Quote:
Originally Posted by
SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/392906/snakes-75g-build-thread/880#post_3524543
I really like my Apex unit. It seems to help out a lot. I think it saved my tank a time or two - since the tank was getting way too hot, it kept cutting off the lights and letting me know what happened. I'm pretty sure that it saved my tank. It also specifically controls a heater, which is awesome. - and you can see all kinds of graphs to make sure that your tank is running relatively stable. They have all kinds of different probes you can set up on the system - the main one for me is a pH probe, since I want to use a calcium reactor. I'm going to use two probes eventually - because I want to monitor the reactors chamber and I want to monitor the tank pH.
I went Apex instead of Reef Keeper mainly because of the reviews. I was also reading a lot about "galvanic isolation" and how accurate the probes are because of it. I also liked the fact that I could see that the Apex people gave better customer support through their site and through some forums. They were very helpful over the phone when I was asking questions before purchasing, unlike other companies. I also liked the fact that Apex units are sooo upgradeable and have so many different options. Heck, you can monitor two, three, four tanks at a time with one of these little units. They are very flexible., I also liked the fact that if you know a thing or two about XML programing,... you can write your own programs to monitor and control the tank. Like I said, pretty flexible and you don't have to be a genius to use it.
A controller is nice, but not a necessity. I just like the fact that all of the controls are monitored by one controller instead of several mounted everywhere. IF I have to change a setting or whatever, I don't have to find the controller and then figure out how to use each and every different interface. It's just all right there.
I am using Instant Ocean salt. I have tested all different kinds of salts over the years and I have yet to find a different salt that was as consistent at they are. I also like the fact that once you mix it up, you can test that bucket of salt for calcium and alkalinity and then you know exactly how much to dose into the newly mixed water before doing a water change.
I would say I have close to 30lbs of true live rock and about 25-30lbs of base rock at the moment. I'll be adding about 30lbs of base rock to the tank here this weekend, since I have plans to re-do the aquascape. Though, I might put it off if I want to soak them in bleach for a week or so since the rocks have been sitting outside.
Not a bad idea!!
Looking forward to see what kind of look you come up with for the new aquascape.
