I've been meaning to write up this hardware description, and will likely post it as another article in my
Apex tutorial series.
Here's a quick overview of the Apex hardware family:
Apex controller (sometimes referred to as the "brain")
This device controls the entire Apex setup. There are two current models:
- Apex (commonly called the Apex 2016)
- Apex-EL
The following models are still in use by many people, but are no longer being manufactured:
- Apex Classic
- Apex Jr
- AquaController
Each Apex has a variety of ports to connect various probes that measure certain parameters of your aquarium water. The ports available vary depending of the model of Apex.
- Temperature
- pH
- Salinity (conductivity)
- ORP
- Dissolved Oxygen (requires a separate module)
All Apex models have an Ethernet port to connect to a computer network. The current models also have built-in WiFi.
The Apex (2016) has two 0-10v variable ports which can be used to control the speed of compatible pumps or powerheads, and/or the brightness & spectrum of compatible lights.
All Apex models have AquaBus ports which are used to connect and control optional expansion modules:
1Link
The 1Link module provides three 1Link ports to control 1Link devices, such as the WAV, DOS, COR-15, or Trident modules. 1Link cables combine the communications of the AquaBus cable with 24v power to control motors, thereby eliminating extra cables and extra power adapters.
AFS
Automatic
Feeding
System - used to automatically feed your fish with dry pellet or flake food.
ASM
Advanced
Sensor
Module - has a coax connector used to connect Neptune's PAR sensor, and one I/O port for a breakout box. The ASM is currently only sold as part of the PMK (
PAR
Monitoring
Kit) which includes the PAR sensor. Some people have used the ASM to connect other types of sensors to measure humidity, water pressure, or other industrial uses, but Neptune does not officially support these other sensors.
Breakout Box
The Breakout Box provides wire terminals to connect float switches, toggle switches, magnetic switches, or any other type of switch. These are commonly used to monitor water levels, cabinet doors, etc. The breakout box connects to an I/O port on the Apex controller, or an I/O port on the ASM, PM1, PM2, or PM3 modules.
COR
The COR-15 and COR-20 are variable speed DC submersible return pumps. The COR-15 requires an Apex to run, but the COR-20 can be operated standalone without any Apex controller
Display
Older model Apex units came with a Display module, which is a small LCD screen with push buttons used to control, program, and view status of the Apex. Modern Apex models do not ship with the Display module, but are still compatible with it.
DOS
The DOS is Neptune's two-head dosing pump. It may be used to dose additives into your aquarium, or can be used for automatic water changes.
DDR
The
Dual
DOS
Reservoir is a two-cylinder dosing reservoir that contains optical switches to monitor the fluid levels. The DDR connects directly to a dedicated communication port on the DOS to provide sensor status.
EnergyBars
EnergyBars are multi-outlet controllable power strips, and are the heart of the Apex's ability to turn on and off aquarium devices. There are several models of EnergyBars:
- EB832 - Provides (8) 120v outlets, (3) 1Link ports, and (2) 24v Accessory ports. It also provides per-outlet power monitoring on the (8) 120v outlets.
- EB8 - Provides (8) 120v outlets
- EB6 - Provides (6) 240v outlets, only available in the UK or other countries using 240v.
- EB4 - Provides (4) 120v outlets
FMM
The
Fluid
Monitoring
Module provides four ports which can connect optical water level sensors, flow monitoring sensors, or leak sensors. It also provides a 24v Accessory port (which requires an optional 24v power adapter) to control a PMUP (
Practical
Multi-purpose
Utility
Pump) or a 1/4" solenoid. The FMM is included with the ATK (
Auto
Topoff
Kit), FMK (
Flow
Monitoring
Kit), and LDK (
Leak
Detection
Kit). Each of these kits come with the appropriate sensors and accessories.
LSM
The
Lunar
Simulation
Module provides dim LED lights to simulate the moon above your aquarium. The lights are programmed to follow the actual monthly lunar cycle.
PM1
The PM1 (
Probe
Module
1) has one port to connect a pH probe or ORP probe, one port for a temperature probe, and one I/O port to connect a breakout box.
PM2
The PM2 (
Probe
Module
2) has one port to connect a salinity probe, one port for a temperature probe, and one I/O port to connect a breakout box.
PM3
The PM3 (
Probe
Module
3) has one port to connect a dissolved oxygen probe, one port for a temperature probe, and one I/O port to connect a breakout box.
Trident
The Trident is an automated water testing device that measures alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium multiple times per day. It uses 3 bottles of reagents which need to be replaced at a minimum of every 2 months, depending on your selected testing frequency.
WAV
The WAV is Neptune's variable-speed powerhead. It has many programmable modes for different water flow patterns. The WAV connects via a 1Link cable which requires either the EB832 or a 1Link module.
WXM
The WXM provide wireless control of EcoTech pumps and EcoTech Radion LED lights. EcoTech's newest products are no longer compatible with the WXM, so the WXM has been discontinued.
VDM
The VDM (
Variable
Device
Module) provides two 0-10v variable speed ports to control up to 4 variable speed pumps or compatible lighting systems.
