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So I ordered an Apex (1 Viewer)

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So I decided that I would ditch the Reef Keeper elite and go for an Apex. So my question is, who wants to come over and program it for me :). Plus you will probably see a used RKE up for sale in the near future once said Apex arrives in the mail.
 

rlbuhler

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Just went through this a few weeks ago. Suggestions:

1. Know your light/powerhead minimum intensity. "Why won't by lights turn on? Because it is at 10% intensity and it doesn't come on until 15% dummy."
2. Keep in simple to start until you get a hang of the programing. A lot of "If Time" statements before stepping up to oscillate, etc.
3. Write down exactly what equipment is plugged into which outlet, I/O breakout, etc. It will save you a lot of frustration when using Fusion.
If you use more than one energy bar. Plug in just the first to figure out what number is assigned to it before connecting the 2nd.

Hope that helps.
 
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to start with its going to be used pretty simply. Heater, Chiller and halides, eventually the calcium reactor once my usage gets to the point where the water changes arent enough to keep alk stable, actually trying to bring the levels down. The main reason i bought it was for the graphing. PLus I needed a new PH probe for the RKE and i was sick of not being able to easily graph with that one, so $500 later I will have a new controller.
 

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Don't forget to program the skimmer pump. In case of power outage, basically you tell it to turn ON pump let say 10 minutes after power restore. So there will be no skimmer water overflowing. This is probably the biggest issue for me when I'm on vacation or something. This is one thing I could not automate on my reef but with an Apex it's possible. My cone reef octopus requires super accurate water level in the sump.
 
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Don't forget to program the skimmer pump. In case of power outage, basically you tell it to turn ON pump let say 10 minutes after power restore. So there will be no skimmer water overflowing. This is probably the biggest issue for me when I'm on vacation or something. This is one thing I could not automate on my reef but with an Apex it's possible. My cone reef octopus requires super accurate water level in the sump.

I have a float switch called skimmer high that kills the skimmer when the water level in the sump gets too high. Also for power failures.
 

flexrac

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I need to get my apex system out of the box, has been sitting there for about a year.
I just like the simplicity of using my DJ switch.
Now, if some one can come up with a feature where I select water change and certain outlets turn off. I would hook mine up tomorrow.
I still need to get an EB8.
 

Kingb4c0

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I need to get my apex system out of the box, has been sitting there for about a year.
I just like the simplicity of using my DJ switch.
Now, if some one can come up with a feature where I select water change and certain outlets turn off. I would hook mine up tomorrow.
I still need to get an EB8.

Felix, you can use the "Feed Time" in your Apex for turn off devices for X amount of time
 

JDenman

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When you decide to run a calcium reactor make sure to rename the pH2 port to something else as apex pH port names have to end in pH. For example mine is called cal_pH. This assumes you use the first pH port for tank pH and the second port for the calcium reactor and not ORP. One little quirk in the apex that may save you some time.
 

TexanReef

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The break-out box opens even more possibilities. After having some of my sump drain into my stand (bath-tub style), I've added a water sensor to the stand. If water hits it, it starts screaming, sending emails, text messages and shutting down pumps.

The point is, you can grow into the Apex. I like your approach of KISS to start with. No reason to confuse the installation with all the bells and whistles.

Scott

P.S. I'm more than happy to help if needed.
 
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I need to get my apex system out of the box, has been sitting there for about a year.
I just like the simplicity of using my DJ switch.
Now, if some one can come up with a feature where I select water change and certain outlets turn off. I would hook mine up tomorrow.
I still need to get an EB8.

Your apex can do that X1,000.

EB8 is a must.
 
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The break-out box opens even more possibilities. After having some of my sump drain into my stand (bath-tub style), I've added a water sensor to the stand. If water hits it, it starts screaming, sending emails, text messages and shutting down pumps.

The point is, you can grow into the Apex. I like your approach of KISS to start with. No reason to confuse the installation with all the bells and whistles.

Scott

P.S. I'm more than happy to help if needed.


I love my BOB!
 

TexanReef

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Felix,

I have a virtual outlet called "Water Change". When this is on, the pumps go off, the heaters go off, the top-off is deactivated and all alerts are suspended.

I still manually close some valves and do the water change but I no longer have to remember to waltz through a complicated dance with switches both before and after the water change.

I did this because I blew up a forgotten heater in my overflow during a water change....oops.


So many things the controller can do...

Scott
 

flexrac

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Scott,
when I finally open this thing, you and I are going to drink some of your beer and get this thing going.
I suspect it will be soon because I'm thinking of setting up a tank for my girlfriends kids, if I do; they will get my reef keeper and I will setup the apex.
I have to get the EB first though.
 
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