How The Apex Saved My Tanks, From Myself.

Reefer Matt · Oct 16, 2024

Well, I was woken up at 2 am last night to the sound of the emergency siren I installed on my Apex. I’ve been working 12 hour shifts, and popped open the window to the Reef Cave for some fresh air. It’s been getting pretty cold at night here as well. Apparently I forgot to close the window before I went to bed, and the 35 degree Fahrenheit air filled the room. After realizing that this wasn’t my alarm clock going off, I went downstairs and closed the window. Luckily I caught it early and the temps didn’t get too low yet. I’m very glad I installed that siren, as my phone is always on vibrate, and I sleep through regular notifications. The Apex saved a potentially devastating event to all five of my tanks. Lesson learned as well!

AlyciaMarie · Oct 16, 2024

It may have saved you from a break-in, too. This will be my next tank upgrade!

Reefer Matt · Oct 16, 2024

AlyciaMarie said:
It may have saved you from a break-in, too. This will be my next tank upgrade!

This is in a basement with a small window up by the ceiling. It’d be about a 7’ fall onto my sps frag tank if someone tried to get in there. Lol!
My wife can’t reach the window, and I probably would’ve went to work without realizing my mistake without a controller. So I’m glad I chose to implement a loud buzzer as an emergency backup.

Gumbies R Us · Oct 16, 2024

Reefer Matt said:
Well, I was woken up at 2 am last night to the sound of the emergency siren I installed on my Apex. I’ve been working 12 hour shifts, and popped open the window to the Reef Cave for some fresh air. It’s been getting pretty cold at night here as well. Apparently I forgot to close the window before I went to bed, and the 35 degree Fahrenheit air filled the room. After realizing that this wasn’t my alarm clock going off, I went downstairs and closed the window. Luckily I caught it early and the temps didn’t get too low yet. I’m very glad I installed that siren, as my phone is always on vibrate, and I sleep through regular notifications. The Apex saved a potentially devastating event to all five of my tanks. Lesson learned as well!

I'm adding this to the list of reasons why I want an Apex! I'm glad your tanks are okay!

Gizmoreef · Oct 17, 2024

Why do you have 4 temp sensors if I may ask? Redundancy ?

Reefer Matt · Oct 17, 2024

Gizmoreef said:
Why do you have 4 temp sensors if I may ask? Redundancy ?

I have the Apex running four tanks.

edsbeaker · Oct 17, 2024

Glad your tanks are OK. I have had an Apex for years and have never really used the alarms… too lazy to learn how to set them up, I guess. I think it’s time to look into that!

Pistondog · Oct 17, 2024

Reefer Matt said:
Well, I was woken up at 2 am last night to the sound of the emergency siren I installed on my Apex. I’ve been working 12 hour shifts, and popped open the window to the Reef Cave for some fresh air. It’s been getting pretty cold at night here as well. Apparently I forgot to close the window before I went to bed, and the 35 degree Fahrenheit air filled the room. After realizing that this wasn’t my alarm clock going off, I went downstairs and closed the window. Luckily I caught it early and the temps didn’t get too low yet. I’m very glad I installed that siren, as my phone is always on vibrate, and I sleep through regular notifications. The Apex saved a potentially devastating event to all five of my tanks. Lesson learned as well!

Our tanks are in a less conditioned room, a 1.5 degree temp drop will kick in another 150 watts of heat, controlled by apex. And turn it off a degree above set point.
We are shooting for less attended (unattended?) control with the apex.
Glad you avoided catastrophe.

Thrillik · Oct 17, 2024

Sounds like you have an alarm that is louder than the out-of-the-box alarm that comes with an Apex? If that's the case, do you mind sharing what you're using and how you set it up?

Reefer Matt · Oct 17, 2024

Thrillik said:
Sounds like you have an alarm that is louder than the out-of-the-box alarm that comes with an Apex? If that's the case, do you mind sharing what you're using and how you set it up?

Absolutely! I got this buzzer off of Amazon and wired it to the 24v one link accessory cable that Neptune offers.

DriSentri Car Back-up Alarm with...

DC24 to Bare Wire Accessory Cable

You can now use the 24vDC ports that are on the 1Link module and the EnergyBar 832. The 24v DC port will give you the ability to run solenoids, pumps, and fans off a single wire, without having to use any standard outlets for power. The 24v DC ports have give you full outlet style control in a...

www.bulkreefsupply.com