Hello and a question

[_E_]

Why cant you just but a valve on to reduce flow?

From what people have told me, it puts more strain on the pump causing it to go out faster... that being said I've talked to people who have used the same pump for years with a valve on it.

It is my understanding that restricting the flow on the output is OK, but restricting the flow on the input of the pump is not good for the pump.

I believe that Trade winds is correct here. A valve on the inlet will kill it fast. A valve on the outlet just serves to increase head pressure. I had a Quiet One valved for a good 10 years and the pump still runs like a champ. As an alternative, the return could always be split and a portion of it recirculated in the sump.

 

[_E_]

On a side note those who have a n apex will tell you it is one of the best purchases they have made.

^^This!^^

not to change the topic of my own post but is the apex gold worth getting or is it better to go with the basic apex and add as you go? the "lab grade" salinity and ph probes are really the difference i can remember off hand right now between the two.

Lab grade probes typically last longer and are usually worth the upgrade. That being said, you need to decide what you want to do with it before deciding which one to get.

If you don't mind sharing what's your apex set up? (What are you monitoring) trying to figure out what I want to start off with.. and did you buy yours locally?

I monitor temp in my sump, temp in my tank, pH, and salinity. I don't use the salinity to control anything at this point...the probes can be pretty finicky so I just use it as another point of reference on my system.

 

[ebius]

I will say a lab grade pH probe is pretty much all you should go with regardless of what you are monitoring or doing with it. The price difference is minimal and the difference is huge. It's not just the quality, but how it is physically constructed. BRS did a pretty good video explaining the difference quite some time ago:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-BFntfiKTs

That being said, if memory servers me correctly it was actually cheaper for me to get an Apex with normal probe and buy a lab grade separately. Neptune's probes aren't special and the Apex uses a standard plug for its probes.

As for the gold version, that is really up to you and what you want to monitor. The only real thing you get extra is the ability to monitor salinity. At my house, one tank could use that and one could not. My opinion is that if you do not have an auto top off on your system, salinity is a waste of money to monitor. You will only change through evaporation and manual top offs.

I also agree with the Apex being a great addition. I have one on each of my tanks and wouldn't want it any other way. It does, however, add a bit of complication to the tank.

As far as what I do with my Apex, the short answer is everything. I will not buy anything for my tank that is not Apex compatible. I monitor temp, pH in the tank and calcium reactor, monitor temp, control lights, powerheads, skimmer, skimmer cleaner and heater. My larger tank uses the Apex for top off and once I get a bracket built my autofeeder will go on as well. I also have mine sending out texts and emails if certain parameters happen. If you know what you are doing or someone who does there is almost nothing you can't have the apex do for you.

 

[Koddie Doo]

If you know what you are doing or someone who does there is almost nothing you can't have the apex do for you.

My favorite is when the wife is having people over in the morning and asks if I can turn the lights on the tank. I can do it from work with my phone...

 

[_E_]

..My larger tank uses the Apex for top off and once I get a bracket built my autofeeder will go on as well...

Are you using the AFS? I seen some really good and really bad reviews of it. I really need an auto feeder but am on the fence about it.

 

[Aqua Man 07]

Are you using the AFS? I seen some really good and really bad reviews of it. I really need an auto feeder but am on the fence about it.

i have the afs and i like it quite a bit. i only use it when im out of town because i dont have anyone close by to tank sit for me. last time i asked my dad to top the tank off for me i got 5 gal of cold tap water dumped in the tank. back to apex it really can do just about anything. im going to get the DOS or a stenner dual head pump to do continuous water change. as far as a return pump you cant go wrong with a dc return pump ive been useing a jebao 9000 for around 2 years and it is still working great. and it is plumbed to a manifold

 

[Mr D smack]

Killing the return when feedin. Manual control for maintenance. Never having to unplug. Being cooler than dsmack.

On a side note those who have a n apex will tell you it is one of the best purchases they have made.

 

[Pife]

Bubbles!

 

[Mr D smack]

Bubbles is cool lol

 

[South City]

I have been thinking about a continuous water change system lately too. I just ordered a Spectrapure Litermeter III. That main unit along with a remote pump head is all you'd need for continuous water changes. They are on sale now and you could get both for just a few dollars more than a DOS. The unit also gives you the option to add a third pump later if you want.

The advantage as far as I'm concerned with the Litermeter III is that it has been around for years and has a long history of accuracy and reliability. They can move water crazy long distances. Many have reported having the unit in service for years without any issues at all. When they do require service, all you need to do is replace a small piece of tubing. The motors are rated to last around 20,000 hours I believe. You get a 5 year warranty with the Litermeter as well.

I'm concerned that Neptune has said that the pump head on the DOS should last for about 600 hours. It wouldn't take long I don't believe to hit 600 hours of use when moving gallons of water of day.

http://spectrapure.com/LiterMeter%C2%AE-III-Precision-Dosing-System-115V

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uxRhcbEZLEE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

i have the afs and i like it quite a bit. i only use it when im out of town because i dont have anyone close by to tank sit for me. last time i asked my dad to top the tank off for me i got 5 gal of cold tap water dumped in the tank. back to apex it really can do just about anything. im going to get the DOS or a stenner dual head pump to do continuous water change. as far as a return pump you cant go wrong with a dc return pump ive been useing a jebao 9000 for around 2 years and it is still working great. and it is plumbed to a manifold

 

[Aqua Man 07]

I'd want to be able to control it with the apex.