Toggle Box for Neptune Apex!
Update: 6/1/2020
Custom Switch Boxes still available, please use contact form.
This is my most popular product, a "Toggle Box” for the Neptune Systems Apex™. As seen on #LetsTalkReef! The standard model has a gray housing, orange and clear toggle, and stainless buttons.
The Switch Box plugs into the IO digital input port (on apex head unit, PM1, PM2, PM3, ASM, etc), and can be used to control any device connected to the apex. This can accomplish things ranging from starting feed modes to putting Ecotech Radions on actinic mode* for 15 minutes or shutting off everything for water changes.
THIS REQUIRES USER PROGRAMMING! I include a paper get started guide for basic programming, but all information that applies to programming using the Neptune Systems breakout box works with these- see pg. 108 in the Comprehensive Apex Guide. SuncrestReef also has great guides on Reef2reef.
*Using WXM module
For the momentary buttons the primary use is to start a timed program that will return to normal operation automatically after a user selected period of time. Here are some examples of what you might consider programming into your Apex.
· Feed Mode: To shut off your pumps (or set smart pumps to a designated program) for a user-selected amount of time. Typically, users will turn off or reduce powerhead spread, turn off the return pump and protein skimmer during a feed hold. This prevents food from being sucked into your filtration and allows fish and corals to eat without the food being blown away. Typical duration is about 15 – 20 minutes which gives the fish plenty of time to consume the food in your display tank.
· Photo Mode: To turn on/off or change the light spectrum for a user-selected amount of time. If you have “smart” lighting that is controlled via your Apex, you can designate a specific spectrum that compliments photography. Some users also like to shut off their pumps as well to make it easier to capture corals and fish without a lot of fast movement. Many hobbyists will reduce the BLUE color to be more WHITE when taking photos. This results in a far true to life colors and a better-quality photo.
· Lighting Override or Party Mode: Activating your lighting for a user-selected amount of time whilst outside the normal schedule in order to show off your tank to friends or put the system in a “Party Mode”. Some clever ideas would be turning the tank to change different colors and add weather effects. You might also consider a very heavy blue/actinic color to make your corals glow. Making the light a solid red color will make nighttime viewing easier without disturbing the animals inside your tank.
For the covered toggle switch button, the primary use is to have a direct action that will not end until the switch is turned back on. Here are some examples of what you might consider programming into your Apex.
· Emergency Cutoff: The user can use the toggle switch to shut off all pumps, or additional devices, in the event of an emergency such as a water leakage, insufficient top-off, equipment failure, stray voltage, etc. An excellent benefit to this toggle switch is that ANYONE with access to the button can do it. If the primary aquarist is not home, whomever is taking care of the aquarium can easily flip the switch. The toggle switch is covered which means it requires two motions in order to activate making it more difficult to be accidentally used.
· Water-change Mode: The user can use the toggle to shut off certain pumps for a water change or other maintenance routine and the equipment will stay off until the toggle is returned to back to an open state. This means you can perform your maintenance without worrying about a timer that will return power to the equipment after a set period of time.
Please expect 2-4 business days for assembly time, as I make these to order.