I don't feel like any of the apex products are a knock off or cheap Imitation of another product. I spent a considerable about of time Tinkering with the WAV pumps thanks to Vince and a design request. I borrowed a WAV from a friend for flow testing with the anemone guards and I'm impressed with their flow rates and apex integration. I'm working on an angle extension but it's proven to be a pain and low demand. The few people I talked to about the WAV didn't have any reqrets, it's all subjective.
The DOS is also a step above most dosing units. Using stepper motors (same motors 3d printers use) is much more accurate and precise compared to on/off motors most dosing units use. I can't drop $600 for dosing pumps or I would probably have them (or a calcium reactor). I have looking into building my own version but I hate arduino programming and I know it's just not going to match what they make for precision, reliability and I don't want more individual programs for tank control, that's why I got rid of the kessil spectral controller and use vdm module.
I am a gear head so that stuff pushes a button for me.
I agree I do not think core, wave and dos are knockout per say. Rather overpriced for the quality..
That being said, dosers, pupmps and power heads are commoditized, the core technology and parts are the same for and can be sourced( am sure the outsourced parts Vince is referring to is the core parts of the pump or the dose) the extra features, stability and reliability of the equipment are what justify the price.
As an example the "no wire" and the reliability proven by years of customers feedback in vortech, or the head pressure performance and 5 to 10 years warrangee in red dragon, abyzz or syncra...these what I pay extra for.
For Neptune the apex connectivity and fusion is the standout feature, there is no doubt.
But is this enough to worry about dos dumping suplement one day, or core under perform with head pressure...for me it's a no...
Btw I am not bashing, I am just direct and objective at least from my need stand point...
Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk