Apex / Ecotech Vectra Feed Mode Question

[kreger's reef]

I finally got my mind convinced that I should buy an Apex controller. It will be delivered tomorrow.

I am also switching out 2 Jebao return pumps to 2 Ecotech Vectra pumps. I'm aware of the politics where Ecotech isn't making Apex control functionality available (silly and potentially limiting for them). However, I trust Ecotech pumps more than I would trust the newcomer, COR. That said, I don't feel like I need the Apex to fully control all functionality for everything.

My question is....when the Ecotech return pumps are placed in feed mode (via the Ecotech controllers), can a task be set up, on the Apex, that will monitor the drop in power draw and use that event to turn off the skimmer, Tunze ATO, etc?

 

[Burrito]

i dont have your answer but my assumption is yes, i have a vectra pump on an apex otherwise system and i keep an alarm on for power output on the vectra. when it drop below 60w i get an alert and i use that as a "clean your pump" trigger if the power drop stays longer than a day. i think the programing control freaks could figure out how to trigger an action from the power drop

 

[DLHDesign]

My question is....when the Ecotech return pumps are placed in feed mode (via the Ecotech controllers), can a task be set up, on the Apex, that will monitor the drop in power draw and use that event to turn off the skimmer, Tunze ATO, etc?

Yes; the power monitor feature can be used in such a way, in general. Though there are other advantages to the feed mode(s) on the Apex; such as the ability to delay things coming back on after the feed mode is over. You could likely get the same type of functionality, but it would be more difficult to set all that up.

In general, that's going to be the case - non-Apex native gear won't work quite as well as the equivalent native stuff. Even Apex-compatible stuff seems to struggle a bit at times and isn't as seamless as the native stuff. This is expected, really, since the two companies are more interested in making their own products work well together than they are working well with others (which makes sense, from a business perspective). That anything works with anything else at all is pretty amazing to me at times; a sign that the manufacturers do care about the clients. But to care about and for your clients, you need to stay in business, so 3rd-party compatibility isn't the top priority...

 

[kreger's reef]

Yes; the power monitor feature can be used in such a way, in general. Though there are other advantages to the feed mode(s) on the Apex; such as the ability to delay things coming back on after the feed mode is over. You could likely get the same type of functionality, but it would be more difficult to set all that up.

In general, that's going to be the case - non-Apex native gear won't work quite as well as the equivalent native stuff. Even Apex-compatible stuff seems to struggle a bit at times and isn't as seamless as the native stuff. This is expected, really, since the two companies are more interested in making their own products work well together than they are working well with others (which makes sense, from a business perspective). That anything works with anything else at all is pretty amazing to me at times; a sign that the manufacturers do care about the clients. But to care about and for your clients, you need to stay in business, so 3rd-party compatibility isn't the top priority...

Thanks for the comment!

Again, I'm not overly concerned about the Apex controlling every feature of a non-Neptune product. I will continue to use my Maxspect controller for my 2 gyres, I'll continue to use my Kessil Spectral Controller for my lights, I'll continue to use my Tunze osmolator, and I'll use the Ecotech controllers for the return pumps. The OEM controllers do a pretty nice job. I'm more of a find the desired settings and set it and leave it kind of guy. That said, I want ability to know that the devices are drawing power, so I know they're working when I'm away from home...and the ability to set up some tasks, like the feed mode task.

I'm looking forward to getting the Apex hooked up so I can start experimenting. I also bought the DOS and am hoping it's better quality than the Coralbox doser, which has been buggy.

Regarding Ecotech return pump compatibility with Apex, sure the COR has made them directly competitive. However, Neptune has a long way to go to beat out Ecotech in the return pump business. The decision to not allow Apex control might lose some customers to COR (the ones who really want that full control of every piece of equipment). Maybe they're thinking they'll get more Reeflink sales if the don't allow Apex control. That's a pretty small picture approach. Hell, even Ford and GM agreed to co-engineer a transmission...and you don't get more competitive than them.