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Apex Vs. Apex Lite

Manufactured by Neptune Systems, the Apex and Apex Lite are monitoring and control solutions for use in fresh water and reef aquariums, hydroponics systems, aquaculture tanks and other laboratory applications. Neptune designed the Apex line in an effort to combine affordability with professional features. Though they are similar in terms of design and intent, the Apex and Apex Lite systems differ somewhat in terms of specifications and features.

Monitors and Controls
- The Apex and Apex Lite systems both feature built-in temperature monitoring and control capabilities. Both also feature pH monitoring and control functionality. Apex comes bundled with two pH probes, while pH probes have to be purchased separately for Apex Lite. Apex also comes with Oxidation Reduction Potential, or ORP, monitoring and control capabilities, while Apex Lite only provides ORP monitoring and control when paired with Neptune̵7;s Probe Module 1 kit, which is sold separately. The standard Apex controller that accompanies both systems features an 8-by-20 graphical display.
Connectivity and Features
- The connectivity features of the Apex and Apex Lite are identical. Both systems feature an Ethernet port, Web server integration, email alarms and six digital inputs for connecting supplementary modules and accessories. Firmware updates are performed on Apex and Apex Lite systems via flash memory. Both systems also feature 10,000-entry data logs, moon simulation support, seasonal temperature variation, seasonal sunrise and sunset simulation, legacy support and compatibility with up to 240 AquaBus modules.
Supplementary Modules
- Neptune sells several different supplementary modules compatible with Apex systems. The Probe Module 1 provides monitoring capabilities for pH, ORP and temperature. It includes six digital inputs, data-logging and plug-and-play support. Neptune's Probe Module 2 provides monitoring and control capabilities for salinity and temperature, with support for four different measurement ranges. The Probe Module 3 can measure dissolved oxygen and temperature.
Additional Information
- The Apex system is comprised of the Apex base module, Energy Bar 8 power supply, Apex display, temperature probe, Ethernet cable and standard pH probe. The Apex Lite System includes the Apex Lite base module, Energy Bar 8 power supply, Apex display, temperature probe and an Ethernet cable. As of the time of publication, the Apex system has a manufacturer̵7;s suggested retail price of around $500, while the Apex Lite system's price is around $370.

Animals & Science