Dannytv3045
New member
I'm thinking about ordering a neptune apex lite and was wondering what else I would need to run an ato with my apex lite? What module and float switches do i need?
Neptune systems apex question?
- Thread starter Dannytv3045
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Dannytv3045
New member
Any float switches??
I have a neptune and I love it. But i still think its not worth the money buying pumps and sensors when you can put a float valve in your sump and either run your RO/DI to it or have a container with a gravity fed line going to the ATO float valve.
Save yourself the extra plug space on the EB8 also. Simple is better IMHO.
But if you are still interested, I have a friend who has an entire electronic ATO setup sitting in his garage that im sure he would like to sell. PM me if interested.
Save yourself the extra plug space on the EB8 also. Simple is better IMHO.
But if you are still interested, I have a friend who has an entire electronic ATO setup sitting in his garage that im sure he would like to sell. PM me if interested.
fltekdiver
Active member
That's the way I have my ATO
I have it independent of my Apex
I have it independent of my Apex
Pseudo69
Member
I have my Apex as my ATO with breakout box and float switches setup so that if my ATO is topping off for more than 5 minutes it shuts itself down and sends me an email. Thank God for that since my drain in my tank got clogged and the return pumped my sump level back into the tank and the ATO thought it was just topping off. If it had kept filling my sump it would have overflowed and dropped my salinity below what my livestock would have survived.
On top of that, My leak detector on my Apex got wet alerting the Apex that there was a leak and shut every pump down and again emailing me. Saved my floors and tank. An independent ATO will not do any of that. The Apex also alerted me when it thought my float switch was bad (stuck on for more than 6 minutes) and emailed me and it was right and switched to my secondary float switch for a new level until I changed out the bad one.
Just make sure you get the Breakout box with the screws and not the old one with the toggles.
APEX all the way!
On top of that, My leak detector on my Apex got wet alerting the Apex that there was a leak and shut every pump down and again emailing me. Saved my floors and tank. An independent ATO will not do any of that. The Apex also alerted me when it thought my float switch was bad (stuck on for more than 6 minutes) and emailed me and it was right and switched to my secondary float switch for a new level until I changed out the bad one.
Just make sure you get the Breakout box with the screws and not the old one with the toggles.
APEX all the way!
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Mark Bianco
New member
IMHO Running a line straight from your RODI is not a good idea. The problem with this is that the first 5 - 10 minutes of water production of any RODI unit has very high TDS which is something we all try to avoid. All float switches will eventualy fail and having only one method of control is a disaster waiting to happen. Failsafe's redundant methods are the way to sucessful reefing...
Mark
Mark
Dannytv3045
New member
Good info fellas I decided to get the apex lite with breakout box and 2 float switches almost 500 bucks ouch this hobby is crazy expensive. I keep telling my wife everything cost 60 bucks but sooner or later he's gonna find out lol
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Float switches should always be used in pairs to provide failure redundancy. Though reed switches are very reliable, like all mechanical devices, they will and do fail. Also never run ATO directly from any 'infinite' source. Size your ATO reservoir to prove a week or so of water, but assume at some point it will all get pumped into your tank in one shot, so not enough to nuke the tank.
I have this recurring thought that after I die my wife is going to sell all my expensive reef tank and home theater gear for $25 per :hammer: Of course, I'd be dead, so .......
Mark Bianco
New member
This is what you need to tell her; With this Apex it will automate alot of thing I have to take care, and I will be able to spend more time with you honey... :lol:
Dannytv3045
New member
Lol good one I guess I will try that one
I have my top-off controlled by a float switch which opens and closes a solenoid to allow water to enter my kalk reactor. The whole thing is plugged into the Apex Energy Bar 8. It goes on when the water level drops, but the Apex will shut the valve if the pH gets too high or the salinity gets too low. I have also added a pressure reducing valve and a flow restrictor to the RO feed line to the reactor. That prevents kalk from being added too quickly. I have used a direct RO connection for years without problems because I always have redundancy to prevent free-flow in a switch or valve failure.
