What do I need for my Apex Neptune?

[Alaskan1776]

I got a used Apex A2 and EB832 power bar from my dad who quit the hobby but it came with no accessories. I am setting up my first tank and want to use it, but I am unsure what probes and such I need.
I got an aquabus cable so I can set it up. I know I want to get a temp probe to help manage my inkbird and heater but other than that what do I really need? Trying to keep it decently simple. Just the basics. If I didn't get the apex for free I definitely wouldn't have bought one. I appreciate any input or advice you guys have to give.

 

[BryanM]

Temp and PH probes is what I used with mine.

 

[Chuck_e]

Temp & pH probes for me. No Trident.

But, lots of optical sensors - high & low levels in my ATO Reservoir, high level sensors in my sump & display tank, leak detection sensors under my display tank & sump. For me, that's the real power and benefits. These are all managed by Flow Management Modules, and programs will either control pumps or send alerts, or both. The low level sensor in my sump triggers the ATO, which is a Neptune PMUP plugged into one of the 24v outlets on the 832. The low level sensor in my ATO Reservoir triggers my RODI, and I also use two solenoid valves on the RODI to switch the flow from drain to the reservoir after the initial flush. The solenoid valves are controlled by a 1-Link Module. Is all this necessary? It depends. I travel a lot, and this level of automation allows me to be away without having to worry about "routine" operations...

 

[rtparty]

Temp probe is plenty. If you’re not going to do anything for pH - like dose high pH additives - I see no reason in tracking it.

 

[Alaskan1776]

Temp & pH probes for me. No Trident.

But, lots of optical sensors - high & low levels in my ATO Reservoir, high level sensors in my sump & display tank, leak detection sensors under my display tank & sump. For me, that's the real power and benefits. These are all managed by Flow Management Modules, and programs will either control pumps or send alerts, or both. The low level sensor in my sump triggers the ATO, which is a Neptune PMUP plugged into one of the 24v outlets on the 832. The low level sensor in my ATO Reservoir triggers my RODI, and I also use two solenoid valves on the RODI to switch the flow from drain to the reservoir after the initial flush. The solenoid valves are controlled by a 1-Link Module. Is all this necessary? It depends. I travel a lot, and this level of automation allows me to be away without having to worry about "routine" operations...

That all sounds really cool. I'm not sure I need all that yet but it is definitely something to work towards. Though I'm not sure I'll have my rodi setup to auto refill my ato. Never seen that before but it is really dang cool

 

[Alaskan1776]

Temp probe is plenty. If you’re not going to do anything for pH - like dose high pH additives - I see no reason in tracking it.

Im not sure what I'll be dosing if anything at all. I'm going fish only for probably a few months, then I will get gsp, zoas, a candy cane or trumpet, and maybe an acan or mushroom. That's pretty much it. After about 6 months I'll try some hammers and torches once I think I can keep them alive. I don't know if I will need to dose anything with that stock list. My tank is only a 20g so I won't be stocking it with a ton of coral. Probably 15-20 total

 

[Kooma]

I got mine with a tank I bought. I’m in the same boat, probably wouldn’t buy one if I didn’t get it basically free.

I have a temp and ph probe. I use mine for power monitoring and will be setting up more for it.

I got the unit, power bar, auto feeder, a DOS unit, two FMM boxes, 3 flat surface water sensors, and a breakout box for custom stuff.

I use my temp to set an upper limit on my inkbird. I want to add another heater to the power bar and set a low setting if the inkbird fails off.

I use the PH to judge the ventilation in our house. When I’m below 8.0, I like to have the HRV come on and ventilate the house for a few hours. I’ve love to set this up so it’s triggered by the apex.

 

[Alaskan1776]

I got mine with a tank I bought. I’m in the same boat, probably wouldn’t buy one if I didn’t get it basically free.

I have a temp and ph probe. I use mine for power monitoring and will be setting up more for it.

I got the unit, power bar, auto feeder, a DOS unit, two FMM boxes, 3 flat surface water sensors, and a breakout box for custom stuff.

I use my temp to set an upper limit on my inkbird. I want to add another heater to the power bar and set a low setting if the inkbird fails off.

I use the PH to judge the ventilation in our house. When I’m below 8.0, I like to have the HRV come on and ventilate the house for a few hours. I’ve love to set this up so it’s triggered by the apex.

Temp and PH seem popular so I will get both of those. I've never used an apex before. I know they are smart but wasn't sure how. It's cool you can set the inkbird outlet to shut off at a temp threshold. A few years ago my brother's tank with over $2,000 worth of named torches (24k, dragon soul, NY Knicks and a few others I don't remember) got cooked from the heater getting stuck on while we were in Japan for a few weeks. It was attached to an inkbird but he never set it up on his apex. I will definitely learn from his mistake and set that up asap. The low sensor sounds nice too, though I don't quite understand how that would work. If the inkbird doesn't turn back on while powered, what can the apex do about that? Would it turn the outlet off and then back on to try and reset it?