Apex Controller

Fishman5 · Mar 3, 2013

What is your opinion on an Apex controller. I have a 110 gallon reef tank that I have had up and running for almost 6 years now. I have a 40 gallon sump, 20 gallon fuge, 150 reef octopus skimmer, phosphate reactor, and finally a return pump (I can't even remember what the name of the return pump is. It has been to long.) I also run carbon in my sock filter. I hav two power heads in the main display keeping the water circulating. I run 8 48" t5's and a strip of led blue "moonlights"

I plan on putting an automatic doser in within the next few weeks.

Anyways I had a couple of questions about the apex controller. Does it work like a timer for my lights? Can I have more than two probes (I would like ph, temp, and salinity)? How would my auto top off system be controlled by the apex controller? Can it tell me if my sump has overflowed or is leaking? If it can do all of these things how much would it be? I've heard they can run upwards of 500.

Thanks,

Tommy

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jaguars4263 · Mar 3, 2013

Yes to all your questions. They are about 400 to 500 bucks. Go look on marinedepot.com or bulkreefsupply.com

Fishman5 · Mar 3, 2013

Ok thanks. I was just wondering if the sensors for the auto top off system came with it or if I would have to DIY it

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Otter_rs · Mar 3, 2013

Fishman5 said:
Ok thanks. I was just wondering if the sensors for the auto top off system came with it or if I would have to DIY it

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You will need to buy a breakout box and the individual float switches for auto top off. Should be like $40 for the box and $5 per switch.

Brent \><{{{{*>
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Fishman5 · Mar 3, 2013

Ok. Thanks!

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JSB · Mar 3, 2013

Forget about the salinity probe. They are marginal at best, IME. Mine shows trends, but no matter how many times I calibrate it, it never tracks with my refractometer. I love my apex, and would not set up a new tank without one, but as far as salinity goes, meh!

The below image shows about the best I ever get as results go from the salinity probe on my tank, but understand I check salinity weekly with a calibrated refractomer, and I have been rock steady at 35ppm:

Otter_rs · Mar 3, 2013

JSB said:
Forget about the salinity probe. They are marginal at best, IME. Mine shows trends, but no matter how many times I calibrate it, it never tracks with my refractometer. I love my apex, and would not set up a new tank without one, but as far as salinity goes, meh!

The below image shows about the best I ever get as results go from the salinity probe on my tank, but understand I check salinity weekly with a calibrated refractomer, and I have been rock steady at 35ppm:

I have had similar experience with the salinity probe. If given the choice, I wouldn't bother with the salinity probe.

Brent \><{{{{*>
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o2manyfish · Mar 3, 2013

Same issues with the salinity probe, it's worthwhile to me to know if something major occurs, but its not reliable for accuracy.

The leak detectors are available from Neptune now.

Dave B

Fishman5 · Mar 3, 2013

Ahaha thank you for the heads up! I was a little confused on how u would set up the ATO. Do you have to use a code on the system or is their some accessory u hav to buy and hook up to the ATO

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o2manyfish · Mar 3, 2013

For auto top off you need the break out box which you connect to float switches. One Break out box gives you 6 inputs. Float switches are about $5 each. I have one to measure sump low, sump high, tank high and tank low - So I can keep track of any issues with the pumps.

The floats will tell you the water level in your sump. Then the Apex can turn an outlet on/off to control a solenoid or pump - depending on your type of Topoff system.

Dave B

Fishman5 · Mar 3, 2013

I have a solenoid. So how would the box turn off the RO clean water?

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o2manyfish · Mar 3, 2013

You plug the solenoid into the Apex energy bar. Then when the Sump Float switch reads low it turns on the solenoid.

When I hooked up my topoff to the Apex I discovered that the Float switch was bobbing on/off 100's of times a day and turning the RO On/off quickly is bad for the membrane. So with the Apex I have it programmed so the float switch has to be on constantly for 30 min till the topoff turns on. Now it only cycles about 5 times a day

Dave B

Fishman5 · Mar 3, 2013

Wow that sounds really impressive! Do you also have any devices that alert you when ur sump or tank is overflowing or leaking?

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