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Neptune Apex System - Apex ATK - Auto Top-Off Kit
Last updated on November 17th, 2023
Neptune Apex System - Apex ATK
Using the Neptune Apex System ATK Auto Top Off Kit, you are one step closer to a self-maintained reef tank. The ATK provides 2 main advantages. The first being that it will top off your reef tank, avoiding salinity from getting too high as well as preventing pumps and heaters from running dry. The real selling point of the ATK however, is that it will send you a notification if there is an error! Let's take a look at how easy the Neptune ATK is to setup.
Apex ATK - Neptune Apex System
The Neptune ATK Auto Top Off Kit is an easy solution for topping off your reef tank with RO water or kalwasser automatically. It comes with 2 optical sensors, one for the high, or "alarm" level, and one for the low or "begin filling" level. Additionally it comes with a Neptune PMUP Utility Pump and Fluid Monitoring Module (FMM). With the ability to get notifications when there is an error, as well as having additional sensors in your reef tank, the Apex ATK is a great addition to any Apex or as a standalone option.
There is one downfall with the Apex ATK however. The Apex ATK requires using the PMUP Utility Pump, and you cannot switch it for a different, regular pump. If you would like to use a different pump, you will need to manually program the Neptune Apex System, set up an auto top off using the FMM and optical sensors to control an outlet on the Energy Bar 832. Where you will plug in the ATO Pump. There is not a quick setup task in Apex Fusion for this however, making it more difficult for the non-techie user.
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How to Use the Apex ATK without an Apex
Setting the Apex ATK to manual mode is quite simple. Just press and hold the reset button until the status light flashes orange, unplug the FMM for a few seconds, and plug it back in. Thats it!
In this mode, the Apex ATK will begin filling the tank when the low sensor is out of water for 10 seconds or more. After the sensor is completely submerged again, the PMUP will run for another 4 seconds. The maximum time the PMUP will run is 5 minutes and it will only run once per hour. These seem limiting, but if set up properly, the Apex ATK will work for most reef tanks.
Finally, the Apex ATK will set off an alarm if the top sensor is submerged for 10 minutes. At this point, it will turn off the PMUP until the alarm is cleared.
How to Install the Neptune Apex System ATK
What you will need:
To learn more about the difference between the base units, check out the article: Neptune Apex System - Base Unit.
1. Open the Tasks Menu
Rather than try to do the code yourself, we will use a Neptune Apex System Task function built in to Apex Fusion. From the Apex Fusion home page, select the tasks icon.
2. Choose the ATK Task
Find the "ATK" task in the list. You will likely find a number of other tasks that may be helpful. This menu has a lot of cool functionality and you should definitly look through them for yourself!
3. Ensure the FMM is Connected and Updated
A pop-up modal will show once you select the task. Essentially this is just making sure you have updated the firmware for both your apex and the FMM. If you have not, you should do that now. Once ready, hit next.
4. Select the FMM Module You Plan To Use for the ATO
Select the Fluid Monitoring Module you wish to use with the ATK. There will likely only be one, however anyone that gets very control heavy may have more.
5. Connect the Optical Sensors and PMUP
Connect the optical sensor used for the low water level in port 1, and the high water level optical sensor in port 2. The PMUP can then be plugged in as well as the AC adapter. When you're done, click next.
6. Rename the ATK Output
Though optional, naming the output something like ATO or ATK will help you identify the ATK later.
7. Select the Low Level Optical Sensor
In case ports 1 and 2 are in use or you decided to use a different FMM port, you can now select which port you plugged the Low Water Sensor in to.
8. Select the High Level Optical Sensor 2
Similar to the previous step, you will now select which port you plugged the high level optical sensor to.
9. ATK Error Alarm
Check the box if you'd like an alarm should the ATK experience an error. This is a good idea because if something goes wrong, you will be aware of it much sooner!
10. Click Send to Confirm
If you're happy with these settings, click send. You're Done!
Conclusion
That's all there is to it! You are one step closer to having a SMART reef tank, thanks to the Neptune Apex System, you can now have an Auto Topoff Kit that is easy to set up and tells you when something is wrong! Bringing you one step closer to a SMART, automated aquarium.
Don't have a Neptune Apex yet? Pick on up from Marine Depot HERE and support this blog!
About the Author
John Krenzer
John is a Software Engineer with a passion for saltwater aquariums, as well as the founder and president of Reef Stable. He started in the aquarium hobby as a child with a 20 gallon freshwater aquarium. His interest in aquarium life grew and in 2008, John set up his first saltwater aquarium.
Today, John maintains an over 300 gallon reef tank system, consisting of a 120g reef and a 210g reef. These large tanks are contained within the same system, sharing a sump as a means to reduce total maintenance and increase total water volume.
John writes articles for the blog as a means to learn about more reef aquarium topics. These articles act as a reference for the readers as well as himself. John updates these articles frequently to provide additional information or make corrections as new information becomes available.
If you would like to request an article, tank tour article, or to collaborate, let me know via the Contact Me Page!
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