Apex install (for beginners)

I've been to the neptune forums, I will be going back. However, I wanted to see if there was some other ideas out there.

I'm a newb to the apex, I know what it can do. But when it comes to hooking it up, I'm pretty much clueless.

I'm content with just setting up the basics; timers for plugs, ph/temp probe. Is there a guide out there for the super-newbs for the apex?

Thanks!
Matt

 

Subscribed. Very interested in this

 

Me too

 

well, I must have missed this page when on Neptune's website. It seems pretty straightforward... to at least get started...

http://www.neptunesystems.com/apex_gs/

 

I just wanted to say, this was what I was looking for! It walked me through getting setup and I even got my temp probe installed last night!

As of this morning, my tank is...


I didn't get the PH probe calibrated, nor did I set up any outlets. By the time I got this hooked up, my closet looked like this and I needed to go to bed...
And I don't mean that in a way that this took forever. Following the getting started document was exactly what I needed.


Once I get this all finished, I'm going to focus on wire management. Right now, I'm just trying to keep them straight. I imagine lots of zip ties/cable wrap!


I came into this never seeing another Apex function, let alone know how to hook it up. Today, I have a basic knowledge of how to get one hooked up and online. Next, is to start setting up programs/outlets. This temp doesn't control my heater just yet, but this weekend I am planning on getting as many outlets as I can going. I don't see why I can't fill them up. I probably will run out before I'm done.

Overall, I'm really excited to make it to this step. I thought there was more programming on the actual apex head unit. However, now that fusion is out, that is more or less taken away. More to come as I progress!

 

Great thread Zesty. Keep this going. I am sure this will be helpful for others just starting with the Apex.

 

Thanks!

I'm going to work on it some more this weekend. I will update with what I can.

I however am geeking out over the fact that I can look over at my phone and see the temp of my tank!!

 

I am the same way with my Reef Angel app. Love it. It's paid off during heat waves too. Good luck!

 

So, I didn't make as much progress as I hoped on my Apex this weekend. I however did get a few items done.

I hooked up a heater to an outlet and programmed the heater to the temp probe. Now my tank temp is controlled by the Apex. Right now it's set between 77/78°.
I also hooked up my lights, so my main lights are on during the time I want and my fuge lights are on before the main lights go off. It's awesome!
Last but not least I hooked up my return pump to a relay switch. This is meant to "soft start" the pump, basically doesn't ram full power to the pump in an instant. Is this something I had to have, I don't know.
Now I can in the future setup a feed mode and shut down certain pumps that need shut down. I have to hook up my powerheads/wavemakers to the apex first, but that should be there shortly.

My feed mode right now includes, running around unplugging (at least) 5 plugs in 2 rooms. Then feed, then make sure I remember to plug everything back in.

So, more to come. I couldn't get the apexfusion to update my plugs, I had to go to the classic dashboard. Which is a separate download, but is very straightforward.

 

more wires!

Wire management is going to come at the end. This is going to probably be the most difficult portion of this project.