I've been researching controllers for a long time, and still haven't been able to make up my mind. I know these threads pop up all the time, but I need some additional input directly related to my new tank :happysad:
Right now the choice is between an Apex Jr. w/ Display ($220) and Apex Lite. ($369). Of course I'd love to be able to just drop $500 on a full-blown Apex, but budget is definitely a consideration.
The tank is a 34 gallon Solana. I'm going to attempt an SPS-dominate tank this time around, and would like the controller to monitor temp, control a few dosing pumps (should I just buy a dosing unit separately?), control my heater, and maybe shut my T5's on and off. I know that the EB8 on the Apex and Apex lite only has 2x Relay switches, which are more reliable for low-current draw items like dosing pumps, and the EB4 (separate module or on the Apex Jr.) has 4x Relays.
Another thing I would like is to be able to shut off the return pump, skimmer, lights, ATO, etc just by using my iPhone/iPad, but I'm not sure that's 100% necessary right off the bat. Currently, I have to search for the plug and manually unplug something if I want to do a water change or isolate the display from the sump. That's a pain, but it's not really a deal-breaker. I know that either controller would allow this, but the Jr. doesn't have enough outlets to control everything.
On a side note, pH monitoring is nice, but I have to wonder... how necessary is this really? I read that people like having it, and I've also seen many people who say it's pointless... I've only rarely paid attention to pH, but I've also never tried an SPS dominate tank.
Right now the choice is between an Apex Jr. w/ Display ($220) and Apex Lite. ($369). Of course I'd love to be able to just drop $500 on a full-blown Apex, but budget is definitely a consideration.
The tank is a 34 gallon Solana. I'm going to attempt an SPS-dominate tank this time around, and would like the controller to monitor temp, control a few dosing pumps (should I just buy a dosing unit separately?), control my heater, and maybe shut my T5's on and off. I know that the EB8 on the Apex and Apex lite only has 2x Relay switches, which are more reliable for low-current draw items like dosing pumps, and the EB4 (separate module or on the Apex Jr.) has 4x Relays.
Another thing I would like is to be able to shut off the return pump, skimmer, lights, ATO, etc just by using my iPhone/iPad, but I'm not sure that's 100% necessary right off the bat. Currently, I have to search for the plug and manually unplug something if I want to do a water change or isolate the display from the sump. That's a pain, but it's not really a deal-breaker. I know that either controller would allow this, but the Jr. doesn't have enough outlets to control everything.
On a side note, pH monitoring is nice, but I have to wonder... how necessary is this really? I read that people like having it, and I've also seen many people who say it's pointless... I've only rarely paid attention to pH, but I've also never tried an SPS dominate tank.
