HELP panicking

[Deborah Armay]

My apex controller just got damaged beyond repair. I’m so upset I can’t think straight. Please help! I don’t know what to do until I can get a new one. My lights, wave pumps, temp control etc are attached to the apex. What should I do?

 

[mitch91175]

My apex controller just got damaged beyond repair. I’m so upset I can’t think straight. Please help! I don’t know what to do until I can get a new one. My lights, wave pumps, temp control etc are attached to the apex. What should I do?

It should run the local program if the unit powers on

 

[BeltedCoyote]

Not an apex expert here, but maybe some of the light timers they sell at hardware stores could help in the meantime? What level of control does it run on your system?

 

[smacbride]

temporarily plug all your stuff into a regular power bar and turn the lights off manually until you get it fixed/replaced

 

[4tanks]

temporarily plug all your stuff into a regular power bar and turn the lights off manually until you get it fixed/replaced

+1 on this old school manual

 

[Deborah Armay]

It should run the local program if the unit powers on

The aqua bus cable port was damaged. It won’t power on.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

The aqua bus cable port was damaged. It won’t power on.

Local programming meaning the individual components can run on their own without the need for the apex.

 

[K7BMG]

Yep agree and no need to panic.
Just have to go old school and manually do things.

Keep an eye on the temprature though. I dont know your set up for that

 

[resortez]

Agree with smacbride, 4tanks & k7bmg. Grab some power strips from your local hardware store & plug everything direct, make sure the strips have surge protectors. Also a great suggestion from belted coyote, a $10 timer will help in keeping your current light schedule.

 

[KrisReef]

Stay calm and follow the previous advice and don't start Vodka dosing, it won't help.
Keep coming back, it works.

 

[mitch91175]

The aqua bus cable port was damaged. It won’t power on.

You can grab a cable from your local computer store. Nothing special about those Apex cables. Just do not get one with anything else but the ends on the cable.

 

[smacbride]

Stay calm and follow the previous advice and don't start Vodka dosing, it won't help.
Keep coming back, it works.

Unless it's for yourself!

 

[Biglew11]

You can grab a cable from your local computer store. Nothing special about those Apex cables. Just do not get one with anything else but the ends on the cable.

OP said the port was damaged. A new cable wont fix the port.
+1 on light bar and timer for things you want on a schedule.

the individual devices will only go to the default setting you set during programming.

Do you have a 12v transformer? You may be able to power the apex up this way and save the programming so you can transfer it to new apex.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Zoo Med timer

Zoo Med AquaSun Aquarium Controller Timer & Power Strip. This 24-hour programmable lighting timer automatically turns your aquarium lamps on and off for you, providing a natural day and night cycle for your fish. It also doubles as a power strip, with four timer controlled outlets and four continuous power outlets. The grounded 3-prong receptacle is also perfectly safe to use for home aquariums. Setting it up is easy―just move the analog dial to your desired times in the morning and night, and let your fish enjoy a light to dark cycle that’s close to their natural environment.
Key Benefits

• Automatically turns your aquarium lamps on and off for you by setting it once.
• Provides a natural day and night cycle for your fish and is completely customizable.
• Doubles as an everyday power strip to accommodate all of your aquarium lighting needs.
• Includes four timer controlled outlets and four continuous power outlets for maximum usability.
• Easy to use―just set the on and off times with the convenient dial and plug in your lighting.

 

[Deborah Armay]

Local programming meaning the individual components can run on their own without the need for the apex.

Thanks. I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve always used apex. But the return pump is on- thank god. My protein skimmer is working. My wave pumps are on but only at one speed. Lights aren’t on but I really don’t have very critical coral. I think replacement should be here in 2 days so I think things will be okay.

 

[Deborah Armay]

Yep agree and no need to panic.
Just have to go old school and manually do things.

Keep an eye on the temprature though. I dont know your set up for that

Thermometers are set at 80 fan is programmed into spec to come on if temp too high. Should be okay. Watching. Thanks

 

[Deborah Armay]

OP said the port was damaged. A new cable wont fix the port.
+1 on light bar and timer for things you want on a schedule.

the individual devices will only go to the default setting you set during programming.

Do you have a 12v transformer? You may be able to power the apex up this way and save the programming so you can transfer it to new apex.

How do I do that? New apex on way but I was converned about saving my programming for lights and wave pump

 

[Silent]

It's hard to believe our tanks (not just the elites) are so automated now that going old-school requires thought. I am super happy for the automation but being dependent on one piece of equipment kind of worries me now.

 

[RobB'z Reef]

this is why I'm shooting for distributed controls with APEX for monitoring only. Single points of failure are the worst. You had some great advice here. Just plug stuff in on it's own. All the equipment runs just fine without a controller.

 

[K7BMG]

How do I do that? New apex on way but I was converned about saving my programming for lights and wave pump

There is a Auxiliary power point on the Apex unit. Look upper left hand corner.
If you have a dose or other power supply this may do it for you.
Also keep in mind that the programing is stored in the Fusion cloud.