Neptune Systems to Offer Apex Gold Package for More Savings, Convenience

A week removed from the news that the Apex Lite was being discontinued, Neptune Systems has announced that they would be packaging their popular Apex controller into a new gold bundle. This new gold package doesn’t include any new products that we haven’t seen before. Instead it is comprised of several popular items rolled into one pakage, providing more savings for hobbyists looking to purchase a controller with a few more accessories instead of having to piece things together over time. So what’s included in the Apex Gold Package? According to the Neptune Systems Facebook page, for the retail price of $799.95, controller happy hobbyists will get: Apex Base Unit Energy Bar 8 Apex Display Module Long-life Temperature Probe Lab Grade pH Probe Lab Grade ORP Probe PM2 – Salinity Module Lab Grade Conductivity (Salinity) Probe For those not entirely familiar with all of the Neptune Systems controllers and their accessoires, the previously most robust Apex Controller package was priced at $524.95 and included everything above except the Lab Grade ORP Probe, the PM2 Salinity Module, and the Lab Grade Conductivity Probe. Priced individually, these three add-ons total almost $283. This means hobbyists will enjoy approximately $10. Not a huge discount, but at this point in the game, any savings helps a ton. But the package goes beyond just the savings aspect. Where the highest level Apex bundle offered up just the basics, this package is one that many hobbyists are applauding because it contains all of the stuff they need and none of the stuff they don’t.

New Neptune Systems Euro-friendly Controller Gear Officially Hits the Market

Here’s some great news for our fellow hobbyists across the pond. Neptune Systems announced late last week that they were officially launching their new European 220/240V Schucko-style Energy Bar 6. In addition to that news, Neptune Systems also made it known that they have a new European master distributor, Nordic Reef. This year has been a busy one for the popular controller manufacturer, especially in Europe. Earlier this year they announced the availability of their Apex controller in a 240V format, and the new distributors and gear will only help push their invasion. The new Schuko-style EB6 was first debuted at MACNA 2013, along with tons of other sweet gear, and because this type of plug is standard in most European countries, it means nothing but growth into a new market for Neptune Systems. Of course, there are other well-known controllers for the Apex to compete with over there, but given its popularity and functionality in the states, we are sure it will make a big hit and shake up the EU controller market. According to the press release from Neptune Systems, with the release of the new Schuko plugged Energy Bar, the recently announced Automatic Feeding Systems and all of the other Apex accessories will be available to purchase in Europe prior to the close of this year.

Neptune Systems AWM Module Now Available for AI Users

Another Neptune Systems accessory is hitting the marketplace this week with the official release of the AquaIllumination LED Wireless Control Module (AWM). Announced at MACNA earlier this year, the AWM works with the AI Vega, Hydra, and Hydra FiftyTwo and can wirelessly control up to 12 indepedent LED fixtures. The module can dim every channel of each light, as well as create progressive sunrise and sunset, cloud cover, lightning, and even location based and day-of-year lighting. According to Neptune Systems’ press release, the realease of the AWM officially makes the AI Vega, Hydra, and Hydra FiftyTwo are all Apex Ready+ devices and it can be purchased immediately from any one of the worldwide retailers that carry the Neptune Systems line. The retail price is set at $124.95.

Neptune Systems Looking for Beta Testers for their Apex Fusion Software

Listen up all of you would-be guinea pigs, Neptune Systems is looking to try out the beta version of their upcoming Apex Fusion software. According to a recent announcement, beta versions of their Apex controller firmware and their highly touted Apex Fusion service will become available later this month. Due to the groundswelling of requests from hobbyists to be beta testers, Neptune is making the system available in a limited supply. To be considered, all you have to do is go to the Neptune Systems website and fill out an application letting them know a little about your system. There is no listed minimum requirements to be a beta tester, and it would appear that Neptune Systems will focus on Apex, Apex Lite, and Apex Jr. users alike. For those of you not familiar with Apex Fusion, it is a new service that will allow Apex users to access and modify the settings of their controllers from the cloud.