Using ChatGPT for Apex programming

[Bill_Moorman]

Morning everyone!

Just wanted to share that ChatGPT is able to provide programming lines for Apex. I've been out of the game for a while and was trying to program some things, and I was curious if ChatGPT would be able to do it, and it sure does! It will even provide an explanation of the programming. Always double check it before sending it to your system, but I wanted to share! I asked it to review my current programming for my Tunze ATO:

What Your Current Code Does:​

apex
CopyEdit
Fallback ON
Set ON
If Outlet ReturnPump = ON Then ON
If Outlet ReturnPump = OFF Then OFF

Meaning:​

• Allows power to the Tunze Osmolator only when the Return Pump is ON (normal tank operation).
• Disables power to the Osmolator if the Return Pump is OFF, like during maintenance or feed mode.
• Fails ON if Apex loses contact with the Energy Bar (this could be risky — see below).

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Why This Is Reasonable:​

• You don't want the Tunze running if the Return Pump is off (e.g., during water changes), since it might mistake the sump water level drop as evaporation and overfill the tank.
• This programming provides a basic safeguard against accidental over-top-off during those conditions.

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Suggested Improvements:​

1. Fail-Safe Fallback​

Change Fallback ON to Fallback OFF:


apex
CopyEdit
Fallback OFF

• Prevents the Osmolator from running if Apex loses control — avoids unmonitored top-offs.
• The Tunze has its own fail-safes, but you don’t want to blindly provide power in a controller failure.

2. Optional: Add Feed Mode Protection​

apex
CopyEdit
If FeedA 000 Then OFF

• Turns off the ATO during feed mode (if your Return Pump doesn’t already turn off then).
• Extra layer of protection during temporary water level changes in the sump.

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Recommended Final Program:​

apex
CopyEdit
Fallback OFF
Set ON
If Outlet ReturnPump = OFF Then OFF
If FeedA 000 Then OFF


You could also omit Set ON and just rely on the Return Pump condition:


apex
CopyEdit
Fallback OFF
If Outlet ReturnPump = ON Then ON

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Summary:​

Since you're using a Tunze Osmolator, your Apex outlet should:

• Only provide power when it’s safe (e.g., Return Pump running)
• Turn off during maintenance or sump water fluctuations
• Fail OFF if Apex loses communication

Let me know if you're using Neptune’s ATK instead, or if you'd like to log ATO activity through Apex too.

 

[Peace River]

Thanks for the tip! Now I need to check if it will help me dial in a few things on my Hydros!

 

[areefer01]

I've seen a few hobbyist using this with decent results. I would personally try things before implementing to make sure but I also do that with using the wizard or my own code.

I do not know where it is pulling its source material from but if it is using the comprehensive manual then we are good. The manual is a hidden gem.