Who is using and APEX? Who is using a Calcium Reactor?

[asnelson]

Instead of two different threads going I combined both questions into one. I would like to see how everything likes using them. If your using a calcium reactor, do you like it better than dosing two part?

[Matthew Rennecker]

i run a geo 618 reactor love it! reef fanatic reg. and reef fanatic ph controller.

set it and forget it! no two part to mess with...

pretty exp. pc of eqp. thou.......

[jb61264]

I use a calcium reactor and love the hands off setup once you dial it in (which just took about a day or so during initial setup). I read an article one time also where it said the ROI on a calcium reactor increases with the size of the tank...I think it said anything 75+ really benefits by having a calcium reactor whereas smaller tanks probably don't see the ROI for quite some time versus two part (ie..not as much two part to buy over time compared to a larger tank).

Don't use an APEX controller but do use a ReefKeeper Lite...different controllers have their advantages/disadvantages but all provide automation and monitoring/control which is a huge help in this hobby...I would strongly recommend getting some sort of controller...which one is really a matter of personal preference.

[sw1tched]

I use an APEX, but dont have a calcium reactor... yet.
debating on getting one, but I dont have a lot of SPS.
I don't dose anything either.
The Apex is awesome, but I dont have much to compare it to since its the only controller I've ever used.
I like the ability to check from the web and get email alerts when things are off.
It single handedly saved me from a 20 gallon flood. ATO started a siphon and I got an email saying my sump was high.
went downstairs and killed the siphon before anything overflowed.
I've since fixed that.

[Matthews]

I use an APEX, but dont have a calcium reactor... yet.
debating on getting one, but I dont have a lot of SPS.
I don't dose anything either.
The Apex is awesome, but I dont have much to compare it to since its the only controller I've ever used.
I like the ability to check from the web and get email alerts when things are off.
It single handedly saved me from a 20 gallon flood. ATO started a siphon and I got an email saying my sump was high.
went downstairs and killed the siphon before anything overflowed.
I've since fixed that.

+1 I am pretty much at the same spot as sw1tched... I use the Apex but have not added alot of the equipment that it will control. I just bought a house and am in the planning stages of finishing the basement with my fish room. I will be adding calc reactor, ato, rodi, prob water on floor sensors, Lunar modules.. ect. The possibilities are endless with the Apex. So easy and expandable. Also from all the research I did when I was buying a controller, the add on modules for the apex are less expensive than the others on the market. Hope this helps a bit

[sw1tched]

I have set mine up for WOTF (water on the floor) sensors and Auto top off.
the I/O breakout box was like 40 bux and float switches are around 2-3 bux a piece.
It was very inexpensive to expand its usability.

[asnelson]

What are you using for a water in the floor sensor?

[sw1tched]

go with something like this:
http://www.specialtyalarms.com/site/131 ... uct/80-519

do not get the Water Bug WOTF sensor unless you get the whole kit.

[asnelson]

yeah, ill have to look at them. Did you have an issue with getting the text messages setup? Mine was fairly easy to configure for the net but for some reason the text message portion isnt working. I used Putty to Telnet into the system and noticed on the text portion that it said "relaying not allowed". I havent dug into it much, but wanted to see if you ran into a similar issue.

[sw1tched]

I do emails. there was already an outlet for emails setup... I just put in the conditions I wanted to have them sent.
I have a Blackberry, so emails or text messages work the same.