Apex for a tank under 10 gallons worth it?

[ImNew:]]

I've saved up enough money to purchase an apex but i find myself wondering, is it really essential to get a Apex for a tank under 10 gallons? I know many people on this forum have apex's running for tanks under ten but i just wanted to get a second opinion before i bite the bullet. My light wont connect to the apex and i don't need an extra controller for my mp10. The pH monitoring and Temp monitoring is really getting my attention, but am i missing something?! i will have a ATO and a Skimmer running if that helps. I'm just trying to see if this is a good investment or should i just use that money on live stock? Nothing is cheap in this hobby so i give me some honest opinions!

[HarryPotter]

 

I've saved up enough money to purchase an apex but i find myself wondering, is it really essential to get a Apex for a tank under 10 gallons? I know many people on this forum have apex's running for tanks under ten but i just wanted to get a second opinion before i bite the bullet. My light wont connect to the apex and i don't need an extra controller for my mp10. The pH monitoring and Temp monitoring is really getting my attention, but am i missing something?! i will have a ATO and a Skimmer running if that helps. I'm just trying to see if this is a good investment or should i just use that money on live stock? Nothing is cheap in this hobby so i give me some honest opinions!

Honestly if you have an ATO, what are you worrying about?!?!

 

I don't think it's worth it honestly. If your temperature is already good (or you have a heater lol) then I don't think it's worth it.

[Arkayology]

There are definitely some pros to using an controller for a tank of any size. The ability to turn off lights/pumps/heater/etc. if the tank gets too hot is a great advantage. If that doesn't concern you, there are always bluetooth controlled timers for things like lights to just simply turn them off and on.

[JR!]

There are definitely some pros to using an controller for a tank of any size. The ability to turn off lights/pumps/heater/etc. if the tank gets too hot is a great advantage. If that doesn't concern you, there are always bluetooth controlled timers for things like lights to just simply turn them off and on.

i have to agree.

​where are these bluetooth timers?

[Arkayology]

i have to agree.

​where are these bluetooth timers?

http://www.marinedepot.com/Flexi_Plug_Bluetooth_Power_Switch_Timers_for_Aquarium_Lighting-Flexi-AZ72883-FILTACTM-vi.html

 

I am not advertising for them on purpose, but I was sent one to review. So far it is doing it's job.

[ImNew:]]

Honestly if you have an ATO, what are you worrying about?!?!

 

I don't think it's worth it honestly. If your temperature is already good (or you have a heater lol) then I don't think it's worth it.

 

My place is A/C controlled and of course i have a heater! Which should shut off once the desired temp has been achieved!

There are definitely some pros to using an controller for a tank of any size. The ability to turn off lights/pumps/heater/etc. if the tank gets too hot is a great advantage. If that doesn't concern you, there are always bluetooth controlled timers for things like lights to just simply turn them off and on.

My light is a nanobox so it is wirelessly controlled so that doesnt worry me. Is there any reason as to why i should worry about pumps turning off and on? would a DJ strip do the same job.!

[HarryPotter]

THE WEMO!

 

I used it on my nanocube- control it from your iPhone, monitor energy usage, program timers, and actually do some awesome advanced stuff using java

[JR!]

http://www.marinedepot.com/Flexi_Plug_Bluetooth_Power_Switch_Timers_for_Aquarium_Lighting-Flexi-AZ72883-FILTACTM-vi.html

 

I am not advertising for them on purpose, but I was sent one to review. So far it is doing it's job.

thats really cool. might have to try one

[SchnauzerFace]

I'm sorta in the same boat. I just started a 17gallon and I've debated an Apex Jr, but I think I'm just going to get a Reeflink and a Finnex Heater Controller. The only thing I really want is to automate lights/pumps and prevent the possibility of heater failure.

 

There's no doubt that controllers are awesome, but I think the needs of the tank should justify their price tag. Unless you need a lot of automation, I think even a Jr. might be overkill on a 10.

[VW_TDI_02]

I think the biggest thing is having a back up for your heater. Especially with a small tank, a faulty heater can quickly heat up your tank and boil the whole thing. An Apex can do that but so can a dedicated temperature controller or even a Reef Keeper Lite. A dedicated temperature controller will have its own probe and would be able to shut off the heater in the event that the temperature rises too much for whatever reason. I do the same thing with my Reef Keeper Lite. The heater turns itself on and off like usual but I have the temp probe from the Reef Keeper as a back up. If for some reason my heater gets stuck on the "on" position and the temperature of my tank reaches 80, the Reef Keeper will turn off the outlet controlling the heater.

 

For a tank that size, an Apex would be fantastic since you can do so much with it but I don't know if it's really necessary. I would look at getting a used Reef Keeper Lite ($75 here typically) or a dedicated temperature controller ($40-$50 I think). The Reef Keeper will give you a few extra options since you'll be able to control 4 outlets but that's expandable depending on your needs. If you don't need those extra features then you can simply go with the dedicated temperature controller and call it a day.

 

The one drawback to this would be that they don't have the web connection like the Apex does. The Reef Keeper does have a Net Module but I've heard a lot of horror stories with people not being able to get that specific module to work correctly.

 

Condensed Version:

- Option 1: Apex. All the bells and whistles; including web connection. Very expensive but can also be used later on with a larger, more complex tank.

- Option 2: Reef Keeper Lite. Temp control, additional outlets for other equipment you may have, and expandable. Cheap (~$75) but doesn't have the web access (excluding the Net Module which is notorious for not being easy to set up)

- Option 3: Dedicated Heater Controller. Cheapest of the options and will easily keep your heater from boiling your tank. Doesn't offer anything else though.

[ImNew:]]

I'm sorta in the same boat. I just started a 17gallon and I've debated an Apex Jr, but I think I'm just going to get a Reeflink and a Finnex Heater Controller. The only thing I really want is to automate lights/pumps and prevent the possibility of heater failure.

 

There's no doubt that controllers are awesome, but I think the needs of the tank should justify their price tag. Unless you need a lot of automation, I think even a Jr. might be overkill on a 10.

 

 

I think the biggest thing is having a back up for your heater. Especially with a small tank, a faulty heater can quickly heat up your tank and boil the whole thing. An Apex can do that but so can a dedicated temperature controller or even a Reef Keeper Lite. A dedicated temperature controller will have its own probe and would be able to shut off the heater in the event that the temperature rises too much for whatever reason. I do the same thing with my Reef Keeper Lite. The heater turns itself on and off like usual but I have the temp probe from the Reef Keeper as a back up. If for some reason my heater gets stuck on the "on" position and the temperature of my tank reaches 80, the Reef Keeper will turn off the outlet controlling the heater.

 

For a tank that size, an Apex would be fantastic since you can do so much with it but I don't know if it's really necessary. I would look at getting a used Reef Keeper Lite ($75 here typically) or a dedicated temperature controller ($40-$50 I think). The Reef Keeper will give you a few extra options since you'll be able to control 4 outlets but that's expandable depending on your needs. If you don't need those extra features then you can simply go with the dedicated temperature controller and call it a day.

 

The one drawback to this would be that they don't have the web connection like the Apex does. The Reef Keeper does have a Net Module but I've heard a lot of horror stories with people not being able to get that specific module to work correctly.

 

Condensed Version:

- Option 1: Apex. All the bells and whistles; including web connection. Very expensive but can also be used later on with a larger, more complex tank.

- Option 2: Reef Keeper Lite. Temp control, additional outlets for other equipment you may have, and expandable. Cheap (~$75) but doesn't have the web access (excluding the Net Module which is notorious for not being easy to set up)

- Option 3: Dedicated Heater Controller. Cheapest of the options and will easily keep your heater from boiling your tank. Doesn't offer anything else though.

 

I think getting a apex for a future build might be worth the investment. It might not be totally useable on this tank but maybe it might be once i upgrade in a year or so. Thanks for the input guys. Hope to hear some more good dicussions

[niQo]

I have a reefkeeper lite (wish I had an apex) on a 13-ish gallon tank, and I love it. It makes the temperature of the tank super stable and after cleaning it turns the pumps back on. It has happened a few times were I've forgotten to turn the ATO back on and it drains the return chamber. Now with a controller these silly things don't happen!

[Dan R]

I bought a apex for a 10 gal. tank. It was a good investment knowing I plan on keeping a tank for a long time.

[tibbsy07]

Is it worth it? I'd say no. That's me personally. It might be to you, though. I don't have enough money invested in my livestock to make it worth it. But you might.

[ImNew:]]

Is it worth it? I'd say no. That's me personally. It might be to you, though. I don't have enough money invested in my livestock to make it worth it. But you might.

Honesty i like that! As of right now i have nothing in my tank. It is empty right now. i have all the things to start the tank, last thing is a controller but i want to make a correct choice before paying 200-400 on something like that. I bought a Nanobox and i wanted that to be the biggest purchase. Currently Looking at the Apex Jr. we will see

I bought a apex for a 10 gal. tank. It was a good investment knowing I plan on keeping a tank for a long time.

Which apex did you get?

I have a reefkeeper lite (wish I had an apex) on a 13-ish gallon tank, and I love it. It makes the temperature of the tank super stable and after cleaning it turns the pumps back on. It has happened a few times were I've forgotten to turn the ATO back on and it drains the return chamber. Now with a controller these silly things don't happen!

those "silly" things can be a huge cost factor haha. Thanks for the input.

[Cencalfishguy56]

 

Honesty i like that! As of right now i have nothing in my tank. It is empty right now. i have all the things to start the tank, last thing is a controller but i want to make a correct choice before paying 200-400 on something like that. I bought a Nanobox and i wanted that to be the biggest purchase. Currently Looking at the Apex Jr. we will see

 

Which apex did you get?

 

those "silly" things can be a huge cost factor haha. Thanks for the input.

Look on R2R I got a lite for $325

[tibbsy07]

I say spend more time with your tank and learn about great husbandry and THEN decide if a controller is right for you.

[gus6464]

If you have an ATO and a reliable heater then an Apex is kind of a waste for something that won't have enough livestock that will be worth the entry price of one.

 

Are you planning on stocking with $200 RR frags? Unless you are stocking the tank with 2x the price you will be spend on the apex it is not really worth it.

 

What is the main thing to go wrong in a nano tank? heater, ato, and dosing. Are you even going to be dosing?

[Dan R]

I got the apex with lab grade PH probe.and you can spend a grand on livestock for a 10 gal. tank.

[Boggers]

I think it is not needed for a 10G unless you are attempting to keep some high end items in there or are looking to upgrade in the near future. That being said I do not have a skimmer or ATO on one of my 10G

[ImNew:]]

If you have an ATO and a reliable heater then an Apex is kind of a waste for something that won't have enough livestock that will be worth the entry price of one.

 

Are you planning on stocking with $200 RR frags? Unless you are stocking the tank with 2x the price you will be spend on the apex it is not really worth it.

 

What is the main thing to go wrong in a nano tank? heater, ato, and dosing. Are you even going to be dosing?

I see, I will be doing dosing but manual dosing with a small syringe. I plan on running some SPS but mostly LPS, and anemones.

 

I think it is not needed for a 10G unless you are attempting to keep some high end items in there or are looking to upgrade in the near future. That being said I do not have a skimmer or ATO on one of my 10G

I guess im spoiling my tank with a cadlight skimmer and a tunze ato. I was leaning towards an apex JR now im double thinking it.

[Moulton712]

A controller is only nessissary if you want it to be. I have 3 tanks running and roughly 5+k in livestock. I don't use one. I use gravity feed for ato, 2 heaters in every system timers on lights and auto feeders. Everything is well. ive left my tanks for 9 days before, I come back and everything is great. A controller is nice, but proper husbandry is best.

 

Yes you can have over a k in coral in a 10 gal easy.

[gus6464]

I see, I will be doing dosing but manual dosing with a small syringe. I plan on running some SPS but mostly LPS, and anemones.

 

I guess im spoiling my tank with a cadlight skimmer and a tunze ato. I was leaning towards an apex JR now im double thinking it.

 

I have a brand new controller sitting in a box that I have yet to touch. I am not planning on installing it until I have a good grasp of my tank and everything is running super stable. I didn't install the auto doser until it was running for 3 months as I wanted to lock down my dosage manually first.

 

Also Apex Jr is a waste of money. Either go big or go home. The reason why is because the Jr can only handle 4 modules. When you get into the Apex world you will quickly find out about all the cool modules you have to have and the Jr will become obsolete immediately.

 

The Apex Jr is an insult for the amount of money they charge because of it's limitations.

 

The real gem of the line was the Apex Lite but they discontinued it because it was eating on the full Apex sales and Neptune went ahead and replaced it with the neutered garbage that is the Jr.

[Marc.The.Shark]

Yes you can have over a k in coral in a 10 gal easy.

 

^Agreed. I seem to like the expensive stuff! lol

 

My situation is a little different. I started my current tank reboot with an old Neptune AquaController Jr I already had. Nice to not have timers, etc., all over the place. The controller worked fine, but was a PITA to turn stuff off & on with it mounted low on the stand. I'm gone 2-3 days, then home 2 days, then gone again, then back again. I forgot to turn my ATO back on & when I got home from being gone 2 days, I had bubbles all over my display from my return pump almost running dry & my wife not letting me know. She thought it was cool looking & didn't know. Almost lost a couple corals, but they recovered as did the Tunze, aliebit a little noisy now. I did some research & liked the idea of the newer Apex systems with Fusion, where I could monitor/control while I'm out of town. But, wow! expensive! Here comes the Lucky part...I found a guy on Craigslist selling the full Apex with a bunch of other stuff I didn't need (extra EB8, Salinity Probe & module, ALD & 2 sensors, WXM). He wanted $600 bucks for over $1,300 worth of stuff. I offered him $500 & he took it! After I sold all the extras & my old controller, I came out even! Lucked up, but boy, for my situation it sure is nice to have Fusion & be able to monitor my tank when not there.

 

Would I have paid $500 for the Apex on its own, probably not. But I would have definately shot 2 or 3 hundred at a new controller for the convienence & piece of mind it brings me. Just the other day my heater died & we had the carpet cleaned & my wife had all the windows open & the tank temp was dropping fast, I called her & asked what was going on & what the temp was in the house. She told me 60 & I knew there was a problem, cause I was looking at Fusion telling me the heater was on.

 

So to sum it up, I have an 8 gal tank with some decently priced livestock. I figure by the time I buy timers/controllers for my heater, fuge light, frag rack light in sump, fans, chiller fan, etc. I would be close to 150 bucks or more anyway for decent timers. this combines everything in one place & also makes feeding & maintenance a breeze. Well worth it for MY situation & a big bonus that I found a deal.

[reefernanoman]

I think that it is, and it can always be used on a future upgraded tank of any size, and can even be used on two tanks at the same time! So definitely yes.