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Apex vs. Hydros
- Thread starter UsamaCh.
- Start date
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- Tags
- hydros neptune systems
radiata
NJRC Member
I've had an Apex for years. I think I'm up to 20 or more distinct modules. I added a Hydros 2 years ago because I wanted to be able to run both Gyres and Octo Plus 4s without the need for (costly) controllers or bricks. (And, I must admit, I wanted something new to play with.) I've stopped expanding, so I won't be expanding with either system.
That said, I feel it is only fair to point out that Hydros has had a definite design advantage because they've had the experience of watching Apex make mistakes in both the design and the marketing categories. I believe Apex had that same advantage over Digital Aquatics, and look where DA is today - you just see an occasional user trying to unload pieces of it to unsuspecting controller seekers. (But of course that doesn't include redfishbluefish!)
That said, I feel it is only fair to point out that Hydros has had a definite design advantage because they've had the experience of watching Apex make mistakes in both the design and the marketing categories. I believe Apex had that same advantage over Digital Aquatics, and look where DA is today - you just see an occasional user trying to unload pieces of it to unsuspecting controller seekers. (But of course that doesn't include redfishbluefish!)
So I will also say this. I have two controllers at the moment. But I still have my
*heaters controlled by inkbird $40 Inkbird controllers does a better job at keeping the tank at a perfect temp.
*salinity when first got my apex $900 this was the most important reason. I was never able to get the salinity to work. I didnt trust it. So I use HANNA salinity checker $50 and it works i back it up with a $40 refractor, I have not used the hydro salinity.
* ATO I purchased the apex ATO and it fail all the time. The original apex was so bad they replaces it with ATO 2. instead I used tunze with no problems
* dosing pumps I had 3 different dos pumps on my system $260 each
they all had problem. They would fail all the time. I replace them with Kamore dosing pumps no more problems and no more noise.
$100
* auto feeder the apex auto feeder $99 is horrible. I had 3 on my system and I replace them with the eheim auto feeder for $30
*wav pumps $160 they all fail. HydroS wave engine is a better product You can use your own pumps.
trident *$800 to test alk/mag/cal in my system the mag doesn’t really change.
calcium is also mostly in range. My $50 HANNA alk tester is my trusted tester
*heaters controlled by inkbird $40 Inkbird controllers does a better job at keeping the tank at a perfect temp.
*salinity when first got my apex $900 this was the most important reason. I was never able to get the salinity to work. I didnt trust it. So I use HANNA salinity checker $50 and it works i back it up with a $40 refractor, I have not used the hydro salinity.
* ATO I purchased the apex ATO and it fail all the time. The original apex was so bad they replaces it with ATO 2. instead I used tunze with no problems
* dosing pumps I had 3 different dos pumps on my system $260 each
they all had problem. They would fail all the time. I replace them with Kamore dosing pumps no more problems and no more noise.
$100
* auto feeder the apex auto feeder $99 is horrible. I had 3 on my system and I replace them with the eheim auto feeder for $30
*wav pumps $160 they all fail. HydroS wave engine is a better product You can use your own pumps.
trident *$800 to test alk/mag/cal in my system the mag doesn’t really change.
calcium is also mostly in range. My $50 HANNA alk tester is my trusted tester
snowxcross
NJRC Member
I have both and like them equally. The apex has an advantage because of the Trident. I like using different tech, so I run them on separate systems. The power brick on the hydros is flakey unless you run a mesh wifi network.
