First I will give some background, then the objective I would like to complete.
I have had saltwater tanks for over 20 years. My current system I setup 3+ years ago. I have never owned a controller. I never could justify the price. I am a DIY'er. I have built devices to control my tank. I can go over a month without seeing my tank and it will only need the glass cleaned. With the current system I built an ATO from relays and float switches. I have built custom electric box that shuts off AWC pumps if AWC reservoir runs low. All equipment is connected to Alex via smart plugs.
I have a friend shutting down his tank and I am getting all of his Apex equipment from him. Even with a discount I am thinking it is going to cost around $2000 to get everything setup. With that kind of expense I want to take my time and get everything setup the best it possible can be. I am looking for anyone who has used an Apex. What did you do the best? What would you do different? What do you wish you could do? Most importantly how would it be done?
The system
There are three locations; Tank1(T1), Tank2(T2), Fish Room(FR).
T1 is a 120 gallon tank. Under the stand is the sump for both tanks. All pumps and power heads are DC and vdc controllable. The only exception is the ATO pump. The current equipment is this area is: Lighting is Kessil AP700, Aquatic Life Hybrid Fixture(2 cords), dc variable speed fans, auto feeder that is usb powered and controlled. In the tank are 4 power heads. Under the tank is a DC return pump, Dc pump for reactor, Kessil H380, osmolator ATO, Skimmer, UV, and pwer head.
T2 is a 56 gallon tank. Lighting is Kessil AP700, Aquatic Life Hybrid Fixture(2 cords). In the tank are 4 power heads.
FR dc solenoid for RO system, DOS for AWC, DC pump for transferring and mixing water. I am thinking of getting 3 versa pump for my two part.
I am planning on building a control panel next to T1. I have a 10" non ad supported fire tablet ordered. It will go at the top. The Triton will probably be under it. I would like to have all the wires in an enclosure but easy to access. I will have the head unit located here also. I want to put a couple of action buttons on the outside. one for feed, one to shut pumps off for maintenance and one to reset everything. I want to get rid of all the pump controls and have the apex control their speed. All are 3 wire so they should be easy enough to make connecting wires.
In the fish room I am going to put 3 5 gallon two part containers. Should I put low level sensors or does the apex keep a volume count and notify me when low?
I am not sure of everything I have coming but I know I have at lest this
Full apex
triton
EB8
EB832
DOS
ATK
Apex display
10" Fire Tablet
I know everything gets connected with Aqua bus cables. I know that different modules have different connectors. I am look to map the system out so I can figure out what modules I need in addition to what I have.
I am open to all comments and suggestions
I have had saltwater tanks for over 20 years. My current system I setup 3+ years ago. I have never owned a controller. I never could justify the price. I am a DIY'er. I have built devices to control my tank. I can go over a month without seeing my tank and it will only need the glass cleaned. With the current system I built an ATO from relays and float switches. I have built custom electric box that shuts off AWC pumps if AWC reservoir runs low. All equipment is connected to Alex via smart plugs.
I have a friend shutting down his tank and I am getting all of his Apex equipment from him. Even with a discount I am thinking it is going to cost around $2000 to get everything setup. With that kind of expense I want to take my time and get everything setup the best it possible can be. I am looking for anyone who has used an Apex. What did you do the best? What would you do different? What do you wish you could do? Most importantly how would it be done?
The system
There are three locations; Tank1(T1), Tank2(T2), Fish Room(FR).
T1 is a 120 gallon tank. Under the stand is the sump for both tanks. All pumps and power heads are DC and vdc controllable. The only exception is the ATO pump. The current equipment is this area is: Lighting is Kessil AP700, Aquatic Life Hybrid Fixture(2 cords), dc variable speed fans, auto feeder that is usb powered and controlled. In the tank are 4 power heads. Under the tank is a DC return pump, Dc pump for reactor, Kessil H380, osmolator ATO, Skimmer, UV, and pwer head.
T2 is a 56 gallon tank. Lighting is Kessil AP700, Aquatic Life Hybrid Fixture(2 cords). In the tank are 4 power heads.
FR dc solenoid for RO system, DOS for AWC, DC pump for transferring and mixing water. I am thinking of getting 3 versa pump for my two part.
I am planning on building a control panel next to T1. I have a 10" non ad supported fire tablet ordered. It will go at the top. The Triton will probably be under it. I would like to have all the wires in an enclosure but easy to access. I will have the head unit located here also. I want to put a couple of action buttons on the outside. one for feed, one to shut pumps off for maintenance and one to reset everything. I want to get rid of all the pump controls and have the apex control their speed. All are 3 wire so they should be easy enough to make connecting wires.
In the fish room I am going to put 3 5 gallon two part containers. Should I put low level sensors or does the apex keep a volume count and notify me when low?
I am not sure of everything I have coming but I know I have at lest this
Full apex
triton
EB8
EB832
DOS
ATK
Apex display
10" Fire Tablet
I know everything gets connected with Aqua bus cables. I know that different modules have different connectors. I am look to map the system out so I can figure out what modules I need in addition to what I have.
I am open to all comments and suggestions