Here are some current photos of the tank. It’s getting there…slowly by surely. Lights are all hooked up. What you see in the photos are just the metal halides running. Aquascape still not done, I have about 20 more lbs to add. I’m not sure I like it, still need more caves and passageways. Most of my corals are still in the frag tank waiting to be transferred, once the liverock is set.
I’m looking at getting a new aqua controller to monitor and control my setup. Right now I have a Neptune System AC junior that’s controlling the old tank. It works great, but I need something with more functionality. I’d like the ability to monitor 2 ph probes, have a built-in webserver, control pumps, and switch more than 12 outlets. There’s alot of choices out there that can do these things. Some have the ability built in and some require you purchase add on modules. The controllers I have been eyeing up are the Profilux, Digital Aquatics Elite, and Neptune Systems ACIII….until NOW! Neptune Systems just introduced there latest controller, the APEX. Below is a picture of their flyer w/ a short description. The best part of it is that is includes almost all of the things I want at a lower price that everyone else out there. Also, it looks way cool!
Connectivity
Ethernet Interface
Embedded Web Server
Only controller with web browser Monitoring, Control & Configuration.
Email Alarms
Expandability
Most expandable Controller.
Up to 240 modules, hundreds of probes, and thousands of controlled outlets.
Simple menu driven Configuration
No program language knowledge required.
Robust Timers
Simulates Sunrise/sunset
Simulates moon cycle
Wave Maker and Random timed cycles
Built-in Variable speed pump control
Still water feed mode (multiple modes)
Ultimate Control
Monitor/Control Temperature, pH, and ORP
Digital Calibration on all probes
Seasonal temp & lighting control
Flexible Control Options
Apex System
The Apex System delivers a professional quality controller at hobbyist prices.
Built-in Ethernet
Integrated Ethernet port
Most advanced web server available
Interactive flash graphing application in the web server
Interfaces with AquaNotes iPhone application
Compatible with all Major web browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari)
Only aquarium controller with web server monitoring, control, and configuration
Compatible with wireless bridges or game adapters (802.11x) so that wireless network communication is possible
Email or text message alarms
Email alarms or audible alarms when Energy Bar power fails
Interactive flash graphing application in the web server
Interfaces with AquaNotes iPhone application
RSS and XML Support
Very simple menu driven configuration
Menus to easily setup pumps, lights, heater, chiller, co2, etc
No programming required for configuration
Can name the outlets (unlike competing products)
Can be configured through LCD Display or a standard web browser
In advanced mode an enhanced AquaController programming language is available
Sophisticated non standard control available
Virtual Outlets allow even more complex control options
Monitor/Control – pH, Temp, and ORP
The base unit includes software which is capable of monitoring pH, ORP, and temperature. The ORP probe input is modal and can be used to either monitor ORP or monitor pH; the AquaController Apex can monitor 2 different pH sources simultaneously! The monitored data is continuously displayed on the large LCD display and also logged into the internal nonvolatile memory for later retrieval. All probes support digital calibration.
Galvanic isolation on probes
Galvanic isolation on the probes results much more reliable and accurate probe readings. While these features increase costs we feel that probe accuracy is absolutely critical for monitoring/controlling your tank, unlike many competing aquarium controllers.
State of the Art Electronics Integration
Only 32 bit processor on an Aquarium controller
Over 16 times more code space & 5X faster than competitive controllers
The huge code space means that future expandability is ensured
Over 16 times data storage memory than the competition
1 year’s worth of data logs can be stored internally
New Enhanced Control Functionality
Day of Week functionality
Sub minute control added on EnergyBar controlled devices
Default outlet state for all EnergyBar outlets
Second resolution control
Sunrise and Sunset Simulation
The Apex has a special control function which can be used to simulate the varying lengths of days throughout the year. This feature is used to make the length of daylight hours longer in the summer than in the winter. This results in a more realistic simulation of natural lighting variations.
Moon Cycle Simulation
The Apex has another special control function which can be used to simulate the moon cycle in your tank. The lunar simulator is used for this feature and is capable of varying the intensity of light emitted from its LEDs. The intensity variations are controlled by the Apex which is preprogrammed with correct intensity values for each day of the moon cycle. The Apex automatically updates the intensity value depending upon the current setting of the Apex’s clock. With this artificial moon cycle, it is possible to induce corals and fish to spawn.
WaveMaker
Each pump to be controlled can either have a random or fixed time period. Both the on and off times are fully programmable and can range from 1 minute to 4 hours in 1 minute increments. Up to 20 pumps can be controlled by one base unit. A variable length feed timer cycle can be initiated with the press of a button and will disable some or all of the pumps in the system (programmed by the user).
6 Digital Inputs
The Apex comes equipped with 6TTL level external inputs which can be used to activate/deactivate equipment in response to an external stimulus. Applications for these inputs include connection to water level float switches, water pressure and flow sensors, and water on the floor sensors. The Apex can be configured to signal alarms or turn on/off appliances in the event of external switch open or closure.
4 Integrated Variable Speed Ports
0 to 10V output interface
Can directly control up to 4 Tunze stream pumps (like AquaSurf)
Can dim ballasts with 0 to 10V interfaces (life some T5 ballasts)
Modular Expansion through AquaBus
High reliability protocol with robust error correction
Virtual unlimited expandability. The most expandable controller.
Plug and Play – AquaBus modules are automatically recognized and configured
Cable lengths over 200 feet
Expandable to 240 AquaBus modules
Add optional modules to monitor Hundreds of Probes
Add additional EnergyBars to control thousands of outlets
All AquaBus modules allow for easy firmware updates
Probe modules available (or in development) for additional Temperature, pH, ORP, Conductivity, and dissolved oxygen probes
Module firmware updates done through AquaBus. No need to disassemble controller, and individually update modules
Backward Compatibility
All AquaController 3 accessories work with the AquaController Apex. One major design consideration was to maintain backwards compatibility to protect existing customer’s investment in AquaController compatible equipment.
I/O port expansion backwards compatible with PX 1000
Compatible with the breakout box
Integrated control port – All control port accessories (DC8, DC4, DC4HD, AquaSurf, Lunar Sim)
AquaBus Features
Two AquaBus connectors for easy expansion, and flexible cabling options
Plug and Plug bus allows for modular expansion.
Updateable Firmware
Firmware updates via Ethernet
Flash memory so new features can be easily added
All AquaBus modules allow for easy firmware updates
No need to unplug/rewire devices to perform the firmware update (unlike the competition)
Alternate power port on Apex Base Unit
In power failure situations Alarm emails can still be sent
Can detect power failures in EnergyBars
Internal rechargeable backup battery retains clock
Graph probe/device data on the LCD display
Compact Size
7.5″ x 2.6″ x 1.10″
AquaDisplay Features
Sleek and Stylish case
7 mechanical buttons for speedy and flexible user interface
128 x 64 Graphical Backlight display
Displays datalog graphs
4 Highly customizable status displays
Placement of probe names and icons can be selected by user
Can scroll manually scroll between different status screens or automatically scroll through them
User adjustable contrast and backlight settings
Backlight can be dimmed at night.
User selectable tones/songs for different warning/error types
Multiple displays can be used on one system
All remote displays have the same functionality as the primary display
(i.e. can configure, graph, initiate feed cycles, etc. from all displays)Apex Systems Specification
Compact size 3.40″ x 4.05″ x 0.65″
Mounting holes for easy attachment to wall/stand
EnergyBar 8 Features
The EnergyBar 8 module features 8 independently controllable outlets. With power failure detection, active electrical current monitoring, and failsafe features make this power bar far better than any competing units.
8 independently controllable 120V Outlets (Max 5 Amps, total current must be less than 15 Amps)
Plug and Play
Built-in 6 Port hub so that accessories can be easily added
Less than $20.00 per controllable outlet (Best in Industry)
Active electrical current monitoring and logging
Fail-safe features. On communication failures outlets revert to user settable default settings
High reliability direct wired connection to the Apex System(does not use X10)
Completely Silent Operation on 6 of the solid state switched outlets
Two of the outlets use mechanical relays for switching
“Soft-Start” for reduced pump wear
Up to 240 EB8s can be daisy chained together for up to 1920 switched outlets
All 8 outlets independently controllable
Built-in circuit breaker.
4 Mounting Holes for easy installation
Compact custom aluminum enclosure (10.0″ x 3.75″ x 1.8″)
Also, they make an Iphone application that can remotely monitor and control your setup from anywhere! Here’s some pictures of my Iphone monitoring my bother in law’s tank. He’s running an ACIII. Now that’s slick!
Check out reefbuilders.com for more info.
I finally got around to building a light fixture. It’ll hold 2 metal halide pendants and 4 t5 supplemental lights. The t5s are powered by a Icecap 660 ballast with slr reflectors. The metal halides pendants, not shown, will be Sunlight Supply Lumenmax 250 hqi’s using IceCap 14k bulbs and ballasts. The fixture is roughly 4 feet wide by 22″ deep. 3/4″ square aluminum tubing and steel brackets from Home Depot were used in this build. The hanger system is from Current USA and allows the fixture to be lowered, if needed. I like how it turned out, has a very industrial feel to it. I’ll be building a hood to cover everything though, to keep the look clean. Here’s some pictures:
The tank’s circulation has finally started and the Bubble King is doing it’s thing. Here’s what it’s producing after a few hours. I had to dump it out twice while I was adjusting it. Nasty dark skimmate. Picture was taken via iphone.
Update 3-24
I’m running the skimmer wet right now, because there isn’t much in the tank, and I want everything sucked out of the water fast. Here’s a shot of a weeks worth of skimmate looks like.
Update 6-19-09, running drier now.
A Reverse Osmosis/ Deionization (RO/DI) unit is used to purify water, prior to its introduction into a reef tank. RO/DI water can be used to mix with salt and can also be used as top-off water. This is the purest form of water available to the hobbiest and is needed to prevent outbreaks of algae. Regular tap water has chemicals and impurities that will affect the tank adversely. In general, the RO portion of the system will remove 95% of the impurities in the water and the DI will remove the rest. Since I have low tds to begin with, all I need is a efficient RO unit. BTW, tds refers to ‘total disolved solids’ within water and is a good measure of how ‘clean’ your water is.
I decided on the Spectrapure MaxPure MPRO-300 RO unit. It produces 300gpd of water per day(provided your incoming water is 77 degrees and water pressure is 60psi). Since my house is on well water, both my water temperature (55 degrees) and water pressure are low(40-50psi). I was only getting about 24gpd with my old 75gpd rated RO/DI unit. After a short test, it looks like this unit will produce over 120gpd for me. Not bad at all! Pictures below.
Sediment filter, carbon prefilter, carbon filter, and 300gpd membrane. A nice added feature was the built-in pressure gauge.
Size matters! Compare the size of my old unit’s membrane (filmtec 75 gpd) and the Spectrapure’s 300 gpd unit.
Here’s the unit mounted on the wall of my fish room. I added a tds meter and it reads 0 tds!
Special thanks to Charles over at Spectrapure for answering all of my question! Here’s some links with more information:
