Leaning towards an Apex controller, but need a push

[apuhl20]

I am looking to put a controller on my soon to be set up 180 + frag tank setup. This is what I'm looking to running:

This is what I'm looking to run:

2 mp40s
light fixture with 3 mh / actinics / fan / moonlights
3-4 heaters
protein skimmer
calcium reactor
phospan reactor
3 return pumps
uv sterilizer

Frag: 24x48x10
two mh clip ons
2 koralia 4

plus have room for some extras

What type of controller would I be looking at with the Neptune controller??

 

[aquamanic]

You don't mention probes. Temp, pH, Salinity/conductivity, dissolved oxygen? How many of each?

What about ATO, floats, etc.?

Need at least 3 EB8 modules, base module, display module, WXM module.

 

[apuhl20]

I'm not sure about probes. Right now I run the calcium reactor so would need atleast the pH probe and a temp probe. There will be an ATO on it at some point. I'm just trying to figure out what exactly I'm going to need and if the basic setup will work or if I'm going to need extra stuff.

 

[aquamanic]

The basic package is a single EB8, base and display module, temp, pH probe. You'll need another 2 EB8's and the WXM for your VorTech's. Base package is around $500, EB8's are about $150 each and the WXM is I think 150. Count up your outlets that you'll need though and maybe you can get by with just 2 EB8 modules. The ATO can be done with a DIY solution or use the Neptune breakout box which goes for $40. Plus floats, pump, etc.

 

[apuhl20]

wow. getting pretty expensive with that many add ons

 

[aquamanic]

You got a lot of stuff!

 

[apuhl20]

how exactly are the plug in strips laid out? I'm assuming all my heaters could be put on a power strip then plugged in?? Would the vortech part be needed since they already come with controllers?

 

[aquamanic]

You can consolidate plugs on to power strips, you just have to watch the total amp load. Each outlet can handle 5A.

You only need the WXM module if you want to integrate your VorTech's with the controller - automatically change modes based on time of day, feed mode, temp, etc. You can always add later but the Apex controller gives you way more functionality than just the VorTech controller can.

 

[apuhl20]

So at minimum to get things running I am looking at the apex plus an 8 plug upgrade?

 

[tvshow]

I just got my controller last week, and have literally been spending every free chance I have tweaking it. I have 2 MP10es, and splurged on the WXW, and can't tell you how freaking sweet it is to hear those things change automatically all day. It's really made a difference in terms of dead spots in my tank by cycling through the different modes throughout the day while sometimes syncing the pumps while other time periods they are set to antisync. It's also quite nice to enter anyone of the feed modes and see them change without trying to hold down the Mode button just right. They'll only work if you have the wireless Ecosmart drivers. The other nice thing is that you can plug them into a basic outlet, but still have all of the same programming functionality as if they were plugged into your EB8. ie: turn them on/off wirelessly even though they are plugged into a standard outlet. I was quite skeptical when I splurged on the extra doodad, but as you can tell I'm more than sold on it now.

One thing to consider is if you will be close enough to a network outlet, or if you'll want to go wireless. If you want to go wireless, a quick simple way is to buy a Netgear WNCE2001.

I wish I would have bought the breakout box, or a serial cable, not because I wouldn't rather cut and splice my own contraption, but finding a freaking minidin 8 cable in any local store was next to impossible, so ended up buying one online for $12, but spent 2 hours going store to store thinking I could just grab one off the shelf and go.. At the time of ordering I didn't realize how many uses there could be for float switches seeing as I already had my ATO setup and going.

Anyways, I could go on about how nifty this thing is, but will let you be the judge when you get it.

Read Alans Unofficial manual before you decide to buy, and then again before you set it up. It'll save you a migraine.

Happy Reefing.. John

 

[swearint]

You can consolidate plugs on to power strips, you just have to watch the total amp load. Each outlet can handle 5A.

You only need the WXM module if you want to integrate your VorTech's with the controller - automatically change modes based on time of day, feed mode, temp, etc. You can always add later but the Apex controller gives you way more functionality than just the VorTech controller can.

Also keep in mind that the total current draw for a single EB8 is limited to 15A. Most home circuits are rated for 15A as well, so you will probably need an additional circuit run. This is also useful in building some failsafe capability. If a device on one EB8 were to short and trip the house circuit breaker, the other circuit would still function and provide power to the Apex base module. Alan's Unofficial Users Guide also has a section on backup power strategies.


Todd

 

[apuhl20]

So would the backup pack for the vortechs be needed? Not sure how that would work into the whole system.

Also tell me more about the wireless stuff and what I would need for that and how it all works.

 

[aquamanic]

So would the backup pack for the vortechs be needed?

Yes, if you want them on supplemental power. You can also get a small PC UPS that would work as well and would power some other stuff like your router, controller and PC.