Neptune's APEX AC on My 90 Reef Tank

Early Sept 09 Neptune Systems released its latest creation, the APEX. This was about the time I was to purchase a controller. I orginally was looking at the AC jr. I was looking into a controller for many reasons. Sick of cheap timers and needed something reliable on my tank.

After doing some research on controllers the APEX was the talk of the reefers. After hearing about its capabilities I new this would be great for me.

So I purchased it as it was being released. At the time I didnt purchase the second energy bar. So I initially had my tank setup with one energy bar. Purely was using it as a glorified timer.

I had some minor defects with the unit. Battery was bad. This is important cause when a power outtage occurs it restores time and safeties when power is restored. So I sent back the module. When it was time to ship back the module I purchased another Energy bar so I could truly set this controller up.

I ran an ethernet line from a router in my office to the base module. Office is on the otherside of the wall where my tank is. So it was a breeze.

I needed help with setting it up to the web for remote access. ZachB helped me out.... without him I wouldnt have figured it out. Thanks ZachB.

Well its all setup now. Every piece of equipment is hooked up to the controller. All sorts of safeties and wonderful features.

Feed modes... I have setup 3 different feed modes setup.
A- Turns off powerheads for when I feed fish.
B- Turns off skimmer for 2 hours when I feed oyster feast at night
C- turns off skimmer, return, and powerheads for 15 min for target feeding.

When these feed modes are over the controller turns on equipment back in proper order. For example in C feed mode the return mpump is turned on first then waits 5 minutes then skimmer and powerheads. this is to prevent skimmer overflowing and powerheads from running when not fully submerged.

Some safeties I have...
1. Halide cut off if temp rises past 82.0 degrees.
2. if power outtage... I have certain equipment restored in a timeline. similar to feed mode C.
3. there are many more.

Its nice with the controller hooked to the web... I can access it remotely from any web application to check on my tank 8).

Overall this is a complete necessity for me. I will not go without a controller from here on out.

Heres some pics of the Apex hooked up to my tank.

Full shot of inside stand

Another shot at a different angle


The inner right wall showing base module and right energy bar with all cable linked up


Close up of base module with all connections


Left energybar


Display. Led screen is nice. But I think this could have been built a bit more solid. Also I need to calibrate my PH. Im sure its higher


Temp probe and ph probe hangin into sump


Router to where my pc and controller are connected to

 

really interesting write up Tatted4ever

Steve

 

ooohh...ahhhhh. Love the pictures of underneath...I feel like sometimes I'm more interested in the equipment in our tanks rather than the actual inhabitants of them!!

 

Thanks Steve. I didnt want to write up a review. Way too much I still dont know bout this controller yet. ZachB would be the canindate to write up an official review on this controller. He knows quite a bit about it. (hint: Zach time for you to write up a review)

Thanks Ermano. I really like to oooohhhhh and ahhhhhh over equipment. Your right equipment is as much of a thrill as inhabitants. Equipment is probable the most important thing in keeping a nice reef.

Equipment is a very important aspect on a nice reef.

 

Thanks for the mini review. If it wasn't for the problems I had with the Apex I did prefer the software to my RKE. It had a simpler format and I really liked being able to name the outlets.
The screen was a cleaner look also.
Both have pros and cons though.

 

When I was in the software through my pc... I was amazed. Very cool to have for a reef tank... Technology that is available for our tanks is amazing.

But yea.... Im glad the only problem I had was a bad battery in the base module. was a pain to take it off my system and go back to regular timers and heater.