[abcha0s]

I have a love hate relationship with my Neptune Apex Controllers. I love the features and what they are capable of, but I just don't trust them long term unattended. I haven't really had a problem - so to speak - but every now and then they do weird things.

My biggest complaint with the system has to be with the Triac based outlets (1-3, 5-7) on the EB8. I have had all kinds of problems with these outlets not properly shutting off. I engaged Neptune support about this and while they were responsive, they basically told me that I was crazy. Honestly - they just wouldn't believe the problems I was having. I did get this official response:

It is not the size of the load that determines whether or not the triac has trouble shutting it off. It is the power factor (how much current lags voltage), that causes the problem. Some inductive loads (motors) do no power factor correction and that is why the issue is mostly with small pumps. Larger pumps have power factor correction.

These are the ways to solve the problem:

• Plug an additional load (small light bulb/wall wart transformer/fan) in parallel with the load.
• Use a socket expansion box to control the device.
• Use a DC4 or DC4HD to control the device.

Now of course they have the EB4 which also solves this problem.

Anyways...

I have elected to use two Apex Controllers on my system. The Intent is such that if one fails, the other will continue to operate. The two systems are electrically isolated.

Any of the systems which would be deemed critical, should be split across the two controllers.

Controller A - Return Pump 1, Heater 1, Heater 2, Skimmer Pump 1, ATO 1, Auto Feeder 1
Controller B - Return Pump 2, Heater 3, Heater 4, Skimmer Pump 2, ATO 2, Auto Feeder 2

The following section documents the configuration and application of the Neptune Apex Controllers. Keep in mind that this is a work in progress. I will keep this page updated as the program is expanded and enhanced.

Please - If you see obvious errors or ways in which I could improve the code, please let me know.

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Neptune Systems Apex Controller - Primary
Attached Probes: Tank pH, Tank Temp, Tank Orp
Attached Modules: 2 x EB8, Breakout Box
Attached Switches: 6

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Profiles

Day-R

type:Pump
minIntensity: 40
maxIntensity: 100
sync: Enable
div10: Disable
intOffTime: 88
OnTime: 88
OffTime: 0

Day-L

type:Pump
minIntensity: 40
maxIntensity: 100
sync: Enable
div10: Disable
intOffTime: 0
OnTime: 88
OffTime: 88

Variable Speed Outlets

VS1_Tunze-L (VAR 1)

Set Day-L
If Time 00:00 to 23:59 Then Day-L
If FeedA 004 Then OFF

VS2_Tunze-R (VAR 2)

Set Day-R
If Time 00:00 to 23:59 Then Day-R
If FeedA 004 Then OFF

VS3_Wavebox (VAR 3)

Set OFF
Fallback OFF
If Outlet MorningCalm = ON Then ON

VarSpd4_I4 (VAR 4)

Not currently used

Variable Speed Outlets

SndAlm_I6

Set OFF

SndWrn_I7

Set OFF

EmailAlm_I5

Set OFF
If Temp > 82.0 Then ON
If Temp < 75.0 Then ON

Virtual Outlets - Used for programming

MorningCalm

Fallback OFF
Set OFF
If Time 04:00 to 10:00 Then ON

EB8 - Left Side of Tank

Skimmer-T1

Fallback ON
Set ON

Skimmer-T2

Fallback ON
Set ON

Pump-Pellets

Fallback ON
Set ON

Unused-4_4

Fallback ON
Set ON

Unused-4_5

Fallback ON
Set ON

Unused-4_6

Fallback ON
Set ON

Unused-4_7

Fallback ON
Set ON

Unused-4_8

Fallback ON
Set ON

EB8 - Right Side of Tank

Pump_ReturnL

Fallback ON
Set ON

Pump_ReturnR

Fallback ON
Set ON

Light_Temp

Fallback OFF
Set OFF
If Time 09:30 to 21:30 Then ON
If Temp > 82.0 Then OFF
Min Time 030:00 Then OFF

Light_Fuge

Fallback OFF
Set OFF
If Time 21:25 to 10:00 Then ON
If Temp > 81.0 Then OFF
Min Time 030:00 Then OFF

Heater1

Fallback OFF
If Temp < 77.8 Then ON
If Temp > 78.0 Then OFF

Heater2

Fallback OFF
If Temp < 77.8 Then ON
If Temp > 78.0 Then OFF

Heater3

Fallback ON
Set ON
If Temp < 77.8 Then ON
If Temp > 78.0 Then OFF

Heater4

Fallback ON
Set ON
If Temp < 77.8 Then ON
If Temp > 78.0 Then OFF

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Neptune Systems Apex Controller Lite - Secondary
Attached Probes: n/a
Attached Modules: n/a
Attached Switches: n/a

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This controller is currently in use on my 90G tank and will remain there until the tank is shut down. I will update the configuration when the controller comes online.