Do i need another apex if i set up a second tank?

[ddc0715]

Ok im pondering getting a second tank (Fowler purposes) so if I do this, do I need a entire second apex system? If not, how would I connect it to my current apex?

 

[goggs29]

Use a pm2 for salinity and temp and use an aquabus cable i think u can get 30 foot ones online

 

[DaneGer21]

I’ve made my own cable up to about 75ft with no issues. Branch off an existing module and start adding more and more. Label everything “Tank2” for example.

My second tank was a frag setup. I branched off and had all my dashboard outlets labeled as “Frag-“. For example, Frag-Heater, Frag-Ato, Frag-RtnPump, etc etc.Then I grouped them all together on my dashboard.

 

[SuncrestReef]

A single Apex can support up to 49 connected modules. Just run a long AquaBus cable to the new tank. As you add modules and outputs, you can rename them to indicate which tank they're on.

See my Apex Hardware Overview article for a complete list of all the optional modules:

Apex Hardware Overview

Here's a quick overview of the Apex hardware family: Apex controller (sometimes referred to as the "base module" or "brain") The Apex controller is the primary device that controls and monitors the entire Apex setup. There are two current...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[ddc0715]

the trident te

I’ve made my own cable up to about 75ft with no issues. Branch off an existing module and start adding more and more. Label everything “Tank2” for example.

My second tank was a frag setup. I branched off and had all my dashboard outlets labeled as “Frag-“. For example, Frag-Heater, Frag-Ato, Frag-RtnPump, etc etc.Then I grouped them all together on my dashboard.

how did you do this?

 

[ca1ore]

Yeah, my apex runs four different tanks. Modules max is 49. I’m not sure if there’s a total run length FW aquabus cables anymore. You can rename outlets in fusion.

 

[DaneGer21]

how did you do this?

I purchased two usb ends, get the ones that use a push connector instead of soldering, just makes it easier. And then I bought 100’ of cat5 Ethernet cable. Cut to length, install your ends, and you’re done. I linked below what I use. For less than $20 you can make a 100’ cable.

 

[Waters]

As everyone stated already, no need for a second Apex...just additional probes/modules. I run two reptile enclosures and a reef tank with a single Apex.

 

[>>klong<<]

how did you do this?

Get some of the USB terminal blocks below and some Ethernet cable. Cat5 or Cat6 work, it doesn’t matter. Connect the wires of the cable to the pins of the USB terminal block so the wires are in the same order on each side. What order you choose doesn’t matter, but the same colors need to be on the same pins on each side of the cable. looks like I chose orange/white, orange, blue/white, blue, green/white for my pins 1-5.

I did about a 50ft run for $9 because I had a spool of Ethernet cable in storage.

SamIdea 2-Pack USB 2.0 A Female Screw Terminal Block Connector with A DIY Screwdriver,USB 2.0 A Female Plug to 5 Pin Female Screw terminals Plug-in Type Adapter,300V 8A

 

[>>klong<<]

What @DaneGer21 said

 

[>>klong<<]

You can choose the female or the male terminal blocks. I chose the female because the ends of the terminal blocks are bulky and can be hard to fit into your available aqua bus ports. With the female terminal blocks you can use regular aqua bus or usb cables to plug into your Neptune devices on each end, then use the home made cable as an extension like I show in the photo above.

 

[DaneGer21]

You can choose the female or the male terminal blocks. I chose the female because the ends of the terminal blocks are bulky and can be hard to fit into your available aqua bus ports. With the female terminal blocks you can use regular aqua bus or usb cables to plug into your Neptune devices on each end, then use the home made cable as an extension like I show in the photo above.

Great point!