Ideas for Apex use

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by mabbus, Aug 30, 2011.

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  1. mabbus

    mabbus Bristle Worm

    Joined:
    Aug 15, 2011
    Messages:
    133
    I am new to reefing, but being a boy, I like my toys. So I have winging it's way to me now the Neptune Apex.

    I will have a more accurate temp reading and I will get rid of one test kit in the form of PH. I also have two Hydor Evolutions (will upgrade to Tunze variable next year) which I will use for a wavemaker.

    But I feel I will not be making the best use of the Apex, so I was looking for other ideas that I can use it for that will make me feel it was an excellent investment.

    I already have an JBJ ATO system, so auto top up isn't one of the options. I also have the AquaticLife T5 lighting, so don't need it to control that. It's also a shame they added a second PH port rather then make it a salinity port. I think PH/Salinity would be much better, rather then having to buy another module.

    Anyway, it would be great to see what other people use it for
     
    Last edited: Aug 30, 2011
    mabbus, Aug 30, 2011
    mabbus, Aug 30, 2011
    #1

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  2. xmetalfan99

    xmetalfan99 Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2009
    Messages:
    3,691
    Location:
    morgantown, wv
    I have mine emailing me when:
    power goes out
    power comes back on
    everyday at 7pm to make sure the network is working properly
    ph/temp issues

    Controlling:
    fans
    2-part dosers
    Delaying skimmer turning on for 5 minutes after the power comes back on
    feed mode setup for pumps to turn off
    heater
    Turns things off depending on temp (including lights which you may want to do)

    eventually:
    vortech
    moonlights
    tunze pumps
    salinity
    ATO (i have a tunze right now, but feel i can have better safety backups with the apex and salinity probe)
     
    xmetalfan99, Aug 30, 2011
    xmetalfan99, Aug 30, 2011
    #2
  3. jonjonwells

    jonjonwells Great Blue Whale

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2008
    Messages:
    2,835
    Location:
    SE Kansas
    The second PH port allows the use of 2 PH probes for a calcium reactor setup. I personally love the fact I didn't have to buy a new module to do this.

    As for salinity... $$ and lots of it.

    Let's see... I have pretty much everything connected to mine.

    Skimmer - delays it from turning on after a power failure to keep it from overflowing.
    Return pump - setup to turn off if the temp in the tank rises too much (heater stuck on)
    Heaters - well... they heat. Keeps the tank within 1.5F all the time.
    Koralias - They randomly cycle from 1-2-3-4 on at a time.
    Lighting - Halides, VHO, T5, LED pendants, Moon, Refugium
    ATO - only allows the ATO to function for 1 hour twice a day. Keeps membrane cleaner.
     
    jonjonwells, Aug 30, 2011
    jonjonwells, Aug 30, 2011
    #3
  4. Thatgrimguy

    Thatgrimguy Flying Squid

    Joined:
    May 15, 2011
    Messages:
    3,026
    Location:
    North Biloxi, MS
    Tell us more about your overall setup so we can help.

    I have mine set to turn my lights off if my tank gets too hot,
    Control everything with a timer
    Keep my skimmer off if the level in it's area is too high
    Control feed/maintenance schedules
    control my ato
    control my auto water change
    control dosing pumps and calcium reactor
    track tempx2 (tank and extra salt), PH, Calcium reactor PH, ORP, and salinity
    Control pumps, vortechs with different programs for different parts of the day
    Conrol lighting, for my AI Sol Blue LEDs
    Turn my heaters or fan on and off, for temp
    Email and text me me when... The temp,ph,orp, or power is erratic... When certain float switches trigger, if water hits my floor (through I/O breakout and waterbug module)
    Plus probably more I haven't thought of...
     
    Thatgrimguy, Aug 30, 2011
    Thatgrimguy, Aug 30, 2011
    #4
  5. mabbus

    mabbus Bristle Worm

    Joined:
    Aug 15, 2011
    Messages:
    133
    Thanks for the replies :)

    My current set-up is

    55g tank
    20g sump.
    AquaticLife 48" 4 light T5. (I can't use them yet as I am waiting for my 3000w power converter to arrive as I am currently living in Brunei).
    Weipro 2011 skimmer (I will be swapping this for a SWC Xtreme 120 Cone next month)
    phosphate reactor
    Hailea chiller
    JBJ ATO
    Hydor Koralia Evo 1050 x 2
    100lbs LS
    70lbs LR


    I currently have two clowns and a Banded Coral Shrimp. I will probably look add another 4-5 fish over time and also have a range of coarls and inverts. Starting with Leather and Zoanthids. Then add more difficult hard corals as I gain more experience.

    I like to plan ahead, so that I have the right environment and have the settings stable and running for a while before I get the fish/coral I want to add.

    So I was toying with the idea of having a separate kalk mix, then have the Apex swith it on a certain number of times for a given period using a Aqua Lifter to add the mix slowly. I know this won't be necessary yet, but figured forward planning doesn't hurt. Plus I thought I would have better control then mixing the kalk with my ATO water.

    So that's more or less what I have and what I plan to do. But it's good to see what other things people use the Apex for, this will give me ideas as I gain more experience and expand.

    Cheers
     
    mabbus, Aug 31, 2011
    mabbus, Aug 31, 2011
    #5
  6. Hydronaut

    Hydronaut Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    May 2, 2011
    Messages:
    78
    Location:
    North Cackalacky
    If you have the breakout box and a basic contact switch you can program the Apex to turn on under cabinet lighting when you open the door.
     
    Hydronaut, Aug 31, 2011
    Hydronaut, Aug 31, 2011
    #6