Apex Coding Help

MichaelReefer · 2026-08-04T10:39:57-0400

I added a float valve to my Protein Skimmer and I'm having issues getting it to work...

I have it hooked to my SW1 breakout box.

I named SW1 "Skimme" because "Skimmer" didnt fit. I'm really bad at this Apex coding... so appreciate any help.

The Ugly Phase · 2026-08-04T10:40:45-0400

u tried chatgpt?

MichaelReefer · 2026-08-04T10:42:53-0400

The Ugly Phase said:
u tried chatgpt?

I actually called Apex and this is what he told me to put, he said to try "Open and close" depending on the float valve, neither did anything.

areefer01 · 2026-08-04T10:54:02-0400

You added it inside the cup? I do not use a float/sensor on my cup but maybe the thread below can help. Some of the AI platforms can help with code but my advise is to test it first while also using Neptune's comprehensive manual. It will list out the commands with examples so you can also double check what was provided.

Also if you have a ticket with Neptune continue that course as well. They will get you sorted out.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/apex-float-switch-help.894481/post-9932887

A_Blind_Reefer · 2026-08-04T10:55:24-0400

If skimmer open then off

Or

If skimmer closed then off

Depending if the switch is normally open or closed. With almost all float type sensors, one can pop the c-clip, remove the float, flip it over and reinstall it to change from open to close.

The outlet must be in the auto position as well

A_Blind_Reefer · 2026-08-04T11:11:10-0400

For instance, I put a dual float sensor in my skimmer. The upper float is named “MtSkmr”, I created a virtual outlet named “Empty Skimmer”.

The virtual outlet was made as if I were to just use the sensor open/closed, it’s possible to create an on/off cycle as the float bounces. The virtual outlet has a defer command which eliminates the float bouncing problem.

My skimmer program:

Fallback ON
Set ON
Defer 007:00 Then ON
If Output ReturnPump = OFF Then OFF
If Output PumpFailure = ON Then OFF
If Output EmptySkimmer = ON Then OFF
If Output VSkimReset = ON Then OFF
If Time 11:00 to 11:05 Then OFF

The virtual outlet program for the upper float:

Set OFF
If MtSkmr OPEN Then ON
Defer 001:00 Then ON

MichaelReefer · 2026-08-04T11:23:30-0400

I took the fallback and set out of it, do I maybe need those then? I want it on 24/7, I just need it to shut off when the cup fills.

A_Blind_Reefer · 2026-08-04T11:34:04-0400

MichaelReefer said:
I took the fallback and set out of it, do I maybe need those then? I want it on 24/7, I just need it to shut off when the cup fills.

Fallback is if you wish it to be on/off if there is a communication failure. I want the oxygenation going even if there’s a comm problem so I have fallback on.

Set on tells it that you want the outlet on unless any of the conditions are met. Without the set on, the skimmer would not turn back on after the condition was met (skimmer cup full) and then remedied (emptying the skimmer cup).

Also, with skimmer foam, if you don’t go the virtual outlet route, the float can rise and fall in the foam cycling the skimmer on and off and on and off. That’s what the defer is for in the virtual outlet. The float must be tripped for a solid minute for it to shut off the skimmer.

MichaelReefer · 2026-08-04T11:36:35-0400

A_Blind_Reefer said:
Fallback is if you wish it to be on/off if there is a communication failure. I want the oxygenation going even if there’s a comm problem so I have fallback on.

Set on tells it that you want the outlet on unless any of the conditions are met. Without the set on, the skimmer would not turn back on after the condition was met (skimmer cup full) and then remedied (emptying the skimmer cup).

Also, with skimmer foam, if you don’t go the virtual outlet route, the float can rise and fall in the foam cycling the skimmer on and off and on and off. That’s what the defer is for in the virtual outlet. The float must be tripped for a solid minute for it to shut off the skimmer.

I put the float switch in, and messed with the float switch both pushing it up and releasing it and it didnt make any effect on it. So what would be the best way to code it? Because what is in there now isnt working at all?

A_Blind_Reefer · 2026-08-04T11:40:55-0400

MichaelReefer said:
I put the float switch in, and messed with the float switch both pushing it up and releasing it and it didnt make any effect on it. So what would be the best way to code it? Because what is in there now isnt working at all?

First things first. Is the skimmer outlet in “auto”