Apex Reef Octopus DC Pump control?

[SaltMan]

Has anyone experimented and had success trying to control the Reef Octopus 24V DC controllable pumps using an Apex? I think it could be done with the Variable Speed Outlets by a modified cable or optional controller. I would like to do a slow ramp-up of my skimmer in the event of a power failure to prevent it from overflowing. Thanks!

 

[wcharon]

Also interested...

 

[SaltMan]

I found this one but not sure where to buy just the controller or know how how much it costs

 

[acesfull44]

I have my Jebao pumps hooked to my apex using this>
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/121549948203?ul_noapp=true&chn=ps&lpid=82

I have Reef Octopus skimmer also, and never really thought about adding it until now. Following.

 

[SaltMan]

@acesfull44 how do you like that controller? I have seen that one with mixed reviews in manufacturing quality so I have been hesitant to buy it. Seems affordable though, I might give it a try. Thanks for sharing.

 

[acesfull44]

@acesfull44 how do you like that controller? I have seen that one with mixed reviews in manufacturing quality so I have been hesitant to buy it. Seems affordable though, I might give it a try. Thanks for sharing.

I have had ZERO issues and works fantastic. You will need 1 of those for every 2 pumps you have, so I have 2, one controls both wavemakers and the other controls my DC1200 pump.

 

[acesfull44]

Also this is a quote from @Terence build thread who is one of the Apex guru's.

"I also connected the skimmer to the Apex and set some virtual outlets for 60%, 70%,80%, and 100%. This will let me adjust the skimmer for 70% rate and then if necessary I can turn up or down the pump a little bit to adjust the level. And I can do it from my sofa as I watch the skimmer on my Equipment Cam!"

 

[hybridazn]

If your skimmer is having overflow issues after initial start up is it because the water level in the sump is still too high because the system hasn't leveled out yet? If that's the case it would be a lot easier to put a delay on the skimmer via the apex until the sump has leveled off.

 

[SaltMan]

@hybridazn I have the Ext version of Reef Octopus skimmer so the water level is controlled by a flow valve. I have it set to run water only for 15 minutes before I turn the recirculation DC skimmer pump on. Initially it always seems to overflow and then settles down which is why I am hoping to ramp the skimmer pump slowly may help prevent the overflow.

 

[hybridazn]

@hybridazn I have the Ext version of Reef Octopus skimmer so the water level is controlled by a flow valve. I have it set to run water only for 15 minutes before I turn the recirculation DC skimmer pump on. Initially it always seems to overflow and then settles down which is why I am hoping to ramp the skimmer pump slowly may help prevent the overflow.

Ooh I see, Yea that would be a problem. I'm curious to see the outcome to this. I run jaebo pumps but they are the dct ones so the the above hookup won't work