Question on Apex Controller Energy Bar

[Snoopdog]

I ordered my first Apex controller last week, this is my first time using anything like this. I see it has 8 outlets on the energy bar, which seems like a lot but I already have over that many devices. Should I plug things that are not mission critical to control into another power strip? This is what I have already. It is amazing how quickly you are adding new things.


1) Skimmer
2) Light 1
3) Light 2
4) Fan
5) Heater
6) Power head
7) Pump 1
8) Pump 2
9) Sump pump
10) Refugium Pump
11) Refugium Light
12) ATO pump

 

[FFFishy]

Hi @Snoopdog and welcome to the interesting world of Apex! You'll hear a few opinions on this. I would suggest that you purchase another EB832 and bring your 'outlet count' up to 16. It's surprising how many things we plug-in. On my largest system, I have four of the EB832s.

Also consider what you would like to accomplish with your Apex:

1. Heater Safety -- plug in the heater
2. Feed Mode -- probably plug-in several pumps
3. Maintenance Mode -- probably plug-in your ATO
4. Lights on Timers -- lots of lights to plug-in
5. Automatically turn-on a cooling fan -- plug that in too

You can get started with 8 outlets, then expand as you get more familiar with the system.

Good Luck!

 

[SuncrestReef]

Devices that you want the Apex to control will need to be plugged into the EB. Looking at your list, it's unclear what some of the pumps do and whether you would need to control them with the Apex. Same with the lights...do they have their own controller?

Things that could definitely benefit from Apex control are your skimmer, fan, heater, powerhead, and possibly the ATO depending on if you want to sense water levels. It's nice to have devices react to temperature, or to shut things down during feed modes.

Since you're new to the Apex, take a look at my Apex tutorial series: https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/authors/suncrestreef.93940/

 

[Snoopdog]

Devices that you want the Apex to control will need to be plugged into the EB. Looking at your list, it's unclear what some of the pumps do and whether you would need to control them with the Apex. Same with the lights...do they have their own controller?

Things that could definitely benefit from Apex control are your skimmer, fan, heater, powerhead, and possibly the ATO depending on if you want to sense water levels. It's nice to have devices react to temperature, or to shut things down during feed modes.

Since you're new to the Apex, take a look at my Apex tutorial series: https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/authors/suncrestreef.93940/

The more I think about it, the more I think I am fine. The two flow pumps should just stay on, so should the main pump in the sump. The powerhead has it's own controller set on random. The lights are Red Sea 90's and they are on their own schedule controller through an app. The refugium pump and light will always be on, that eliminates two more.