Scubareefman
New member
I'm wanting to move my stand alone ATO system and move it to my apex. I'm wanting to delay it after power failure, and add a high water alarm. Suggestions? Currently running a JBJ ATO system that's working fine.
best apex ATO
- Thread starter Scubareefman
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chucklez
Active member
Well, you can make your own using little float sensors and a break out box. Then program logic in the Apex saying when the valve is open turn on outlet x which controls your pump. The float sensors are like 5 for 10 on amazon. You will need to add your own wiring to make them long enough to reach your break out box. I was running something similar until I got the ATK from apex. Price wise I would guess they are going to charge around 200 for that which includes module, 2 optical sensors, 1 float valve, PMUP and tubing/wiring.
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Bob60070
New member
I use just what Chucklez described. I use an aqualifter pump and a 5 gallon aquarium as a reservoir. I use 3 float switches(5 for$10 on Amazon) one switch set st my desired height then one set higher that will turn off the aqualifter and send me a message if for some reason the main switch gets stuck. Then I have a third that is set low and it warms the water is low.
I have a 4th switch in the reservoir to tell me when it's down to about a gallon.
No issues with this set for just over a year now.
I like the aqualifter it turns for about 3-5 secs every 15mins or so. Keeps the water level perfect at all times.
I have a 4th switch in the reservoir to tell me when it's down to about a gallon.
No issues with this set for just over a year now.
I like the aqualifter it turns for about 3-5 secs every 15mins or so. Keeps the water level perfect at all times.
scott11106
New member
I thought it was already out, am I thinking of the right one with the dual optic sensors? I am building a new tank and thinking of going with the apex system
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chucklez
Active member
Apex ATK or auto top off system is not out for public release yet. They are still testing it with a small group to make sure any issues are worked out. As we (the test group) have had it for 2-3 weeks now I would guess in another month or so it will be out for public release.
scott11106
New member
Ahh, ok makes sense. I'm thinking of going with the apex system for everything, anything I should not do with apex
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IBroughtPopcorn
New member
IBroughtPopcorn
New member
That's probably the next big release. It will be called the AFW. It will be motion activated and when the fish swim buy they will get a squirt of dial soap and a blast of salt water to rinse it off.
Automation is great, I wonder how many of us couldn't do this hobby if it wasn't for automation. Then I wonder how much I am missing out on because of automation.
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scott11106
New member
well when i had my 110 a 8+ years ago there was not much in the automation so the only thing i had automated was the RO with a float valve and two dial light timers and it took me a while but everything was healthy and the test tubes and I were very close...
I cant wait to get my new 300g tank going and have the new automation stuff to assist, it will be a blast....
I cant wait to get my new 300g tank going and have the new automation stuff to assist, it will be a blast....
Scubareefman
New member
great info everyone! thanks 
I'm going to keep the ato on the JBJ on a outlet run by my apex that will be shut off if a leak is detected by my sensor. Once the optical is out I will wait and see if its better in the long run.
I'm going to keep the ato on the JBJ on a outlet run by my apex that will be shut off if a leak is detected by my sensor. Once the optical is out I will wait and see if its better in the long run.
Neurovet
New member
This is my setup. IMHO, optical sensors are prone to failure as frequent as mechanical floats. I have two floats setup in parallel this way so there is a backup if one gets stuck. I also use these floats as high water level alarms in the overflows. Automatically kicks off the pump and sends me a text. I use the last two terminals in my 2 part buckets to let me know when I'm running low.
Breakout box cost $30. Floats 2$. 3D prints...freeish. Peach of mind, priceless. I would be happy to share my programming. Just like with dosers, the Apex lends itself to these creative ideas better than it does to its own proprietary modules.
Breakout box cost $30. Floats 2$. 3D prints...freeish. Peach of mind, priceless. I would be happy to share my programming. Just like with dosers, the Apex lends itself to these creative ideas better than it does to its own proprietary modules.
