Aquarium Controllers (2 Viewers)

[soymilk]

I guess I can write something up. But like I told chewy... It's possible to do a lot of things. I'm just not that creative.

I'll post my led lighting program when I prove it out. As of right now it's scribbled down on some napkins lol.

 

[Scott]

Scott.... Join the darkside.

Do you have cookies?

Questions...

...official breakout box is decent, nice because it's official. But imm make my own. Anyone else interested? Let me know... I'll try to make another.)

What is a breakout box?

How are the Vortechs connected to the Apex? The Profilux requires an additional box but it can control up to 11 of them, why you would need that many I don't know.

 

[soymilk]

Apex has the vxm module I believe. It acts as the master, from there you can set your sync or anti sync connections. Works the same as the profilux module. Profilux is a lil pricier.

Break out box is a box where you can connect your own switches to. Ato float switch connection. Waterbug water sensor in case there's a spill.... Or you can get fancy.

Add a push button to the side of your aquarium to turn off all pumps to feed the fish. Or even fancier.... Push a button and have it automatically do a water change. (that would be pretty crazy but possible.).

Pretty much up to you and your imagination.

 

[flexrac]

Apex has the vxm module I believe. It acts as the master, from there you can set your sync or anti sync connections. Works the same as the profilux module. Profilux is a lil pricier.
quote] This part of the apex i got down pack, pretty easy to setup.
I may get one someday, who knows. Like i said, i need to have my own to really play with it. then i know for sure i will be another fanboy/soymilk.

I say start the club now. maybe intrique people to pick one up. they say monkey see monkey do. NO DISRESPECT to anyone.

 

[soymilk]

haha is soymilk now being used instead of fanboy?
"Don't be such a soymilk?" haha

I'm also LEDsoymilk as well.

At the end of the day, its all just toys. Is it ness... no.. but does it make me happy and make my life easier. Si senor. In the current web connected world... why not make our tanks connected as well.

Heck if they got computers on refrigerators....

 

[tmgrash]

I guess I am such a soymilk, love the LED and got an apex.

Love my toys

 

[MikeSW]

Anyone have an experience with the Reef Angel controller? It's open source, built on an Arduino board. You have to do simple programming.

Looks like a nice inexpensive controller. $200 with pH and temp probe, float switches, 8-outlets and PMW outputs.

Has an additional module for wifi, says it can monitor & control.

 

[Scott]

Check out ReefBuddy too, its also built on an arduino board and only $89... but you get what you pay for

 

[SuperRay]

Bad_ls1: superray on this forum used to have a reefkeeper elite but now runs apex. You could message him his thought on it.

All 3 should be able to dim the power module. You will need to buy an additional module to controll vortices. I felt the built in controller was good enough for me. Let us know if you have some questions.

I run an APEX with two EB8's (got rid of the RKE as they were dragging their heels on the remote access for a couple years)

I have my APEX do almost everything, ATO, Ca Reactor control (supply, CO2 and Mixer pump), main sump supply with feed delays, it also does my heater and chiller control as well as some LED dimming. I use on the the feed cycles to stop the skimmer and turn the cabinet light on while I work, etc

The remote control aspect of the controller is a +10 for me (iPhone and Android app is awesome!). It alerts me if something is wrong (like over or under temp) and I can also know when the CO2 and ATO is empty and have it text me a message.

There is also a +10 for support from Neptune (like usually 5-20min response in an email or you can actually get someone on the phone)...DA just isn't there in the support IME.
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[flipside]

Bad_ls1: superray on this forum used to have a reefkeeper elite but now runs apex. You could message him his thought on it.

All 3 should be able to dim the power module. You will need to buy an additional module to controll vortices. I felt the built in controller was good enough for me. Let us know if you have some questions.

I run an APEX with two EB8's (got rid of the RKE as they were dragging their heels on the remote access for a couple years)

I have my APEX do almost everything, ATO, Ca Reactor control (supply, CO2 and Mixer pump), main sump supply with feed delays, it also does my heater and chiller control as well as some LED dimming. I use on the the feed cycles to stop the skimmer and turn the cabinet light on while I work, etc

The remote control aspect of the controller is a +10 for me (iPhone and Android app is awesome!). It alerts me if something is wrong (like over or under temp) and I can also know when the CO2 and ATO is empty and have it text me a message.

There is also a +10 for support from Neptune (like usually 5-20min response in an email or you can actually get someone on the phone)...DA just isn't there in the support IME.

Don't forget about AquaNotes.

 

[Guest]

Are these AC worth the money?

 

[SuperRay]

Yes! Aquanotes isn't supported in the PC version for the APEX because it has it's own web server but AquaNotes for iPhone is awesome!

 

[SuperRay]

If worth the $$ you mean that when my heater wasn't keeping up because I didn't set it right in my sump and my tank was down a few degrees (it sent an alarm) and I had my neighbor come over and 'adjust' the position on the heater...YES!

Some of the other things like being able to graph the outlets to determine if they are coming on more often (like an ATO running more often because you have a leak or your fill tank is empty) or your tank is leaking (using foil tape in the area you want to know is wet...(haven't experienced that one yet) or knowing if a ballast is pulling more current than it should by seeing the current EB8 it's drawing (bar total, not outlet) or forgetting to turn the pumps back on after a feed are all good uses for this controller.

Finally (this one requires a UPS to keep power to your internet devices) to alert you when you have a power fail on your tank!

 

[Scott]

Awesome review SuperRay, that's what I'm talking about. Like I said before I run a Profilux. They usually have great customer service but now they only offer support through their personal site AquariumComputer.com which is half German so I cant navigate it well at all. You guys are making it hard for me, I'm really considering the Apex now. I bet I could sell my setup, get an Apex and have a few bucks left over...

 

[Mark L.]

I'm finally ready to order an Apex Aquacontroller since I've been thinking about it since January. LOL Anyway couple questions.....

So far I have this in my cart
1. Aquacontroller Apex
2. 2 Channel Apex to Light Dimming Cable (to control my ATI Dimmable Powermodule)
3. AquaBus Wireless Expansion Module (WXM) (to control my 2 Vortech MP40w ES)

Should I go ahead and upgrade to the lab quality pH probe for $22? Also I don't see any pH calibration solution on Neptune Systems website. Do I need it? Does anyone sell it local or do I have to order it from another online retailer? I also see online they offer a 4.0, 7.0, and 10.0 calibration solution. Which one do I use if I have to order it?

As of right now I will use the controller to control my lights, MP40's, turn main return pump on/off, skimmer on/off, and monitor pH, and temp all from my laptop. Am I missing anything? Comments welcome before I click the order button.

 

[SuperRay]

I'm finally ready to order an Apex Aquacontroller since I've been thinking about it since January. LOL Anyway couple questions.....

So far I have this in my cart
1. Aquacontroller Apex
2. 2 Channel Apex to Light Dimming Cable (to control my ATI Dimmable Powermodule)
3. AquaBus Wireless Expansion Module (WXM) (to control my 2 Vortech MP40w ES)

Should I go ahead and upgrade to the lab quality pH probe for $22? Also I don't see any pH calibration solution on Neptune Systems website. Do I need it? Does anyone sell it local or do I have to order it from another online retailer? I also see online they offer a 4.0, 7.0, and 10.0 calibration solution. Which one do I use if I have to order it?

As of right now I will use the controller to control my lights, MP40's, turn main return pump on/off, skimmer on/off, and monitor pH, and temp all from my laptop. Am I missing anything? Comments welcome before I click the order button.

My understanding is that the lab grades last about x2 longer due to more materials between the probe tips and is a faster response when measuring (more purer materials?).
The Neptune probes do not come with calibration solution. City Pets has the solutions and I also have purchased the packets at All About Fish.

You will need to order one of each (for a total of two) to create two points as the calibration is a linear reference (ie 4-7, 7-10, or 4-10).You can only put the two reference points into the controller so you don't need all three solutions.

The topic of Lab vrs Standard grade probes is debated on RC heavily and you might gain a little more insight there...

Hope that helps!

 

[Mark L.]

I'm finally ready to order an Apex Aquacontroller since I've been thinking about it since January. LOL Anyway couple questions.....

So far I have this in my cart
1. Aquacontroller Apex
2. 2 Channel Apex to Light Dimming Cable (to control my ATI Dimmable Powermodule)
3. AquaBus Wireless Expansion Module (WXM) (to control my 2 Vortech MP40w ES)

Should I go ahead and upgrade to the lab quality pH probe for $22? Also I don't see any pH calibration solution on Neptune Systems website. Do I need it? Does anyone sell it local or do I have to order it from another online retailer? I also see online they offer a 4.0, 7.0, and 10.0 calibration solution. Which one do I use if I have to order it?

As of right now I will use the controller to control my lights, MP40's, turn main return pump on/off, skimmer on/off, and monitor pH, and temp all from my laptop. Am I missing anything? Comments welcome before I click the order button.

My understanding is that the lab grades last about x2 longer due to more materials between the probe tips and is a faster response when measuring (more purer materials?).
The Neptune probes do not come with calibration solution. City Pets has the solutions and I also have purchased the packets at All About Fish.

You will need to order one of each (for a total of two) to create two points as the calibration is a linear reference (ie 4-7, 7-10, or 4-10).You can only put the two reference points into the controller so you don't need all three solutions.

The topic of Lab vrs Standard grade probes is debated on RC heavily and you might gain a little more insight there...

Hope that helps!

Awesome, thanks SuperRay. I'll contact Donnie at City Pets to see if he as any solution in stock. On Marine Depots website they do not let you upgrade the controller to come with the Lab grade pH probe. You have to buy it separate for $70. On Neptune Systems website you can add the controller to your shopping cart and select "upgrade to Lab Probe $22". I think I'm just going to order everything straight from them (minus the cal solution) and do the upgrade for $22. Seems like it will be worth it.

 

[steveb]

Premium Aquatics will let you select different types of probes online. If you call them they will pretty much sale you any combo you want. I bought from them and have been real happy with shipping speed/packing/customer service.

 

[Mark L.]

Premium Aquatics will let you select different types of probes online. If you call them they will pretty much sale you any combo you want. I bought from them and have been real happy with shipping speed/packing/customer service.

Their Apex + Lab probe was cheaper than Neptune's website. I'll order from them.

 

[RocketSurgeon]

Premium Aquatics will let you select different types of probes online. If you call them they will pretty much sale you any combo you want. I bought from them and have been real happy with shipping speed/packing/customer service.

Their Apex + Lab probe was cheaper than Neptune's website. I'll order from them.

Did you save more than the cost of the Marsh Membership? WAS IT WORTH IT? Nevermind...DON'T ANSWER THAT!