Apex Conductivity probe not stable!

[BlackTip]

I'd put it in the drain section in a corner away from equipment and drain if possible. You could also create pvc probe well(s) for them. Google search aquarium pvc probe well. Lots of DIY mods out there.

Yes, I was thinking about a box or a well. But I can't put them in the drain section. The main reason is the controller and the drain section is on opposite side of the stand (8' apart). I will need a lot of extensions. Also, I have micro bubbles there, and the plan was to put a bio-pellet reactor in that section when/if needed.

I think my best bet is the return section and a well or a box of some sort.

 

[jason2459]

I would avoid the return section. That area to me is a no go zone particularly for temp probes as it could drain.

 

[slief]

I filed a ticket with Apex, and they responded by saying that I need to re-calibrate and move the temp probe from the PM2 to the main module with 0.0 compensation.

The manual, however, states the following:

" In order for the PM2 to automatically compensate for changes in conductivity as the temperature
of the water changes, you must connect a temperature probe to the PM2 and set the temperature
compensation as described below. The temperature probe connected to the Apex Base Module cannot be
used for automatic temperature compensation on the PM2."

My understanding is that you no longer need the temp probe connected to the PM2. Neptune made a firmware change a few months back that allows you to associate the base units temp probe to the conductivity probe so that you aren't dependant on having a temp probe connected to the PM2. This is why I mentioned associating the probe in my previous post. That would be the first thing I would try as well as finding a place in your sump without direct light and little to no microbubbles. You don't want algae growing on your probe and you also don't want air getting trapped in the probe and skewing the readings. What I don't know is how you associate the temp probe on the base unit to the CondX probe. I think that may have to be done through the display.

 

[jason2459]

I just went through calibration a couple times now (from the display unit) and on the latest firmware and module updates. I don't recall seeing where you can associate the conductivity probe with any other temp probe. I would be interested if this is there because I don't want it associated with the base unit's temp probe that is up with the display while the conductivity probe is 15' away in the sump where the temp is higher.

 

[BlackTip]

My understanding is that you no longer need the temp probe connected to the PM2. Neptune made a firmware change a few months back that allows you to associate the base units temp probe to the conductivity probe so that you aren't dependant on having a temp probe connected to the PM2. This is why I mentioned associating the probe in my previous post. That would be the first thing I would try as well as finding a place in your sump without direct light and little to no microbubbles. You don't want algae growing on your probe and you also don't want air getting trapped in the probe and skewing the readings. What I don't know is how you associate the temp probe on the base unit to the CondX probe. I think that may have to be done through the display.

Well, that make sense. I wish they'd have updated the instruction manual.

 

[slief]

Well, that make sense. I wish they'd have updated the instruction manual.

The comprehensive instruction manual was written by a long time dedicated Apex user and was originally intended as the unofficial manual for all things Apex. It was written without any input or support from Neptune systems as a tool for users since Neptune didn't have very good documentation on advanced features and programming. As of about a year ago, Neptune include this great document on their support site. I'm not sure why he hasn't updated it in a while though.

 

[BlackTip]

The comprehensive instruction manual was written by a long time dedicated Apex user and was originally intended as the unofficial manual for all things Apex. It was written without any input or support from Neptune systems as a tool for users since Neptune didn't have very good documentation on advanced features and programming. As of about a year ago, Neptune include this great document on their support site. I'm not sure why he hasn't updated it in a while though.

That is shocking to hear. They sell their products for hundreds of dollars and can't even bother of providing a simple instruction manuals?

The manual I was referring to is the PM2 manual on their website.

https://www.neptunesystems.com/downloads/docs/PM2_manual.pdf

 

[slief]

That is shocking to hear. They sell their products for hundreds of dollars and can't even bother of providing a simple instruction manuals?

The manual I was referring to is the PM2 manual on their website.

https://www.neptunesystems.com/downloads/docs/PM2_manual.pdf

That isn't the manual I was referring to. It was the Comprehensive Apex Manual.
https://www.neptunesystems.com/downloads/docs/Comprehensive_Reference_Manual.pdf


That said, Neptune has been hard at work designing new products and making manuals and updating them can be a pretty big task so I am not suprised they are a bit behind. On that note, the official Neptune Forum is a great resource for all things Apex and these kinds of updates are always discussed there along with new features. It's also a great place to ask a question if you have one because the official forum is monitored by Neptune Systems as well as countless Apex experts.

https://forum.neptunesystems.com/

 

[Jyetman]

If a TEMP probe is connected to the PM2 does that probe become default?

 

[karimwassef]

No. You need to set it in the views and formulae.

 

[jason2459]

No. You need to set it in the views and formulae.

Where would that be?

 

[karimwassef]

There is no 'default'. The Temp is just the variable that's shown in the front panel and shows up in each of the module programs.

My PM2 temp probe shows up as Tmpx6 and I go on Fusion on a computer and change all the Temp to Tmpx6. I pull down the dashboard for Temp and put the Tmpx6 in its place, etc..

For the display, I went back to the classic (local IP) site and change the display settings.

 

[jason2459]

There is no 'default'. The Temp is just the variable that's shown in the front panel and shows up in each of the module programs.

My PM2 temp probe shows up as Tmpx6 and I go on Fusion on a computer and change all the Temp to Tmpx6. I pull down the dashboard for Temp and put the Tmpx6 in its place, etc..

For the display, I went back to the classic (local IP) site and change the display settings.

Ok, on my display modules (have 2) I have both my DT_Temp and Tempx9(PM2). In fusion and the classic dashboard I'm also displaying both temp probes. I was wondering where one would set which temp probe is used by the PM2 module to perform the ATC for the conductivity probe readings.

Edit: can see my setup and status here https://www.reeftronics.net/ja/jason2459/apex-status
spikes 4 times a day are due to return pump/skimmer shutdown for feeding for 30 minutes each time.

and here's my display module setup (Page 1 I've not touched any of the others)
Clock line Enabled
Probe line #1 Enabled
Condx9 Tempx9

Probe line #2 Enabled
DT_pH DT_Temp

 

[jason2459]

Sorry OP I'm kind of hijacking this but at least it's on topic. Just want to make sure I'm setup right too and learning something new is always a good thing to me.

 

[Jyetman]

How do I know the TempX5 is being used by the PM2 there are no settings in setup to confirm this?

 

[slief]

How do I know the TempX5 is being used by the PM2 there are no settings in setup to confirm this?

If you have a temp probe connected to the PM2, that will be the default. I just checked all of the settings via the display. I dont see any way to assign a temp probe to the CondX probe or PM2. I think the PM2 will now use what ever temp sensor is available. If there is one connected to the PM2, it will use that. If there isn't, it will use the base unit. At least that is my guess but it should be confirmed with Neptune.

 

[BlackTip]

I got a response back from Neptune regarding their first email to me. Initially, they asked me to move the Temp probe from the PM2 module to the main unit. I responded back and said that the manual states that the Temp probe should be connected to the PM2 module.

Their response was that they just want to confirm if changing the Temp compensation to 0 made a difference.

They didn't mention anything about the newest firmware and the Conductivity probe ability to work without temp compensation.

I am trying to get someone on the phone, but I am not able to get anyone to answer. I'll keep trying.

 

[karimwassef]

I only have one temp probe. It's plugged into the PM2. I use it for everything...

It calibrates with the salinity probe. There's no issues.

Not sure why that doesn't work for you.