ATO using Apex

bambam918

bambam918

New member
With my new build I purchased the apex lite and love it!!! I am not the best when it comes to technology and its a little beyond me however, I have been able to figure out some of it. I know I am not using it to its fullest ability though

So I have a double switch ATO from autotopoff and I want to use it with apex. My question is: do I have to buy the brake out box? My goal utilizing the ATO is to have the apex turn on 2-3 times a day for a designated period of time and i have no clue how to write the program.

I did do a google search and saw a few threads that will probably work but I want to make sure I am on the right path. I am guessing I have to buy the brake out box because I can't see how the apex will recognize both switches using the "controller?" That came with the autotopoff unit.

Is there another option I have utilizing the entire autotopoff unit with out purchasing the brake out box?

This thread makes me believe I need a brake out box
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2214766

This thread makes me believe I don't.... Post #4
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2140918

Thanks for the help guys!
 
What's in the box which came with the autotopoff unit is a relay; you'll have no use for that with the apex. You only need the float switches; cut off that black box and throw it away. :)

Yes, you absolutely need a break out box to use the float switches with the apex.
 
evolved said:
What's in the box which came with the autotopoff unit is a relay; you'll have no use for that with the apex. You only need the float switches; cut off that black box and throw it away. :)

Yes, you absolutely need a break out box to use the fl t switches with the apex.
Click to expand...

This is false, I use a jbj auto, with two float switches (one of which is now dead, due to cracked wire). I'm using the whole ato unit as intended except it is plugged into the apex. Not the pump, that is still plugged into the ato. I programmed my outlet to only come on every 4hrs and on for only for 1min. Then the outlet shuts off. It doesn't matter if the floats drop the unit only comes on at a specific time.
 
On a similar note, where can someone get that 8pin mini din (that had to make it the hardest one to find). I've looked everywhere. A box I can build but that connector is not a popular one
 
^ don't understand what that does except add another clunky piece of equipment. You can program the apex to do the same thing without the clunky equipment.
 
m-six hundred said:
^ don't understand what that does except add another clunky piece of equipment. You can program the apex to do the same thing without the clunky equipment.
Click to expand...

I suppose it saves you from buying the breakout box but at that point there is no reason to have an Apex, you might as well get a digital light timer from walmart and set it to come on for 4 minutes every day, thus saving yourself an outlet on the Energy Bar.
 
I'm interested in this question about the APEX ATO. The Spectrapure ATO, AVAST ATO, and Tunze osmolator ATO units are all around $200, while the APEX is about $400 (depending where you buy it and what model).

I'm wondering if its best to have an ATO separate from the apex, tie an ATO system (like avast ato) in with the apex, or only rely on the apex for ATO functions using float sensors & a pump of your choice.

I'm also interested in peoples experience with the spectrapure litermeter for ato and auto water changes/ if its worth it.

I imagine that you could program the APEX to run the same volume rate calculations on two peristaltic pumps (just like the liter meter) and program the pumps timing for an auto water change system and ATO combination just like the litermeter does as well.

I like the idea of being able to pump my water from a water reservoir in a closet all the way to my display tank with no back siphon, worry of running the pump dry, and changing the water gradually with precision. I also like the idea of not having to move around 5 gallon buckets and being able to run the water exchange automatically with set water exchange amounts at set times every week. Its nerdy but seems like it also would be more stable.


BTW: hows the potters? That fish is AWESOME!- I should be replacing it with a purple tang on wednesday
 
FWIW I have had great luck using a float switch from spectrapure with my Apex and Breakout Box.

That said I made sure that the line from the ATO reservoir was out of the water in the sump to alleviate the back siphon you mentioned. It's simple and easy. IMO if you already have the Apex there's no reason not to use it and alleviate one more potential equipment malfunction.

bgifford said:
I'm interested in this question about the APEX ATO. The Spectrapure ATO, AVAST ATO, and Tunze osmolator ATO units are all around $200, while the APEX is about $400 (depending where you buy it and what model).

I'm wondering if its best to have an ATO separate from the apex, tie an ATO system (like avast ato) in with the apex, or only rely on the apex for ATO functions using float sensors & a pump of your choice.

I'm also interested in peoples experience with the spectrapure litermeter for ato and auto water changes/ if its worth it.

I imagine that you could program the APEX to run the same volume rate calculations on two peristaltic pumps (just like the liter meter) and program the pumps timing for an auto water change system and ATO combination just like the litermeter does as well.

I like the idea of being able to pump my water from a water reservoir in a closet all the way to my display tank with no back siphon, worry of running the pump dry, and changing the water gradually with precision. I also like the idea of not having to move around 5 gallon buckets and being able to run the water exchange automatically with set water exchange amounts at set times every week. Its nerdy but seems like it also would be more stable.


BTW: hows the potters? That fish is AWESOME!- I should be replacing it with a purple tang on wednesday
Click to expand...
 
Wow great responses and good information! I just ordered the brake out box and will set it up Wednesday! I would like to have the programming already set.

The links I originally posted, are they applicable for me to use? Could ATO apex users post their programming on the bread to help out? Thanks for all the information everyone!

The potters is doing really well has ate every day and is still adjusting to his new home. Tha is again for the potters!
 
My ATO programming:

Set OFF
If Switch1 CLOSED Then ON
If Switch2 OPEN Then OFF

For reference, I have a top-off reservoir with a sicce pump plugged in to outlet #8 on the power bar. I have 2 float switches; the 1st is to trigger the ato pump to come on and pump water into the sump, the 2nd as a safety to shutoff the sicce pump in the event the 1st float gets stuck.

Additionally, I have the Switch2 programmed to shutoff the skimmer if it is activated to prevent the skimmer from overflow in the event of high water level in the sump. Plus a 3rd float in the skimmer cup to shut down the skimmer if the level in the cup gets too high.
 
Evolved thanks for the link. I'm sure that will come in handy!!!

Woodwrangler I really like the idea of putting a float in the skimmer cup. Do have pictures of this? Just curious how you manlipinated the cup
 
bambam918 said:
Evolved thanks for the link. I'm sure that will come in handy!!!

Woodwrangler I really like the idea of putting a float in the skimmer cup. Do have pictures of this? Just curious how you manlipinated the cup
Click to expand...



I'd like to see your setup as well
 
I'll take some better photos, but essentially I slightly enlarged one of the air holes on the skimmer lid and installed the float switch. Nothing spectacular. I plan to add some length to the float switch so it sits lower in the cup, but I haven't found the time yet.

I was having some random skimmer cup overflows, once every couple weeks or so. Just out of nowhere, couldn't find a problem or pattern that was the cause. With an in-sump skimmer the waste would overflow back in the sump and tank. This was the solution.





Sorry for the terrible pictures
 
Just as another thought for those interested in the skimmer float switch: I have been planning on doing this for a little while now, but was planning on connecting a small trash can (like the 1 gallon size) to the drain line on the overflow cup, then putting an float switch in the trash can.
 
woodwrangler said:
I'll take some better photos, but essentially I slightly enlarged one of the air holes on the skimmer lid and installed the float switch. Nothing spectacular. I plan to add some length to the float switch so it sits lower in the cup, but I haven't found the time yet.

I was having some random skimmer cup overflows, once every couple weeks or so. Just out of nowhere, couldn't find a problem or pattern that was the cause. With an in-sump skimmer the waste would overflow back in the sump and tank. This was the solution.
Click to expand...


Hmmm, I've been having the same random skimmer overflow issues. I have two in sump skimmers and when the overflows occurred it happened with both skimmers at the same time.


I'm looking at using an Apex to control an ATO using a Spectrapure dosing pump on my FRAG tank. This thread has been helpful.
 
Another way to control ATO is by just using a timer function, then you don't have to worry about the breakout box and float switched, just program an outlet. I have a large system 300G DT, & 30G sump. I run the ato every hour for 3 min in the summer and about 5 min in the winter, it varries based on the sesonal evaporatio n rate.
Occasionally I need to manually interveen during my routine checkup of equipment.
 
Well I finally got the LFS to order me some float switches, like pulling teeth. But I still can't find the 8pin mini din connector anywhere. Whether it be a 8pin to USB or even just the connector without cable would be good. I just can't spend money on a breakout box when I can build one myself, aside from the fact I won't be able to connect it to the apex without this 8pin dinasour. I can't even find someone in a electronics supply shop who has even seen a 8pin mini din. Now if I break down and buy this break out (haha I didn't mean to do that) box does it at least come with the cable. Although that sounds like to perfect a world, so its probably separate.
 
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