Apex Controller

[Sewerat]

K guys. I know a few of you have apex and a few have reef. I would like to get a system up and running real soon. Kinda getting tired of all the wires and timers and crap all over and yet I know I have just begun. So I have a question for those in knowledge and or experience.

Price is a factor so I don't want to buy something that I don't or won't need and use. I see three basic package for apex. Standard grade, lab grade and gold. First of all gold? Why do I need or want orb anymore? I thought is was a passé form of monitoring. Lab grade is it really req?

My thought is I want standard grade oh, I want salinty. I would like calcium and alk but I don't know if I can monitor them with apex? I think I need another small power bar to run my lights on the DT. My sump is in the basement and needs 7 outlets for the sump so figured mount the main unit in the basement and power an 8 bar for the DT, it uses 5 currently.
I think that gives me the same basic setup as I have with room to go but also currently better then I have. Thoughts? Ideas? Help please.

 

[Pistol]

I've had both and have apex now, apex is more versatile but you have to write a lot of code, they are coming along with the wizards though. I have standard grade with no issues, I monitor ph and use orp to control my denitrator, the EB8 has 6 triacs and 2 relay outlets and low current devices like dosing pumps might not turn off when on a triac outlet, the EB4 has 4 relays.
I believe reef has gone cloud as well and you don't need the NET module, could be wrong. Apex has the better user interface, no complaints with either but I would recommend Apex.

 

[Neopimp]

I wouldn't bother with salinity.... the probes are untrustworthy and require calibration a fair bit. Not my experience but just the typical downside of them. Besides it should be something that doesn't change very fast and can be monitored much easier with a refractometer.

Orp has its places but really its a confusion for most people.

Just get the apex with the standard probe. you can get an extension USB cable to cnnect your sump and display areas. I have almost 50 ft between mine.

 

[unibob]

I wouldn't bother with salinity.... the probes are untrustworthy and require calibration a fair bit. Not my experience but just the typical downside of them. Besides it should be something that doesn't change very fast and can be monitored much easier with a refractometer.

Orp has its places but really its a confusion for most people.

Just get the apex with the standard probe. you can get an extension USB cable to cnnect your sump and display areas. I have almost 50 ft between mine.

+1 to what neo said.

For the USB cable...you either have to extend it, or buy the proper longer USB cable. (Doesn't have to be "apex" but there are a few types that can actually damage the controller)

---updated to explain below.

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[Marz]

+1 to what neo said.

For the USB cable...you either have to extend it, or buy the proper longer USB cable. (Doesn't have tone "apex" but there are a few types that can actually damage the controller)


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What kind will damage the controller? I had no idea. - not to hijack (apologies)

 

[Pistol]

What kind will damage the controller? I had no idea. - not to hijack (apologies)

I was under the impression that you can't use the apex cable as a usb cable but you can use a usb cable as an apex cable, the apex cable can damage a usb device.

 

[unibob]

What kind will damage the controller? I had no idea. - not to hijack (apologies)

Any USB-A to USB-A cable that is NON POWERED (passive) will work.

You can and probably will have a hard time finding a USB cable that is over 15' that is passive, meaning NON powered or with any sort of booster in it.

I hope this helps any confusion.


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[reefgeek]

I'll chime in for the Apex, I have one but it's not up and running yet. Reason I would recommend it would be the number of Apex ready devices that are being released. There are not many, if any, controllers out there that certify other manufacturers devices for use on their controller. To me this means that you can always expect the Apex to be on the leading edge of controller innovation. Stick with the standard grade kit and by all means get Fusion installed as it does simplify a lot of the configuration.

 

[Marz]

I would like to resurrect this thread. Can you take a standard USB cable, split a cat6 cable into it to get a long 50' length to run another eb8 for a tank in another room? Or is there a Canadian source (I have checked USBFirewire) to get these?

Any suggestions is appreciated.

 

[TORX]

You could DIY one like that. I love DIY, and even I bought one premade. I bought mine through USBFirewire for $55 plus $9 shipping to Canada. Just not something i wanted to risk after spending $200 on a second EB8 plus a VDM. You also have to be sure that there are no boosters or repeaters if you are looking for a premade USB. Good luck and it will work. I have heard of other people doing it, but most end up using a premade just to be on the safe side.