75 gallon reef build

[Waddleboy]

I think I have read that some of the plugs (like 2 out of 4) on the RKL outlets can only handle low-voltage devices - anyone else read that?

that's right 1,4 are 8A and 2,3 are 3A I believe

Dang, I thought I had it figured out. Thanks for the clarification waddle. I like the apex, so will definitely be getting one after I buy my live rock. So, apex lite can control temp and pH, can I add a salinity probe to it? Also, you plug your heater directly into it instead of a wall plug-in?

You can add a sanity module to the apex but then you also need to get anger probe. Yes so each control,er comes with a power strip. These outlets can be programmed to turn on off. So my heater is plugged into this outlet... For example. My heater is in outlet 1. My outlet is programmed to turn on at 76 and off at 78. My co trolled reads my temp and then controls the heater. The heater is it always on and only needs to be on when needed.

 

[Nonameben]

that's right 1,4 are 8A and 2,3 are 3A I believe



You can add a sanity module to the apex but then you also need to get anger probe. Yes so each control,er comes with a power strip. These outlets can be programmed to turn on off. So my heater is plugged into this outlet... For example. My heater is in outlet 1. My outlet is programmed to turn on at 76 and off at 78. My co trolled reads my temp and then controls the heater. The heater is it always on and only needs to be on when needed.

That's really nice, I'm going to get one 100%, just need to save up some money. Gotta pay rent first :headwally:

 

[Nonameben]

No, no controller. Just a JBJ ATO, and a PinPoint pH meter.

What I wish I had right now is a BRS dosing pump (and timer) for my alk. Oh, and a generator!

Yea, I read about your power outages! I haven't had a bad power outage since the really bad icestorm we had in 93'. Could my apex controller house a ATO along with all the probes I want? (temp, pH, salinity)

 

[Waddleboy]

Yea, I read about your power outages! I haven't had a bad power outage since the really bad icestorm we had in 93'. Could my apex controller house a ATO along with all the probes I want? (temp, pH, salinity)

Yes. Salinity needs a different module. I think pm2 or 3 don't remember which. Ato the float valves need a breakout box to work. You can build your own for like $20 bucks or buy one for 40.

 

[Nonameben]

Yes. Salinity needs a different module. I think pm2 or 3 don't remember which. Ato the float valves need a breakout box to work. You can build your own for like $20 bucks or buy one for 40.

Although Apex is the most expensive of the three (lite and jr) Ithink I'll go with that since it controlls temp, pH, and ORP rather than going with the lite and adding 2+ modules. I'll have to add a salinity module anyways. Breakout box? Always leaving me with more questions Waddle! Haha

 

[Waddleboy]

Ya I went with the apex on my 90. Are you running orp? If your not you can go with the lite since it only has a ph probe so I don't know if you need more. You will need together a module for the salinity anyway with either one. Your call. A breakout box connects the float switches to the apex allowing it to know if they are open or closed

 

[Nonameben]

Ya I went with the apex on my 90. Are you running orp? If your not you can go with the lite since it only has a ph probe so I don't know if you need more. You will need together a module for the salinity anyway with either one. Your call. A breakout box connects the float switches to the apex allowing it to know if they are open or closed

No I won't be running ORP (I'm not sure what it is haha) Yea, I'm thinking apexlite then, and i'll just add a salinity probe. How's your tank coming?

 

[Waddleboy]

Orp deals with Oxi redox potential of the tank... Ozone and stuff haha. And tank is on hole. Waiting for that acrylic... So Thursday it comes but exam Monday so I will see how much I can get done. Side ote the apex also offers dimming capabilities that the lite doesn't offer. I don't think you need this just pointing it out

 

[Nonameben]

Orp deals with Oxi redox potential of the tank... Ozone and stuff haha. And tank is on hole. Waiting for that acrylic... So Thursday it comes but exam Monday so I will see how much I can get done. Side ote the apex also offers dimming capabilities that the lite doesn't offer. I don't think you need this just pointing it out

Sounds like something I don't need to worry about until later on. Goodluck with that exam, I get a grade back today.

 

[jayjigga]

Although Apex is the most expensive of the three (lite and jr) Ithink I'll go with that since it controlls temp, pH, and ORP rather than going with the lite and adding 2+ modules. I'll have to add a salinity module anyways. Breakout box? Always leaving me with more questions Waddle! Haha

I did some catching up on this thread and would definitely recommend going with the Apex, and not the other 2. I went with the Apex for my 90G (not up yet; build to be started soon...hopefully) because the wifey and I ran the numbers, and it would have cost more over time to do everything we'd want our controller to do, if we went with the lower models. I'm not planning to run too many probes atm, but I will be making a breakout box and controlling my diy led build with the Apex.

It's a better choice, IMO, and not as limited as the other choices. Apex is really the choice for people who want the utmost control, but you can definitely go the RKL route if you are more of a "set it and forget it" plug-and-play kind of guy.

Either way, it's looking great

 

[Nonameben]

I did some catching up on this thread and would definitely recommend going with the Apex, and not the other 2. I went with the Apex for my 90G (not up yet; build to be started soon...hopefully) because the wifey and I ran the numbers, and it would have cost more over time to do everything we'd want our controller to do, if we went with the lower models. I'm not planning to run too many probes atm, but I will be making a breakout box and controlling my diy led build with the Apex.

It's a better choice, IMO, and not as limited as the other choices. Apex is really the choice for people who want the utmost control, but you can definitely go the RKL route if you are more of a "set it and forget it" plug-and-play kind of guy.

Either way, it's looking great

I'm glad you took the time to read my thread jayjigga, It's really between the apex and the apex lite. I'm still trying to justify the extra $100. With the Apex, I get the additional ORP that I don't get with the lite. I'm unsure what Orp will do for my tank however. I'm also going to need to buy the pm2 for conductivity/salinity. The lack of knowledge towards ORP is what is making me lean more towards the apex lite.

Glad you think it's looking great! Stay tuned for this weekend, going to need feedback on my aquascaping! (75lbs of liverock + the saltwater on Saturday!)

Let me know if you start a build thread, I'll definitely check it out.

 

[Nonameben]

Filling 1 and 1/2 o these buckets for a water change won't be bad at all, but draining the whole tank of basic tap water was a pain!

 

[Nonameben]

Where should the water level be in my sump?

 

[Waddleboy]

Where should the water level be in my sump?

I am not sure if you bought your skimmer but i think you were looking at an sro1000 if so they need to sit between 6-10" of water so that should be the height you aim for in your sump. The float valves for ato go in the return side cause that is the fluctuating side. And you always want to leave enough room so in case you drain water from dt, your sump can handle it

 

[Nonameben]

I'll be picking up the skimmer soon, but thanks I was wondering what a good level was. I think I'm going to have to have my heater slanted because it's pretty tall. I've decided to go with the apex lite. There's just so much upgrades to get!

 

[jayjigga]

I'm glad you took the time to read my thread jayjigga, It's really between the apex and the apex lite. I'm still trying to justify the extra $100...

...Let me know if you start a build thread, I'll definitely check it out.

For me, I wanted the ability to dim lights/ramp pumps right out the box. The vdm module is $100 to add on to the Lite, and the PM1 module is another $75, so for $100 extra up front, I save $75, if I so choose to do the ORP & second PH probe in the future. I definitely did a ton of research and comparisons before I made my decision, and I can see you working through the options.

I'll definitely let you know when I start mine. It'll probably be one of those one week threads where everything magically happened overnight because I've been planning so much and just need to get it done!

I'll stay tuned for the weekend update.
subliminal "Get the Apex..." Haha

 

[jayjigga]

I'll be picking up the skimmer soon, but thanks I was wondering what a good level was. I think I'm going to have to have my heater slanted because it's pretty tall. I've decided to go with the apex lite. There's just so much upgrades to get!

There's a bunch of calculators in the resource area, but it's all based on how much water comes back into the sump when everything is off. The sump needs to be able to handle at least that extra water, and I'm sure you want a cushion. Check the calcs out and I'll run the numbers tomorrow and see if I do it right. Too late to try now...

 

[Nonameben]

For me, I wanted the ability to dim lights/ramp pumps right out the box. The vdm module is $100 to add on to the Lite, and the PM1 module is another $75, so for $100 extra up front, I save $75, if I so choose to do the ORP & second PH probe in the future. I definitely did a ton of research and comparisons before I made my decision, and I can see you working through the options.

I'll definitely let you know when I start mine. It'll probably be one of those one week threads where everything magically happened overnight because I've been planning so much and just need to get it done!

I'll stay tuned for the weekend update.
subliminal "Get the Apex..." Haha

I have a very strange urge to go get my card and order an apex controller.. :ape:

Ugh, I've got some more research to do and I'll probably end up making a huge chart listing the various pros/cons of each model. Haha seeing as this is my first saltwater tank, there has been a whole lot of planning. However, it is still a slow, looooooong process! Glad you'll be here for the weekend update, it's gonna be SWEEEEEET!

 

[Nonameben]

There's a bunch of calculators in the resource area, but it's all based on how much water comes back into the sump when everything is off. The sump needs to be able to handle at least that extra water, and I'm sure you want a cushion. Check the calcs out and I'll run the numbers tomorrow and see if I do it right. Too late to try now...

I'll check them out right now, see what I can come up with. Yea, that was a pretty late post!

 

[jayjigga]

I'll check them out right now, see what I can come up with. Yea, that was a pretty late post!

I think the overflow is under 1G, so as long as you have at least that much space free when the water is flowing, you'll be just fine! Take the total gallons in the sump, divide it by the height of the sump (in inches), and every inch is that many gallons