Profilux vs Apex

[Funky_Fish14]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

So far, looking at all 3 products, I've decided that they all need to dumb down their product promo material. I'm not an electrical engineer, and mostly still don't know what I need to accomplish x, y & z.
Like why do I need a module that plugs into the Apex which measures pH/ORP when the unit does that out of the box? And a bus is something people ride on, not install on their tanks :P
Use.Simple.Words.

Hmmm, I definitely have to agree haha. I consider myself... at least a bit above the 'average' computer user, in terms of understanding techno-lingo and abilities... but I have to agree. These controllers, profilux in particular, aren't entirely user-friendly on all their bases.


This thread has been very useful! Thanks! Im looking at going controller route... profilux was my original consideration (out of ignorance... It is simply the one I knew most about from previous research), but will have more to think about now!

Good luck with your APEX Brad! Keep us updated!

Cheers,

Chris

[PoonTang]

Congrats on the purchase brad. I knew you would love it. I am still waiting to get another power bar for mine so I can have one mounted at the other end of the stand to run a bunch more stuff that I didn't have room for on the first bar. I am going to get a breakout box too so I can have sump and ato reservoir floats and a water on floor sensor.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by PoonTang

. I am still waiting to get another power bar for mine so I can have one mounted at the other end of the stand to run a bunch more stuff that I didn't have room for on the first bar.

My problem is that my stand is about 7 feet long, and the power cords on the bars are 6 feet That means either a centrally mounted base unit, which is ugly to wire under stand, or, as I've done, all the controller stuff is mounted on one end in a separate cabinet. Unfortunately the cabinet is on the left of the tank, and all the electrical stuff in stand is on the right. Poor planning on my part, so now I have to reorganize the layout to run wires to the left. A bit of a pain, but it will clean up my wiring mess -lol

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Funky_Fish14

I consider myself... at least a bit above the 'average' computer user, in terms of understanding techno-lingo and abilities... but I have to agree. These controllers, profilux in particular, aren't entirely user-friendly on all their bases.

Chris

After reading a few threads here and at RC, I was a bit worried about difficulty in setup, but it was dead easy, pretty much configuring itself on the network. I plugged it into my router, used the display pad to see the IP, punched that into my browser, entered default admin and password, and away we went!
The basics are that simple again. You pick the outlet for the light, use the gui for on and off times, etc. For more complicated things, the Unofficial manual has examples that you modify for your own needs, for example, my water solenoid...OSC 15/165/0 Then ON is a simple statement that says at midnight, turn on for 15 minutes, off for 165, then repeat. This lets my topoff run 15 minutes every three hours. Pretty easy, and no computer experience required.
Gareth was over last night (from ProReef) and was impressed with his initial view of the stuff, which is pretty good, because I'm pretty sure he sleeps with some of his Profilux stuff
Overall, unless you need the profilux for something in particular, Apex is a great choice. I had one support question already re: cord lengths, and Curt, the owner, replied within an hour on a Saturday night!
All the gear I need cost about 800 after taxes, so a savings of about $600 over the Profilux. For users with less than 3 x 400w MH, you could get away with only one powerbar, for an additional savings of about $200.