Is the AquaController Apex System Worth It?

That scares me :-/... Hope i dont run into the same thing.

Well neptune systems just put out the APEX and it doesnt have one. But is it really necessary??? Refractometer works well.... Would be kinda nice to have it though.

 

The reason I want one is so that when I'm on vacation or at work I can control the tank. Also if there is a problem you are notified and you can take action not to lose $3,000.00 in live stock.

 

Is it really necessary?

Well, if you want to go that route, the entire controller isn't necessary. You can easily keep a reef without one. Now, does it make life easier? Yes. Does it give valuable failsafes? Yes. Does it automate tasks and make life easier in general? Yes.

So, is a salinity module necessary? No.

But, if I'm going to shell out $500+ for something that technically isn't necessary, I want the absolute best bang for my buck - and being able to immediately tell what your salinity level is, graph the data, etc. (and possibly route fail safes around that) I would like that ability.

Do we know if Neptune Systems is going to come out with one? I know it just became available and the RKE didn't have one available right away either.

 

I want one but the funds just arent in the bank for it I guess I will just be happy with my old II it works well enough hooked to a laptop. Hey vegasfish Only 3000. in livestock I would say alot more when considering live rock and all your time getting everything to grow. I know I am into the 20,000. dollar price tag.

 

You do make a fair statement.

Salinity levels do not fluctuate that much in order to cause disaster. But all of this is said knowing someone is using an ato system properly. My tank salinity is constant at 1.025. No Fluctuation at all.

There maybe the extreme instance where you may run into a salinity problem. But what kind of safety would you have built into the controller???

I find salinity the easiest thing to keep constant.... But I do not want to turn this thread into a salinity debate.

 

One way, for exampple: let's say your ATO float valve became defective, and your ATO continuously introduces new, fresh, RO/DI water into your tank. It fails to stop the flow.

Such a situation would yield a gradual decrease in salinity in your entire system. A salinity probe could sense this, and you could have your controller set to stop the ATO from functioning if and when salinity rises X% over X amount of time, or if salinity simply reaches 1.020.

Like Zach says, "is it necessary?" No.

Is it nice to have? You bet it is!!

 

You got it man. My thoughts exactly. 100% true, salinity fluxes the least, but it's at least nice to have an alert in the case that there's a problem. If the float valve fails the salinity probe could shut down the pump's outlet.

Does anyone know if Neptune Systems ever plans to introduce a salinity module?

 

I have no idea... if they were would have been nice if they included it with the APEX. would have made sense.

best way to find out is to call... 408-578-3022 .

 

I "need" a controller. The ole timers have failed too many times. HeAter malfunctions,ph control for when I get a calcium reactor. If I could be home every day it would be a lot easier.

 

Exact reason why I "needed" one too.