 

[turbonut]

You want everything to hopefully work on its own = reef keeper
You want to be able to control everything from anywhere and know when it's happening = apex

Hey hey hey. There is nothing wrong with an rke at all it does what it's supposed to do just fine. Only reason I got an apex is for the wav Powerhead. Besides that my rke performed flawlessly for years.


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[mark.a.smith405]

Hey hey hey. There is nothing wrong with an rke at all it does what it's supposed to do just fine. Only reason I got an apex is for the wav Powerhead. Besides that my rke performed flawlessly for years.


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Hey dude how do you like the WAV pumps? Been considering switching out my gyres for them

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[turbonut]

Hey dude how do you like the WAV pumps? Been considering switching out my gyres for them

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I don't have them yet. I was just planning ahead. I have gyres as well and tunzes at the moment


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[theMerchant]

thank you for the Bean for the tip about the Ranco

I found one here for $46 (add a few sticks of super glue gel and got free shipping)
http://www.zoro.com/ranco-line-voltage-thermostat-120-to-240vac-etc-111000-000/i/G2595704/

get 5 of these so total is over $50 for free shipping
http://www.zoro.com/super-glue-instant-adhesive-2g-tube-clear-pk3-sgg23-48/i/G1593514/


Ive read guys have the Ranco along with the APEX for added protection.

 

[Jetsetter57]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011296704/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_aSIRwb8X32V1Z
So this would work to hookup a chiller and heater?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EZIEU3Q/ref=psd_mlt_nbc_B011296704_p

Or two of these. One for a chiller and one for a heater?