Apex install Nightmare

[DiverGirl82]

I've got the converter for my Jebao pumps coming from Amazon tomorrow. I'm glad I didn't get it today. I couldn't handle that too. I may even wait a few days to install it. Crap, I just realized I don't know if I need another neptune module for that. I just assumed the converter plugs right into the eb8 port. I'll have to research that.

 

[cb684]

It does. Don't worry about that.

 

[DiverGirl82]

It does. Don't worry about that.

Awesome, thank you

 

[cb684]

It gets easier...

 

[DiverGirl82]

Yikes, that's info overload. :)

 

[KritikaL]

It gets easier...

haha that is ridiculous!

 

[cb684]

haha that is ridiculous!

I know... Right?

 

[acesfull44]

Currently working on organizing my set up. I also have the Jebao Converters coming this week. Hope all goes well, as I feel this Apex unit can be overwhelming most of the time, but I'm lucky in that my LFS owner who helps me is an electrical engineer[emoji2]

 

[Sabellafella]

It gets easier...

Dude wthell is that

 

[Sabellafella]

I have 3 different systems all running about 4 mods each still doesnt compare to that ,what are you running a reef hotel

 

[KritikaL]

I have 3 different systems all running about 4 mods each still doesnt compare to that ,what are you running a reef hotel

the ocean............... :D

 

[Sabellafella]

the ocean............... :D

Really tho not to get off topic, thats awesome , your only dosing 15ml tho , this a 90 gal?

 

[cb684]

Really tho not to get off topic, thats awesome , your only dosing 15ml tho , this a 90 gal?

There are 5 separate systems plus the backup generator lines on the same apex (or at least that is the plan and the outlets are already in the system). Three reef tanks one koi pond and one freshwater planted discus tank. The 15 mL dosing is in a 200 gal new system that I am slowly decreasing alk (there is just a couple of frags and fish there). The main system is a 400 + gal with two displays: one 300 gal and one 100 gal, and the 70 gal sump (each display and the sump are all in different rooms so that means multiple energy bars for each of the tanks. For that system I am dosing about 120 mL alk + 120 mL Ca). And then there is also the new small (30 gal display 20 gal sump) LPS tank. The koi pond (14,000 gal) and the generator lines are still not controlled but are on my plans and as I said the energy bars for those are already in the system. For those, because of the size of the pumps (2 x 3/4 hp) and the UV (400w) and the 20-30amp lines (generator) I still need to get the solid state relays.

 

[chaoha]

Well my Apex is coming Thursday. I was hoping to do the install this weekend. I've already read the setup guide and watched a bunch of YouTube videos and it still makes little sense to me. I've asked my wife for help she does all the I T at work. I think I'll get some alcohol before I start. If it goes well I can celebrate if not have a couple of beers and try another day. Wish me luck

 

[DiverGirl82]

Currently working on organizing my set up. I also have the Jebao Converters coming this week. Hope all goes well, as I feel this Apex unit can be overwhelming most of the time, but I'm lucky in that my LFS owner who helps me is an electrical engineer[emoji2]

Just curious, what's that big thing on the bottom?

 

[acesfull44]

Just curious, what's that big thing on the bottom?

The "brains" of my Zetlight 6600-A! [emoji2]

 

[zach_discus]

Set up is very trying to say the least. I ended up paying another local reefer to do mine. Was either that or I was going to chuck it out the window!!

3eb8s
2VDMs
Jebao breakout
plus ATO and Dosing pump

Still havnt organized my rats nest

 

[bevo5]

THat photo is giving me a panic attack. Holy hell man - get some zip ties!

 

[ksfulk]

I dont think its that bad, really. Its frustrating because we get an expensive box of goodies and want it to work RIGHT NOW! Which is expected, but I think there are a few things that you can do to lessen the anxiety.

1.) DONT unplug everything from your tank right away. Move things over to the Apex once you understand what its doing for you, whether thats replacing timers, activating outlets or monitoring paramters.

2.) Update your firmware FIRST (dont even attempt to route cords or open all the other shinies!)

3.) Work through the bits and pieces one at a time. Dont plug in all of the modules at once... you'll get sensory overload. Plug in your EB8, work with that first, then at pH, etc ,etc

4.) Use Fusion. The little screen that comes with the Apex is great for seeing what the temp is or starting a feed mode, but its crap for everything else. Use Fusion. Setting modules/timers/feeders/etc is SOOOO much easier this way. Have a light? Open the outlet and set it to "Light". Now you only have to add in what time you want the lights on and what time you want it off. Easy. Have a feeder - same deal. Make use of the presets first, then you can always go back and change them later and add in more descriptive and intricate programming.

5.) Name it all! Change the outlets to be labeled how you will identify things. Grabbing a label maker and labeling the EB8s and /or power cords can help troubleshooting immensely. If you dont have something plugged into the outlet, I leave the label alone. Once I realized that AMP_3 was the EB8 that corresponded to Outlet_3_7, then the system became easier. I now know that Outlet_3_7 is the 3rd outlet on the bottom row of the EB8 that corresponds to AMP_3 in my Fusion window.

6.) Watch your graphs and the output log! These tell you what is happening in your system. Did your light come on at 8am like you told Apex to? Check the log! Thats how you know. I see that my AMP_3 (which has my 800w heater on it) has intervals that correspond to the spikes in my temperature chart. Its these correlations that let me know what I want the Apex to do, its doing.

7.) Take advantage of the forums. Either here or where ever you are comfortable. Say, "Hey, I want my Apex to make my lights do "this". What do you do?" I'd bet you'll have the answers in no time.

 

[DiverGirl82]

+1 on #1. My friend offered to come over and cut the holes in my board for me this morning so I figured I might as well get it done. So I had to undo the whole thing. This time I left all the vital stuff plugged into the old power strip and took my time. One thing at a time. I have to say it went so much smoother. I still went ahead and bypassed the probe calibration step for now. I think this was enough for today so I'll do that tomorrow.

Looks a bit better with most of the excess cord hidden behind the board. I also looped and twist tied most of them. It was a hot mess before.