OUR ORIGINAL AQUARIUM CONTROLLER
The Apex Classic is the original Apex introduced in 2009. Although it was first launched a number of years back, it still runs the latest Apex Fusion cloud software and is an incredible value. There is likely not another aquarium controller in this price class that will provide you more features, is easier to use, or has a larger and more active user base than the Apex. If you haven’t done so already, please read our Why Apex? page to get a high level view of why the Apex is so important to your aquarium.
THE APEX SYSTEM COMES COMPLETE WITH:
THE APEX BASE UNIT – IT ALL BEGINS WITH THE BRAIN
The Apex Base Unit is basically the brains of your entire Apex System. The Apex Base Unit (ABU) is far different than from what any other controller at this price level is offering. The ABU is basically a small computer, with a built-in web server, whose only job is take care of your aquarium.
BUILT IN INTERNET CONNECTIVITY
The Apex Base Unit is Internet-ready straight out of the box. Just plug it into your router and you are good to go – no software to install! This means that you can control your tank from any computer (or mobile device) in the house.
BEST SOFTWARE AVAILABLE ON ANY AQUARIUM CONTROLLER
Hands down, the Apex has the most feature-rich, field tested software (tens of thousands of customers) of any controller on the market today. It all starts with the onboard web server inside the Apex Base Unit. This web server is part of the Apex’s firmware and is truly the secret sauce to it’s success.
COMPLETE AQUARIUM MONITORING RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX
The Apex Base Unit is equipped with the following monitoring ports:
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- Temperature Port
- pH Port
- pH/ORP Port (can be used for either – a feature unique to the Apex)
- 6 – I/O switch inputs (for use with leak detectors, door switches, feed buttons, ATO, etc.)
LET’S TALK ABOUT A LITTLE THING CALLED GALVANIC ISOLATION
This is a topic other controller companies like to avoid. Why? Because not all monitoring ports are created equal. Galvanic Isolation is key to getting accurate readings on pH, Temp, ORP, and Conductivity. Some controllers either do not do it well (they are still figuring it out) or possibly not at all.
LED DIMMING AND PUMP CONTROL
The Apex Base Unit comes standard with four channels of 0-10V control. These outputs are controlled in the Apex software and are most commonly used for LED dimming or speed control DC pumps. By using one of our optionally available cables, you can connect any Apex Ready 0-10V device to these ports. This means you can do cool things like have your LED lights ramp up and down to simulate sunrise and sunset!
They can also be used for various DIY purposes like controlling the dimming level on LED drivers. Should you need additional channels of 0-10V control, no problem, simply purchase our VDM module and get four more – and also get a connection for Apex Ready+ LEDs!
THE ENERGY BAR – SO MUCH MORE THAN A POWER STRIP!
The Energy Bars available for our Apex systems are much more than a glorified power strip. In fact, this component of your aquarium controller equipment is far more important than most people realize – and not all systems are created equal! It is obvious that this component is key to controlling things on your aquarium, but what is not so apparent is how it is critical to preventing catastrophe in your aquarium. Here’s how.