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″)