500 Gallon Build - Page 4

worm5406 · 02/23/2015, 05:53 PM

Very good. You will enjoy all of that.

If you have questions about your apex please feel free to ask!

Newbie Aquarist · 02/23/2015, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foxvalleypcgeek

I ordered a few goodies yesterday, some of which should be here tomorrow already:

Neptune Apex GOLD
Apex IO Breakout Box
Apex auto feeder
Apex advanced leak detector
Apex leak detection probes (2)
Apex Jebaeo DC pump controller
Jebao RW-20 Wavermakers (2 to start with)
Jebao DC-4 dosing pump (4 heads)
Reeflo Hammerhead/Barracuda hybrid pump
REEF OCTOPUS 12" REGAL 300INT INTERNAL PROTEIN SKIMMER
AquaStar 165W dimmable LED lights (8) All of which I will be modifying to be fully controlled by the Apex VDM.

Pretty exciting stuff to have some equipment on the way!

Modify how?

foxvalleypcgeek · 02/24/2015, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbie Aquarist

Modify how?

You will see...

Removing the manual potentiometers and rewiring them to the apex VDM. I have multiple wire colors on the way to keep my channels separate easier when wiring them all up.

If I really wanted to go crazy more VDM modules would allow me to use several channels to have a sunrise and sunset moving across the tank with each row of lights seperately controlled.

foxvalleypcgeek · 02/24/2015, 02:14 PM

Some Apex stuff and the skimmer arrived at the shop today. Bigger then I was expecting it to be!

foxvalleypcgeek · 02/24/2015, 03:30 PM

Here are some of many pics of the new toys! Starting with somoe of the Apex stuff.

foxvalleypcgeek · 02/24/2015, 03:30 PM

foxvalleypcgeek · 02/24/2015, 03:31 PM

And then on to the skimmer, sorry I take lots of pics!

foxvalleypcgeek · 02/24/2015, 03:32 PM

worm5406 · 02/24/2015, 03:56 PM

Take a look at this:

foxvalleypcgeek · 02/24/2015, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by worm5406

Take a look at this:

Hey its an external twin! Nice extension for the neck.

dave.m · 02/24/2015, 04:29 PM

Is an automated neck cleaner/washdown unit in your new skimmer's future?

Dave.M

foxvalleypcgeek · 02/24/2015, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave.m

Is an automated neck cleaner/washdown unit in your new skimmer's future?

Dave.M

That could be a possibility at a later date.

Sn8kbyt · 02/24/2015, 05:04 PM

How many EB8's do you plan on running off of your Apex for a 500 gallon system?

foxvalleypcgeek · 02/24/2015, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sn8kbyt

How many EB8's do you plan on running off of your Apex for a 500 gallon system?

Two should be all I need until I find more things to add. I could end up eating several outlets just for my lights if I make each row of 4 seperate so I get a nice moving sunrise/sunset over the tank. Not sure if I really needed the gold package but said o what the hell, get er' done!

Sn8kbyt · 02/24/2015, 05:18 PM

I went with the gold package as well and TBH it may have been overkill but you do get quite a bit more goodies for not much more money. I thought 2 EB8's would be enough and had to add a third one on my build, I was one outlet short. Could have went with a EB4 but had the room and will allow for future add ons. Sad part is I spent as much on Apex stuff as some people spend on their whole tank set-ups so in the long run I hope the investment was worth it. Just need to get the Neptune DOS yet for AWC, and the feeder you just purchased.

worm5406 · 02/24/2015, 05:21 PM

I have 5 RB 8's.

Only one is empty (It is for the QT tank).
Of the other 4 I have like 5 empty plugs.

foxvalleypcgeek · 02/24/2015, 05:25 PM

I made it by just fine with 11 used on the previous almost 500 system total volume. Threw all my heaters on one and threw the lights on two.

worm5406 · 02/24/2015, 05:42 PM

I have everything on mine from pumps, heaters, dosing pumps, lights, ato, sump lights...

That way I can accurately tell what my elec usage is and see problems to.

foxvalleypcgeek · 02/24/2015, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by worm5406

I have everything on mine from pumps, heaters, dosing pumps, lights, ato, sump lights...

That way I can accurately tell what my elec usage is and see problems to.

I did as well, but I mean I put all my heaters on one outlet rather then a seperate outlet for each heater. One light channel all on one outlet, and the other channel all on a second. Then two dosing pumps took up 2 more. The powerheads I had at that time were the biggest POS ever created and they would start up in reverse a lot and make a ton of rackit. I just plugged them into the wall as they were only good when always on 100% of the time. ATO was one, drain pump another, and salt water change pump another. I forget what else there was but it totalled up to 11 and I had a apex JR and a EB8.

Sn8kbyt · 02/24/2015, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by worm5406

I have everything on mine from pumps, heaters, dosing pumps, lights, ato, sump lights...

That way I can accurately tell what my elec usage is and see problems to.

That is my plan as well. Not sure if it is needed but the capability is there and for another $150 is relatively cheap to achieve considering what I have invested in the whole Apex system. I think I should buy some stock in their company

I may take you up on that programming advice Worm once I progress further into my build I know your following my thread so I will ask there when I get to that point.

Awesome skimmer BTW fox that is a monster!!

foxvalleypcgeek · 02/24/2015, 06:02 PM

Looking through the old pics and haha the DNWB200 is a little bit smaller. It ended up too small then but I made it work. I see that spa flex going in there too, that was when a Mag 24 was the return!

foxvalleypcgeek · 02/24/2015, 08:17 PM

Wow instant junk coming up the neck. Its completely silent running!

worm5406 · 02/24/2015, 08:53 PM

Nice skim. If you go look at my 180 thread you will see a video about break-in of my 300. It does a good job at pulling skim!

rfgonzo · 02/24/2015, 09:56 PM

Tag, Looking good

foxvalleypcgeek · 02/26/2015, 09:01 PM

The hammerhead/baracuda came today.

The 8 lights showed up as well. Got them all wired up right away for the Apex VDM. Now they have no more manual dimmers.

02/23/2015, 05:53 PM	#76
worm5406 Not afriad to admit wrong Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South of WashDC in Maryland Posts: 7,774	Very good. You will enjoy all of that. If you have questions about your apex please feel free to ask! __________________ Stock:LPS/SPS\|1 hippo\|4 OC Clown\|4 Pepp shrimp\|2 Brittle Star\|3000+ Copepods\|10+ MiniBrittle\|8+ Bristle Worm\|2 Anemone\|100+ mini-feather\|4 boys 14,21,22,22 Current Tank Info: Tank:300g Mixed Reef 300+lb LR\|4" LS\|5x MP40W\|75g fuge\|5x RadionPRO\|RO DB250 skimmer\|Apex

02/24/2015, 03:56 PM	#84
worm5406 Not afriad to admit wrong Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South of WashDC in Maryland Posts: 7,774	Take a look at this: __________________ Stock:LPS/SPS\|1 hippo\|4 OC Clown\|4 Pepp shrimp\|2 Brittle Star\|3000+ Copepods\|10+ MiniBrittle\|8+ Bristle Worm\|2 Anemone\|100+ mini-feather\|4 boys 14,21,22,22 Current Tank Info: Tank:300g Mixed Reef 300+lb LR\|4" LS\|5x MP40W\|75g fuge\|5x RadionPRO\|RO DB250 skimmer\|Apex

02/24/2015, 04:29 PM	#86
dave.m Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Canadia Posts: 4,276	Is an automated neck cleaner/washdown unit in your new skimmer's future? Dave.M __________________ My Gawd! It's full of corals! Current Tank Info: None. Nil. Zip. Nada.

02/24/2015, 05:04 PM	#88
Sn8kbyt Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Manitowoc, WI Posts: 607	How many EB8's do you plan on running off of your Apex for a 500 gallon system? __________________ 220 gallon DT and 90 gallon sump, all DC powered, APEX gold with DOS, feeder, and a few extra modules, Avast Marine swabbie on Skimz Monster 258, 6 Rapid LED Onyx fixtures, BRS dosers, 4 Jaebo RW-15. Current Tank Info: 220 Gallon, 29 Gallon, 2-20L QT, and a 20 gallon tall octogon tank waiting to be setup for a seahorse tank.

02/24/2015, 05:18 PM	#90
Sn8kbyt Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Manitowoc, WI Posts: 607	I went with the gold package as well and TBH it may have been overkill but you do get quite a bit more goodies for not much more money. I thought 2 EB8's would be enough and had to add a third one on my build, I was one outlet short. Could have went with a EB4 but had the room and will allow for future add ons. Sad part is I spent as much on Apex stuff as some people spend on their whole tank set-ups so in the long run I hope the investment was worth it. Just need to get the Neptune DOS yet for AWC, and the feeder you just purchased. __________________ 220 gallon DT and 90 gallon sump, all DC powered, APEX gold with DOS, feeder, and a few extra modules, Avast Marine swabbie on Skimz Monster 258, 6 Rapid LED Onyx fixtures, BRS dosers, 4 Jaebo RW-15. Current Tank Info: 220 Gallon, 29 Gallon, 2-20L QT, and a 20 gallon tall octogon tank waiting to be setup for a seahorse tank.

02/24/2015, 02:14 PM	#79
foxvalleypcgeek Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 478	Some Apex stuff and the skimmer arrived at the shop today. Bigger then I was expecting it to be!

02/24/2015, 03:30 PM	#80
foxvalleypcgeek Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 478	Here are some of many pics of the new toys! Starting with somoe of the Apex stuff.

02/24/2015, 03:31 PM	#82
foxvalleypcgeek Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 478	And then on to the skimmer, sorry I take lots of pics!

02/24/2015, 03:32 PM	#83
foxvalleypcgeek Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 478

02/24/2015, 05:21 PM	#91
worm5406 Not afriad to admit wrong Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South of WashDC in Maryland Posts: 7,774	I have 5 RB 8's. Only one is empty (It is for the QT tank). Of the other 4 I have like 5 empty plugs. __________________ Stock:LPS/SPS\|1 hippo\|4 OC Clown\|4 Pepp shrimp\|2 Brittle Star\|3000+ Copepods\|10+ MiniBrittle\|8+ Bristle Worm\|2 Anemone\|100+ mini-feather\|4 boys 14,21,22,22 Current Tank Info: Tank:300g Mixed Reef 300+lb LR\|4" LS\|5x MP40W\|75g fuge\|5x RadionPRO\|RO DB250 skimmer\|Apex

02/24/2015, 05:25 PM	#92
foxvalleypcgeek Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 478	I made it by just fine with 11 used on the previous almost 500 system total volume. Threw all my heaters on one and threw the lights on two.

02/24/2015, 05:42 PM	#93
worm5406 Not afriad to admit wrong Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South of WashDC in Maryland Posts: 7,774	I have everything on mine from pumps, heaters, dosing pumps, lights, ato, sump lights... That way I can accurately tell what my elec usage is and see problems to. __________________ Stock:LPS/SPS\|1 hippo\|4 OC Clown\|4 Pepp shrimp\|2 Brittle Star\|3000+ Copepods\|10+ MiniBrittle\|8+ Bristle Worm\|2 Anemone\|100+ mini-feather\|4 boys 14,21,22,22 Current Tank Info: Tank:300g Mixed Reef 300+lb LR\|4" LS\|5x MP40W\|75g fuge\|5x RadionPRO\|RO DB250 skimmer\|Apex

02/24/2015, 06:02 PM	#96
foxvalleypcgeek Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 478	Looking through the old pics and haha the DNWB200 is a little bit smaller. It ended up too small then but I made it work. I see that spa flex going in there too, that was when a Mag 24 was the return!

02/24/2015, 08:17 PM	#97
foxvalleypcgeek Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 478	Wow instant junk coming up the neck. Its completely silent running! __________________ Live fish cams and apex statistics @ foxvalleyfishgeek.com

02/24/2015, 08:53 PM	#98
worm5406 Not afriad to admit wrong Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South of WashDC in Maryland Posts: 7,774	Nice skim. If you go look at my 180 thread you will see a video about break-in of my 300. It does a good job at pulling skim! __________________ Stock:LPS/SPS\|1 hippo\|4 OC Clown\|4 Pepp shrimp\|2 Brittle Star\|3000+ Copepods\|10+ MiniBrittle\|8+ Bristle Worm\|2 Anemone\|100+ mini-feather\|4 boys 14,21,22,22 Current Tank Info: Tank:300g Mixed Reef 300+lb LR\|4" LS\|5x MP40W\|75g fuge\|5x RadionPRO\|RO DB250 skimmer\|Apex

02/24/2015, 09:56 PM	#99
rfgonzo Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,280	Tag, Looking good __________________ 210 gal reef, 75 gal Refuge with 55 Gal sump mixed reef 100 gal Reef, 75 gal Refuge with 55 gal sump. SPS/LPS & 100 gal Japanese Dragon Moray eel tank with 40 gal sump 75 gal Brazilian Dragon Mor

02/26/2015, 09:01 PM	#100
foxvalleypcgeek Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 478	The hammerhead/baracuda came today. The 8 lights showed up as well. Got them all wired up right away for the Apex VDM. Now they have no more manual dimmers. __________________ Live fish cams and apex statistics @ foxvalleyfishgeek.com