Neptune Systems Apex AquaController Base Unit, Display, pH & Temp Probe, EB8 For Sale -

Neptune Systems Apex AquaController Base Unit, Display, pH & Temp Probe, EB8

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Neptune Systems Apex AquaController Base Unit, Display, pH & Temp Probe, EB8:
$617.59


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APEX Aquarium Controller

The Apex System is the best-value aquarium controller on the market today. Dollar for dollar you will not find a higher-quality controller that gives you more features, is easier to use, or has a larger and more active user base than the Apex.

The Apex System comes complete with:

  • Apex Base Unit
  • Energy Bar 8 (or Energy Bar 6 if Intl.)
  • Apex Display Module
  • Long-life Temperature Probe
  • Standard pH Probe


The Apex Base Unit -It All Begins with the Brain

The Apex Base Unit is basically the brains of your entire Apex System. The Apex Base Unit (ABU) is far different than from what any other controller at this price level is offering. The ABU is basically a small computer whose only job is take care of your aquarium. It has a 32-bit microprocessor and a built-in web server. The web server makes it possible for your to configure and operate your Apex from any network-connected computer or mobile device – no software to install on a PC – it also means it’s Mac compatible!

The Apex runs at up to 10x the speed of other controllers in its class due to its advanced processor technology (most others use 8 or 16 bit microcontrollers). It also has enough memory on board to store many month’s worth of complete tank data in non-volatile RAM. Even with a power outage, your tank history and all configurations are safe.

Built-in Internet Connectivity

The Apex Base Unit is Internet-ready straight out of the box. Just plug it into your router and you are good to go – no software to install! This means that you can control your tank from any computer (or mobile device) in the house. There is no need, ever, to connect it directly to a computer to monitor your aquarium or update its firmware. And, once you set up external access via port-forwarding on your router, you can easily access your Apex from anywhere in the world via a web browser or via our iOS or Androidapps!

And, with Internet Connectivity, the Apex can be configured so that you will get an email or text message whenever something is not quite right with your system – whether that is an over-temperature condition in your tank, the pH is out of whack, or there’s a leak on the floor!


Best Software Available on Any Aquarium Controller

Hands down, the Apex has the most feature-rich, field tested software of any controller on the market today. It all starts with the onboard web server inside the Apex Base Unit. This web server is part of the Apex’s firmware and is truly the secret sauce to it’s success.

Not tech savvy, no worries

Built-in wizards allow even the most technophobic person out there to be able to program the basics like light timers and heater control in a matter of minutes. Then, as you build up confidence and engage the awesome Apex Community Forum, you will be taking it to the next level in no time.

Uber Reef Geek, we have you covered as well

The Apex has a powerful yet easy to learn programming language. This enables every user to get creative and come up with new cool ways to use their Apex…from creating storms in their tanks, to complex dosing of additives, to unique mixing of colors on their DIY LED lights. The possibilities are pretty much only limited by your imagination. And again, the Apex Community Forum is out there to help you along as well.

Graphs, Graphs, Graphs!

The Apex has a full-featured graphing engine built right in. As an example, you can very easily compare the cycles of your outlets with temperature and pH, identify ongoing patterns of trouble, and even discover ways to cut costs like being able to visually see when two external devices (such as a heater and a chiller) are on simultaneously when they really shouldn’t be.

Going Mobile? The Apex did!

The Apex is the only controller on the market that has manufacturer-written, full-featured applications for the computer browser (Mac or PC), iPhone, iPad, and Android phones and tablets (currently available as a beta). Now you can take your Apex with you anywhere and check in on your tank, reprogram your lights, or even feed your fish remotely from the touch of your phone!

Complete Aquarium Monitoring right out of the box

The Apex Base Unit is equipped with the following monitoring ports:

    • Temperature Port
    • pH Port
    • pH/ORP Port (can be used for either – a feature unique to the Apex)
    • 6 – I/O switch inputs (for use with leak detectors, door switches, feed buttons, ATO, etc.)
Let’s Talk About A Little Thing Called Galvanic Isolation

This is a topic other controller companies like to avoid. Why? Because not all monitoring ports are created equal. Galvanic Isolation is key to getting accurate readings on pH, Temp, ORP, and Conductivity. Some controllers either do not do it well (they are still figuring it out) or possibly not at all.

So what is Galvanic isolation? Well, the tech-answer is that it’s where two or more electric circuits must communicate, but their grounds may be at different potentials. It is an effective method of breaking ground loops by preventing unwanted current from flowing between two units sharing a ground conductor.

Now of course that is all geek-speak to most of us so let’s just put it this way: on a controllerwithout galvanic isolation, your readings of pH, Temperature, ReDox (ORP), Conductivity/Salinity, etc. will be completely inaccurate. Of course it costs us more to add this circuitry into the Apex, but what good is a controller if it doesn’t give you accurate readings?


LED Dimming and Tunze Pump Control

The Apex Base Unit comes standard with four channels of 0-10V control. These outputs are controlled in the Apex software and are most commonly used for LED dimming or Tunze speed control pumps. By using one of our optionally available cables, you can connect any Apex Ready 0-10V device to these ports. This means you can do cool things like have your LED lights ramp up and down to simulate sunrise and sunset!

They can also be used for various DIY purposes like controlling the dimming level on Meanwell LED drivers. Should you need additional channels of 0-10V control, no problem, simply purchase our VDM module and get four more – and also get a connection for Apex Ready+ LEDs!

Tunze Pumps & LED Lights are sold separately and are NOT included with this package.

External 12V Power Capability – UPS Ready!

The Apex Base Unit comes with an external 12V power input. With an optionally available wall transformer and a second Energy Bar, this enables you to configure your Apex for power-outage mode. You just plug the 12V transformer into your Apex and then into a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) along with your extra Energy Bar. You then plug a powerhead and an air pump with stone into this Energy Bar. If the power should ever go down, your Apex will sense the problem, and will activate the powerhead and air stone potentially saving the day for your fish and corals!

The Energy Bar

So Much More Than Just a Power Strip!

The Energy Bars available for our Apex systems are much more than a glorified power strip. In fact, this component of your aquarium controller equipment is far more important than most people realize – and not all systems are created equal!

It is obvious that this component is key to controlling things on your aquarium, but what is not so apparent is how it is critical to preventing catastrophe in your aquarium. Here’s how.

Let’s Start with Construction

We have put a lot of thought into the construction of our Energy Bars. Unlike our competitors and simple power strips, our Energy Bars are made out of 16 gauge, powder-coated aluminum. They are built to be bullet proof – almost literally!

Sure, like our competitors we could have gone with a slick, inexpensive plastic enclosure, but that would not provide you with the best protection against catastrophic failure. You see, plastic timer powerstrips and power bars used by some of our competitors can easily catch fire should saltwater enter them and cause a short. With our solid metal Energy Bars, if such a short did occur, it would be far less likely to spread to the tank or your home.

Controlled Outlets

Each of the independently controlled outlets on the Energy Bar are independently switched and easily carry the current load specified on the label. In fact, we intentionalunderrateour outlets just to provide that extra level of security. So, depending on which Energy Bar you purchase, each outlet is rated from 5A to 10A at 120V AC or 8A on our 240V European model.

Current Sensing Device

The Energy Bars continually send their information on their present current drain to the Apex controller. This is incredibly useful information for a number of reasons. First, it enables you to recognize what the overall power consumption is on any Energy Bar so that you can better distribute the load across your multiple Energy Bars. Also by having this feature you can accurately determine the power utilization of your tank to compare different lights, pumps, skimmers, etc. (Not supported on Energy Bar 6)

Soft-Start Extends the Life of Pumps

Imagine revving the engine in your car and dropping the shifter from P to D. That is exactly what happens when many controllers turn on the power to your pumps. Just like in a car, this kind of instantaneous application of power to your return pump after a feed cycle or to your power heads will certainly lead to early failure. With the Energy Bar, power is slowly ramped on so that every motor is safely brought up to speed without the damaging torque.

Power Failure Detection, Communication Error Protection and Pre-programmed Failsafe State

Each Energy Bar outlet can be configured to be either in an off or on state if the power were to fail and then come back on or if there was a communication failure with the Apex base unit. This means that if, for instance, your heater was on when the power went off, you could have it programmed to be off until control was reestablished with the Apex base unit. Or, as another example, you could program your main return pump to always be in the on position in case of failure.

This feature is very important as many other controllers on the market may leave the outlet in its last position or possibly default all of the outlets to off or on. This is even true if they simply lose communication with their base unit due to a system failure, software bug, communication issue, lightning strike, etc. Not good. Imagine if you were away from home and a storm took out your Apex – the Energy Bar would just fall back to the Failsafe state you had programmed for such an incident. No worries.

One additional advanced feature is that when you use an additional Energy Bar on a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) you can have key lifesaving devices (low power power heads and bubblers) on there that will automatically go into their Failsafe State once power failure is detected. This can keep your tank alive and healthy for hours on a good UPS until the power comes back online. This will run completely unattended and is ideal to give you peace of mind when you are away from home whether out for the evening or on a two-week cruise!

It is easy to see the importance of this one small feature that differentiates the Neptune Systems Energy Bars from the rest and how once again Neptune Systems is looking out for every possible way for you to avoid catastrophe in your aquarium.

Extra AquaBus Connections

Each Energy Bar has additional connectors so that you can easily expand to other modules. This is very helpful for those that want to use one Apex to control multiple aquariums. The Energy Bar becomes an AquaBus “hub” at any location you choose – allowing you to connect more modules in that area. This is called a “star topology” and is unique to the Apex. Many other controllers require you to daisy chain together every module or they require you to buy a separate “hub” to connect everything together.


Display Module

The Apex Display module is a sleek and compact way for your to interact with the Apex Base Unit and control nearly every aspect of your Aquarium.

Mechanical, not membranekeypad

Our Display Module uses high-quality, mechanical buttons. So what you say? Well many devices out there make use of what are called capacitive touch pads. This type of membrane button is just fine for your toaster oven, but in a saltwater environment it is highly susceptible to failure. So, even though the cost to us was higher, we went with mechanical buttons for our Display Module ensuring your product a much longer life.

Adjustable contrast, high-resolution,
backlit graphic display

While some may tout the importance of a color display, we disagree. We believe the most important thing for our customers is ease in readability and size of the display. What good is a color display if it is barely larger than a postage stamp. That is why we went with the backlit graphical display we did. It was the perfect match of function and value for our customers.

Built-In Speaker Plays Multiple Alarm Tones

Inside the Apex Display Module is a tiny speaker with a big heart. This speaker will play one of many alarm sounds and tunes that are built into the Apex. These alarms are perfect to alert you of a water leak, over temp, or whatever you condition you desire to program into the Apex.

Multiple Display Module Capability

With the Apex Display Module you are not limited to having just one control panel. With the Apex (as an option) you can add one, two, even three control panels all to the same Apex. And, these are not watered down, smaller versions of the main control panel, all modules will have the same display and functionality.


Probes

The Apex System comes with two probes:Long-life Temperature Probe

Neptune Systems manufactures their own temperature probes in-house, because Neptune temperature probes use a proprietary method that encapsulates the business end of the probe itself from the corrosive effects of long term saltwater submersion.

Standard Grade pH Probe

Neptune Systems tested many probes until they selected a manufacturer that would provide long life as well as consistent and accurate performance. Neptune Systems does not cut corners on the probes they supply. They may cost a little more than the bargain-basement probes you might see out on the open market, but there is a difference.

Other Probes Available

The Apex System can be fitted with two pH probes or one pH Probe and one ORP (Redox) probe.

Get an Apex System Today!

With the Neptune Systems Apex AquaController you will be able to not only monitor what is happening in your tank, but you will also have 100% control while at home, or away, and you have the control to do something about it remotely! This Apex System comes complete with:

  • Apex Base Unit
  • Apex Display Module
  • EnergyBar 8
  • pH Probe, Standard Grade
  • Ethernet Cable
  • USB Cable
  • Apex Temperature Probe, Extended Life
Comparing the Apex Jr. to the Apex and Apex Lite
If you're trying to decide between the Apex, Apex Jr. & Apex Lite it is mostly a question of how many ports and what types of ports come with each version. The Apex Jr. comes with two AquaBus ports, an Ethernet port, a Temperature Probe port and four outlets. The Apex Lite comes with an AquaBus port (which connects to the EnergyBar8 with 6 ports), an Ethernet port, a Temperature Probe port, eight outlets (on the EnergyBar8), plus the Cntl RJ11 port, I/O MDin 8 & pH BNC ports. This Apex has everything the Apex Lite has with the addition of the ORP/pH2 BNC port and the V1/V2 & V3/V4 ports. Additionally, it comes with a Standard Grade pH probe.Features:Kessil A360W Integration
This Apex AquaController works seamlessly with the Kessil A360W LED Light. You will NOT need to purchase the VDM for this to work. However, you will need to purchase a Kessil Apex Controller Cable. 6 Digital Inputs
The Apex Lite 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 Lite can be configured to signal alarms or turn on/off appliances in the event of external switch open or closure.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
Built-in Ethernet
  • Integrated Ethernet port
  • Most advanced web server available
  • Interactive 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
  • RSS and XML Support
Alternate power port on Apex Lite 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
Very simple menu driven configuration
  • Menus to easily setup pumps, lights, heater, chiller, co2, etc
  • No programming required for configuration
  • Outlets can be renamed for easier use
  • Can be configured through optional LCD Display or a standard web browser
  • An enhanced AquaController programming language is available for total control
  • Sophisticated non standard control available
  • Virtual Outlets allow even more complex control options
Monitor/Control - pH, Temp
The base unit includes software which is capable of monitoring pH, and temperature. 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, which guarantees future expandability
  • Over 8 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 have an user configured period in which both the on and off times are fully programmable and can range from 1 second to 999 minutes. 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).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)
Compact Size Base Unit
  • 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
  • Compact size 3.40" x 4.05" x 0.65"
  • Mounting holes for easy attachment to wall/stand


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