What do you all think?

I have a friend who just bought the Neptune Aqua Controller for his 120. Yesterday he lost his job and wants to sell it to me for $300.00. Would this even be beneficial for my 29 biocube? I suppose I could use for a future tank. The controller sells for $494.00 new. He purchased at some convention in Florida last week.


Rating: none
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Quantity in Basket: none
Code: NEP-APEX
Price:$494.95

[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica][SIZE=-1][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Comes with head Apex unit, EB8 Energy Bar, & Standard grade pH probeConnectivity
Ethernet Interface
Embedded Web Server
Only controller with web browser Monitoring, Control & Configuration.
Email Alarms

Expandability
Most expandable Controller.
Up to 240 modules, hundreds of probes, and thousands of controlled outlets.
Simple menu driven Configuration
No program language knowledge required.

Robust Timers
Simulates Sunrise/sunset
Simulates moon cycle
Wave Maker and Random timed cycles
Built-in Variable speed pump control
Still water feed mode (multiple modes)

Ultimate Control
Monitor/Control Temperature, pH, and ORP
Digital Calibration on all probes
Seasonal temp & lighting control
Flexible Control Options

Apex System
The Apex System delivers a professional quality controller at hobbyist prices.

Built-in Ethernet
Integrated Ethernet port
Most advanced web server available
Interactive flash graphing application in the web server
Interfaces with AquaNotes iPhone application
Compatible with all Major web browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari)
Only aquarium controller with web server monitoring, control, and configuration
Compatible with wireless bridges or game adapters (802.11x) so that wireless network communication is possible
Email or text message alarms
Email alarms or audible alarms when Energy Bar power fails
Interactive flash graphing application in the web server
Interfaces with AquaNotes iPhone application
RSS and XML Support

Very simple menu driven configuration
Menus to easily setup pumps, lights, heater, chiller, co2, etc
No programming required for configuration
Can name the outlets (unlike competing products)
Can be configured through LCD Display or a standard web browser
In advanced mode an enhanced AquaController programming language is available
Sophisticated non standard control available
Virtual Outlets allow even more complex control options

Monitor/Control - pH, Temp, and ORP
The base unit includes software which is capable of monitoring pH, ORP, and temperature. The ORP probe input is modal and can be used to either monitor ORP or monitor pH; the AquaController Apex can monitor 2 different pH sources simultaneously! The monitored data is continuously displayed on the large LCD display and also logged into the internal nonvolatile memory for later retrieval. All probes support digital calibration.

Galvanic isolation on probes
Galvanic isolation on the probes results much more reliable and accurate probe readings. While these features increase costs we feel that probe accuracy is absolutely critical for monitoring/controlling your tank, unlike many competing aquarium controllers.

State of the Art Electronics Integration
Only 32 bit processor on an Aquarium controller
Over 16 times more code space & 5X faster than competitive controllers
The huge code space means that future expandability is ensured
Over 16 times data storage memory than the competition
1 year’s worth of data logs can be stored internally

New Enhanced Control Functionality
Day of Week functionality
Sub minute control added on EnergyBar controlled devices
Default outlet state for all EnergyBar outlets
Second resolution control

Sunrise and Sunset Simulation
The Apex has a special control function which can be used to simulate the varying lengths of days throughout the year. This feature is used to make the length of daylight hours longer in the summer than in the winter. This results in a more realistic simulation of natural lighting variations.

Moon Cycle Simulation
The Apex has another special control function which can be used to simulate the moon cycle in your tank. The lunar simulator is used for this feature and is capable of varying the intensity of light emitted from its LEDs. The intensity variations are controlled by the Apex which is preprogrammed with correct intensity values for each day of the moon cycle. The Apex automatically updates the intensity value depending upon the current setting of the Apex's clock. With this artificial moon cycle, it is possible to induce corals and fish to spawn.

WaveMaker
Each pump to be controlled can either have a random or fixed time period. Both the on and off times are fully programmable and can range from 1 minute to 4 hours in 1 minute increments. Up to 20 pumps can be controlled by one base unit. A variable length feed timer cycle can be initiated with the press of a button and will disable some or all of the pumps in the system (programmed by the user).

6 Digital Inputs
The Apex comes equipped with 6TTL level external inputs which can be used to activate/deactivate equipment in response to an external stimulus. Applications for these inputs include connection to water level float switches, water pressure and flow sensors, and water on the floor sensors. The Apex can be configured to signal alarms or turn on/off appliances in the event of external switch open or closure.
4 Integrated Variable Speed Ports
0 to 10V output interface
Can directly control up to 4 Tunze stream pumps (like AquaSurf)
Can dim ballasts with 0 to 10V interfaces (life some T5 ballasts)

Modular Expansion through AquaBus
High reliability protocol with robust error correction
Virtual unlimited expandability. The most expandable controller.
Plug and Play – AquaBus modules are automatically recognized and configured
Cable lengths over 200 feet
Expandable to 240 AquaBus modules
Add optional modules to monitor Hundreds of Probes
Add additional EnergyBars to control thousands of outlets
All AquaBus modules allow for easy firmware updates
Probe modules available (or in development) for additional Temperature, pH, ORP, Conductivity, and dissolved oxygen probes
Module firmware updates done through AquaBus. No need to disassemble controller, and individually update modules

Backward Compatibility
All AquaController 3 accessories work with the AquaController Apex. One major design consideration was to maintain backwards compatibility to protect existing customer’s investment in AquaController compatible equipment.
I/O port expansion backwards compatible with PX 1000
Compatible with the breakout box
Integrated control port - All control port accessories (DC8, DC4, DC4HD, AquaSurf, Lunar Sim)
AquaBus Features
Two AquaBus connectors for easy expansion, and flexible cabling options
Plug and Plug bus allows for modular expansion.
Updateable Firmware
Firmware updates via Ethernet
Flash memory so new features can be easily added
All AquaBus modules allow for easy firmware updates
No need to unplug/rewire devices to perform the firmware update (unlike the competition)
Alternate power port on Apex Base Unit
In power failure situations Alarm emails can still be sent
Can detect power failures in EnergyBars
Internal rechargeable backup battery retains clock
Graph probe/device data on the LCD display

Compact Size
7.5" x 2.6" x 1.10"
AquaDisplay Features
Sleek and Stylish case

7 mechanical buttons for speedy and flexible user interface
128 x 64 Graphical Backlight display
Displays datalog graphs
4 Highly customizable status displays
Placement of probe names and icons can be selected by user
Can scroll manually scroll between different status screens or automatically scroll through them
User adjustable contrast and backlight settings
Backlight can be dimmed at night.
User selectable tones/songs for different warning/error types
Multiple displays can be used on one system
All remote displays have the same functionality as the primary display
(i.e. can configure, graph, initiate feed cycles, etc. from all displays)Apex Systems Specification
Compact size 3.40" x 4.05" x 0.65"
Mounting holes for easy attachment to wall/stand

EnergyBar 8 Features


The EnergyBar 8 module features 8 independently controllable outlets. With power failure detection, active electrical current monitoring, and failsafe features make this power bar far better than any competing units.

8 independently controllable 120V Outlets (Max 5 Amps, total current must be less than 15 Amps)
Plug and Play
Built-in 6 Port hub so that accessories can be easily added
Less than $20.00 per controllable outlet (Best in Industry)
Active electrical current monitoring and logging
Fail-safe features. On communication failures outlets revert to user settable default settings
High reliability direct wired connection to the Apex System(does not use X10)
Completely Silent Operation on 6 of the solid state switched outlets
Two of the outlets use mechanical relays for switching
"Soft-Start" for reduced pump wear
Up to 240 EB8s can be daisy chained together for up to 1920 switched outlets
All 8 outlets independently controllable
Built-in circuit breaker.
4 Mounting Holes for easy installation
Compact custom aluminum enclosure (10.0" x 3.75" x 1.8")
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for the price i would be all over it. however for a 29g i thin k a controller is over kill.

 

Its a decent deal, but in all honesty won't do much for a biocube. If you're planning a pretty big upgrade soon, then maybe pick it up.

 

make sure you get everything with it... such as energy bar, base, display, ph probe. and temp probe.

Is it overkill???? maybe a bit much for a biocube. For $300 cant be beaten.... read this thread.

http://www.3reef.com/forums/general-reef-topics/aquacontroller-apex-system-worth-69450.html

Maybe this will solve your question with great detail. Read all 9 pages

 

Thanks for the info, that was very helpful. I think I am going to go ahead and get it. I can always hold on until I get 90 gallon tank next year.