aquarium controller?

[Wjcastiglione]

How many people actually run these?

 

I like the idea that some are WIFI controlled and I can control them wherever. However, I can't imagine that every single thing I have in my tank can be controlled from one controller thats a completely different brand than everything else.

 

Am I right?

[evilc66]

Many of the better controllers on the market are very flexible, and the hardware development for dealing with new hardware is fast and responsive. Take Neptune systems for example. They just announced a module (and the supporting software) that will interface with the newer Jebao pumps, which have been very popular over the last year. Can they do everything? No, but pretty close. The Reef Angel controller (which is open source), is also pretty responsive for new modules to support new hardware. They come in at a lower price point, but at the cost of complexity.

[Bingo1213]

I have the Neptune Systems Apex and I love it! I will never have a tank without a controller from here on out. Mine runs my LED's, changes the modes on my vortech, is the Ph controller for my CA reactor, runs my ATO, Is my leak detector, shuts off my return pump if my overflow box stops working, turns of my sterilizer and any lights if the temp spikes, sends me texts and emails if something is wrong, allows for unlimited feed mode options, shuts of my protein skimmer when the cup is full, turn everything off but the Vortech and runs it at 10 percent when the power goes out so my UPS lasts longer, prevents my heater from every sticking on, turns fans on and off based on tank temps. The list goes on and on thats only the tip of the ice burg. Basically if you can dream of an aspect of your tank you need more control over, there is a way to do it. It may be expensive depending on what you want to control but there is a way to do it.

[CrazyEyes]

So almost anything that can go wrong can be detected or prevented. I need a controller asap.

[Bingo1213]

More or less that is true and if the controller can't prevent it it will at least realize something is wrong and then send you a text message and an email saying what is wrong so you can then fix it yourself! I have even heard of people detecting ammonia spikes using an ORP probe and having a dosing pump then add ammonia remover. ORP is complicated but I am trying to figure that one out haha. Even though they are pricy just think of it as tank insurance to protect your investment!

[Sk8n Reefer]

I have the Neptune Systems Apex and I love it! I will never have a tank without a controller from here on out. Mine runs my LED's, changes the modes on my vortech, is the Ph controller for my CA reactor, runs my ATO, Is my leak detector, shuts off my return pump if my overflow box stops working, turns of my sterilizer and any lights if the temp spikes, sends me texts and emails if something is wrong, allows for unlimited feed mode options, shuts of my protein skimmer when the cup is full, turn everything off but the Vortech and runs it at 10 percent when the power goes out so my UPS lasts longer, prevents my heater from every sticking on, turns fans on and off based on tank temps. The list goes on and on thats only the tip of the ice burg. Basically if you can dream of an aspect of your tank you need more control over, there is a way to do it. It may be expensive depending on what you want to control but there is a way to do it.

 

Damn- when u put it like that I feel I have to have one. Great information everyone. I thought maybe for a larger tank but plenty of need in a nano too

[Bingo1213]

Damn- when u put it like that I feel I have to have one. Great information everyone. I thought maybe for a larger tank but plenty of need in a nano too

I felt the same way that they were only for larger systems but then I realized that they can provide stability to small systems which is sometimes hard to achieve!

[altiuscitius]

How does it control all these things?

 

Does it come with 15 different probes and sensors, or do you buy them separately? And whats the cost?

 

Like ballpark, if I was looking to set up a controller and all these probes for all of these things, what am I looking at? Its $500 for the controller, but then do I need 25 adapters and probes at $45 each?

 

I really would like to read a controller guide for dummies. Ive been curious about this for awhile, but haven't found a real simple explanation.

[evilc66]

Go poking around their page. It does a pretty good job of explaining, and has all the modules listed. There are various versions of the Apex, and not all of them can support the same number of modules, so that's something to take into account.

 

The base controller will get you started with the most common monitoring and control functions that everyone will find useful. Adding things like pump control, ORP sensing, etc... will start adding cost as you add these modules to the system.

[Bingo1213]

So I spent around yes 500ish for the base controller. That came with 1 Ph probe, 1 temp probe, the EB8 which is the power strip that the controller can independently control each outlet on, the APEX base, and the display. I also bought the additional I/O box which allows me to run switches (floats, wires for leak detection, door open switches, etc). That was an additional 35 bucks. The float switches are anywhere from 15-30 buck depending on where you get them. I also added another Ph probe for my CA reactor, that was about 50 bucks. I recently added the WXM module to wirelessly control my mp10W (very optional), but that was about 125 bucks. I also had to add a wireless adapter since I could not run an ethernet cable from my router to my APEX, which you can get at best buy for 30-50 bucks. I am also looking to add a webcam so I can see my tank while on vacation (About 100-200 bucks). Hope this helps! I know when I set up my controller I was very confused about everything and it took a long time to figure out so to spar you the frustration, please let me know if you have any other questions!

[Sk8n Reefer]

So I spent around yes 500ish for the base controller. That came with 1 Ph probe, 1 temp probe, the EB8 which is the power strip that the controller can independently control each outlet on, the APEX base, and the display. I also bought the additional I/O box which allows me to run switches (floats, wires for leak detection, door open switches, etc). That was an additional 35 bucks. The float switches are anywhere from 15-30 buck depending on where you get them. I also added another Ph probe for my CA reactor, that was about 50 bucks. I recently added the WXM module to wirelessly control my mp10W (very optional), but that was about 125 bucks. I also had to add a wireless adapter since I could not run an ethernet cable from my router to my APEX, which you can get at best buy for 30-50 bucks. I am also looking to add a webcam so I can see my tank while on vacation (About 100-200 bucks). Hope this helps! I know when I set up my controller I was very confused about everything and it took a long time to figure out so to spar you the frustration, please let me know if you have any other questions!

 

great info- where in Colorado are u?

[hwk7072]

I have the Neptune Systems Apex and I love it! I will never have a tank without a controller from here on out. Mine runs my LED's, changes the modes on my vortech, is the Ph controller for my CA reactor, runs my ATO, Is my leak detector, shuts off my return pump if my overflow box stops working, turns of my sterilizer and any lights if the temp spikes, sends me texts and emails if something is wrong, allows for unlimited feed mode options, shuts of my protein skimmer when the cup is full, turn everything off but the Vortech and runs it at 10 percent when the power goes out so my UPS lasts longer, prevents my heater from every sticking on, turns fans on and off based on tank temps. The list goes on and on thats only the tip of the ice burg. Basically if you can dream of an aspect of your tank you need more control over, there is a way to do it. It may be expensive depending on what you want to control but there is a way to do it.

 

Which one do you have?

[Bingo1213]

I am currently in the Northern Colorado area but that will change soon as I am trying to get back to Denver!

 

 

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/apex-controller-with-standard-ph-probe-neptune-systems.html

 

 

 

Here is a link to the base unit that I purchased.

 

 

If you are interested here is a screen shot of my dashboard for my APEX from my computer. As you can see they really provide lots of control options!

[Sk8n Reefer]

I am currently in the Northern Colorado area but that will change soon as I am trying to get back to Denver!

 

 

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/apex-controller-with-standard-ph-probe-neptune-systems.html%C2%A0]http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/apex-controller-with-standard-ph-probe-neptune-systems.html [/url]

 

 

 

Here is a link to the base unit that I purchased.

 

 

Again, thank you- you really got me thinking now- I am looking at dosers right now- this might be a X- mas gift to my self. Have you ever been to Aquatic Arts in highlands ranch? Great store!

 

 

 

 

[Bingo1213]

I have yes when I vacationed down in the Springs and the great thing about the APEX is they have their own dosing unit called the DOS but it is pricy around 300 i believe. I know that you can just get the 80 dollar BRS dosing pumps and program the apex to turn them on and off when you want.

[chumpy]

the APEX can not hang with the Bluefish controller , I just researched them and people posted up saying the Bluefish does way more

[Sk8n Reefer]

I have yes when I vacationed down in the Springs and the great thing about the APEX is they have their own dosing unit called the DOS but it is pricy around 300 i believe. I know that you can just get the 80 dollar BRS dosing pumps and program the apex to turn them on and off when you want.

 

Can you run the apex with the bubble Magnus? It is 300 also- I've read some negative things about the BRS- not lasting more than a year- I will look into the APEX doser- that's about what I am planning on spending anyway with the bubble magnus

[Eckozulu]

How does it control all these things?

 

I really would like to read a controller guide for dummies. Ive been curious about this for awhile, but haven't found a real simple explanation.

Bulk reef supply has 21 different episodes on the APEX. They explain things and how to set up. Hope this helps.

 

[Bingo1213]

It would not work with the bubble magnus but since that has its own internal computer you could save the outlets on your energy bar and just let the bubble magnus do the dosing! Or if you want control on your phone the bubble magnus is not much cheaper than the DOS just a thought!

Bulk reef supply has 21 different episodes on the APEX. They explain things and how to set up. Hope this helps.

Apex also has it's own great forum with lots of programming examples you can follow. It will help you get the hang of how to write basic computer codes if you haven't done that before.

[Sk8n Reefer]

It would not work with the bubble magnus but since that has its own internal computer you could save the outlets on your energy bar and just let the bubble magnus do the dosing! Or if you want control on your phone the bubble magnus is not much cheaper than the DOS just a thought!

 

Apex also has it's own great forum with lots of programming examples you can follow. It will help you get the hang of how to write basic computer codes if you haven't done that before.

 

Is the DOS- the apex brand of doser?

[Bingo1213]

Yes correct the cool thing about it is that you can automate your pumps to shut off when you dose or if you have a vortech you can have it switch modes if you use it to feed corals etc. As far as dosing systems go it is very adjustable and they claim it has a very long life due to the style of motor used. Here is the link to buy:

 

http://www.marinedepot.com/Neptune_Systems_DOS_Dosing_and_Fluid_Metering_System_-Neptune_Systems-NS98980-FITEMOACPO-vi.html

 

Here is the link of information and a very detailed write up:

 

http://www.neptunesystems.com/dos/

[Sk8n Reefer]

Yes correct the cool thing about it is that you can automate your pumps to shut off when you dose or if you have a vortech you can have it switch modes if you use it to feed corals etc. As far as dosing systems go it is very adjustable and they claim it has a very long life due to the style of motor used. Here is the link to buy:

 

http://www.marinedepot.com/Neptune_Systems_DOS_Dosing_and_Fluid_Metering_System_-Neptune_Systems-NS98980-FITEMOACPO-vi.html]http://www.marinedepot.com/Neptune_Systems_DOS_Dosing_and_Fluid_Metering_System_-Neptune_Systems-NS98980-FITEMOACPO-vi.html[/url]

 

Here is the link of information and a very detailed write up:

 

http://www.neptunesystems.com/dos/]http://www.neptunesystems.com/dos/[/url]

Excellent, thank you- I got some research to do- bummer it's only a double and not a triple- that might be a deal breaker

[Bingo1213]

Excellent, thank you- I got some research to do- bummer it's only a double and not a triple- that might be a deal breaker

Yes I was looking at it to automate coral feeding which in that case would work but for CA, Mag, and Alk it would tricky. I use a CA reactor since its a little cheaper in the long run.

[Sk8n Reefer]

Yes I was looking at it to automate coral feeding which in that case would work but for CA, Mag, and Alk it would tricky. I use a CA reactor since its a little cheaper in the long run.

Thx for all your knowledge on this- time for some research?

[evilc66]

the APEX can not hang with the Bluefish controller , I just researched them and people posted up saying the Bluefish does way more

As a lighting only controller, sure. The Bluefish controller was designed primarily as a lighting controller with features to match (really it's only software), but the Apex does a whole lot more as a full system controller. It's not a fair comparison IMO.