Best thirdparty accessories for apex?

[LowLi]

Recently got an apex 2016 with the probe holders. In the process of returning my cheap ATO, I got off eBay.

Will be grabbing the ATK from apex for my first accessory then dos from them but any other recommendations?

I have a mixed reef 90gallon 30g sump.

haven't even opened the apex yet waiting on my cabinet to come from Ikea.

 

[pluikens]

Recently got an apex 2016 with the probe holders. In the process of returning my cheap ATO, I got off eBay.

Will be grabbing the ATK from apex for my first accessory then dos from them but any other recommendations?

I have a mixed reef 90gallon 30g sump.

haven't even opened the apex yet waiting on my cabinet to come from Ikea.

Which cabinet are you going with? As for your question, do you mean third-party like the adapters IeeCap makes for their gyres to Apex or just add on modules made by Neptune?

 

[LowLi]

Which cabinet are you going with? As for your question, do you mean third-party like the adapters IeeCap makes for their gyres to Apex or just add on modules made by Neptune?

Im going to try the EKET model. most basic one.

Both actually best add ons from neptune and third-parties.

 

[Drauka99]

I have 2 I really like having more than I thought I would. A PM1 module, added a second temperature probe, and another bnc connector that can be used for ph, orp or hooked up to one of the automated ALK testers. I keep the second temp probe above the sump and have it labeled in Fusion as RoomTmp, that way I can see if my AC is working correctly.

The other are WIFI cameras I have streaming , I have one on the display/livingroom and the other on the sump. They have both saved me a few times, when my tank popped a seam Apex alerted me to a sudden temp drop and I viewed the camera from my office (I was at work) and saw the water still leaking from the seam. I was able to turn of pumps remotely and get home in time to save the fish. Another time I was out of town and something set the skimmer off and it was overflowing. I was to talk the tank sitter through resetting the skimmer while watching him on camera.

 

[LowLi]

I have 2 I really like having more than I thought I would. A PM1 module, added a second temperature probe, and another bnc connector that can be used for ph, orp or hooked up to one of the automated ALK testers. I keep the second temp probe above the sump and have it labeled in Fusion as RoomTmp, that way I can see if my AC is working correctly.

The other are WIFI cameras I have streaming , I have one on the display/livingroom and the other on the sump. They have both saved me a few times, when my tank popped a seam Apex alerted me to a sudden temp drop and I viewed the camera from my office (I was at work) and saw the water still leaking from the seam. I was able to turn of pumps remotely and get home in time to save the fish. Another time I was out of town and something set the skimmer off and it was overflowing. I was to talk the tank sitter through resetting the skimmer while watching him on camera.

Any recommendations on a wavemaker for the apex?

currently have a jebao rw-4 need more flow though

 

[Water Dog]

Any recommendations on a wavemaker for the apex?

currently have a jebao rw-4 need more flow though

Tunze powerheads can be programmed with the Apex using the 0-10v VDM ports on the head unit.

Vortechs can be programmed with the Apex using a WXM module.

Gyres can be programmed with the Apex using the Ice Cap interface module.

 

[Drauka99]

A friend of mine got the Jeabo link kit to hook his up o his Apex as well.

There are also the Wav powerheads that Neptune sells.

I had my gyres on the Icecap module, liked them on it.
Saw to many people with issues with Ecotech tuff on the WXM module so I skipped that
Currently using Tunze pumps and using the Tunze 7095 controller separately from the Apex.

 

[rkpetersen]

WXM module if you have Vortechs and/or Radions. My experience is that both devices are much easier to set up and program with the Apex interface than with Ecotech's own software and the Reef Link.

Display module. I find it very handy, to check on parameters at a glance, to activate or deactivate feed mode quickly, to reboot the Apex manually when necessary. Also has an audible alarm (not loud enough, but btn) and adds two extra control tiles to the dashboard.

LDK leak detection kit, with extra sensors. Or, at less expense, just buy a leak sensor and plug it into the extra port on your ATK's FMM.

EB4. You'll probably need an extra energy bar with controllable outlets sooner rather than later. The EB832 is great but expensive. The EB4 has all mechanical relays, and one of its outlets is rated for max of 12 amps, higher than any single outlet on the EB832. The other old style energy bar, the EB8, has a couple of outlets that are TRIAC switched, which can be problematic with certain pieces of equipment.

PM1. For second pH and Temp probes (first set in the sump, second set in the overflow.)

 

[Fritzhamer]

The ATK is great. I use the extra ports for a flow sensor on my return and a low water alarm for my ato container. The low water alarm triggers the Apex solenoid to open for 45 minutes and empties in via a float valve.

The solenoid, flow sensor, water alarm, all made possible via the extra ports on the ATK are my favorites.

 

[LowLi]

WXM module if you have Vortechs and/or Radions. My experience is that both devices are much easier to set up and program with the Apex interface than with Ecotech's own software and the Reef Link.

Display module. I find it very handy, to check on parameters at a glance, to activate or deactivate feed mode quickly, to reboot the Apex manually when necessary. Also has an audible alarm (not loud enough, but btn) and adds two extra control tiles to the dashboard.

LDK leak detection kit, with extra sensors. Or, at less expense, just buy a leak sensor and plug it into the extra port on your ATK's FMM.

EB4. You'll probably need an extra energy bar with controllable outlets sooner rather than later. The EB832 is great but expensive. The EB4 has all mechanical relays, and one of its outlets is rated for max of 12 amps, higher than any single outlet on the EB832. The other old style energy bar, the EB8, has a couple of outlets that are TRIAC switched, which can be problematic with certain pieces of equipment.

PM1. For second pH and Temp probes (first set in the sump, second set in the overflow.)

Second set in the overflow rip wallet lol

Def going to grab the ATK + Auto feeder this weekend
I def could see needing more outlets soon.

 

[LowLi]

A friend of mine got the Jeabo link kit to hook his up o his Apex as well.

There are also the Wav powerheads that Neptune sells.

I had my gyres on the Icecap module, liked them on it.
Saw to many people with issues with Ecotech tuff on the WXM module so I skipped that
Currently using Tunze pumps and using the Tunze 7095 controller separately from the Apex.

didnt know bout the link kit just grabbed another jebao rw-4 and the link kit.
Pretty sure i can connect both to the apex with the kit saving me an outlet lol

 

[Sleepydoc]

The ATK is great. I use the extra ports for a flow sensor on my return and a low water alarm for my ato container. The low water alarm triggers the Apex solenoid to open for 45 minutes and empties in via a float valve.

The solenoid, flow sensor, water alarm, all made possible via the extra ports on the ATK are my favorites.

I would actually recommend staying away from the ATK kit. There have been a lot of issues with both the PMUP and the optical sensors. I have the ATK and my PMUP is working fine but the optical sensors have definitely been fritzy. Not nearly as reliable as my Tunze.

Avast makes a breakout box that is much easier to use than the one Neptune makes.

This isn't a 3rd party accessory per se, more of a hack, but you can buy a 24-12V DC converter and use the DC 24 outputs to run 12V accessories. Along those lines, take advantage of those 24V outputs. you can use them to run ATO pumps, LED sump lights, fans, etc and save the 120v outputs. I'm currently one for a PMUP pump, one for some 24v fans that will kick in if the temp gets too high and the 3rd (from the FMM module) for some 24v LED strip lights I got for my sump. By doing this I avoided getting another EB832 and saved $$$