- Neptune Systems just released the newest evolution
of their Apex Controller the A3 Series
and today we're gonna be looking at what is in essence
the new version of the EL
even though it's dropping that EL tag.
There is one major change in the base unit itself,
one really smart addition to it as well,
along with some new accessories,
one of which a lot of us have been waiting to see.
So let's get right into it.
Much of the newest iteration
of the A3 Apex Controller is very familiar.
The outward appearance of the base unit,
the EB832 Energy Bar,
the choice to include both pH and temp probes,
the wireless control through the Fusion app
and the absolute myriad of both preset
and custom control options
that you can take advantage of to monitor
and automate your reef tank.
This definitely isn't a fully-redesigned
next gen controller,
rather, it's more of a natural evolution
or upgrade to the current Apex System, that adds quite a bit
of value, that modern reefers
are going to be able to appreciate.
As soon as you open up the box, though
you're gonna notice the first
of the changes that separate this new A3 Apex
from its predecessor, starting with an upgrade
that many of us Apex users
have been wanting for quite some time.
And that is a redesigned temperature probe
that finally has the same form factor as a standard probe
rather than that stubby and bulbous temp probe
that we've been using for years.
Neptune Systems finally made the switch
to a sleeker and much more practical temp probe
that mirrors the standard pH, ORP and salinity probes.
Meaning we can finally fit our Apex temperature probe
into standard probe holders
as well as inline probe holders.
Like the one from Adaptive Reef.
And while that might seem like a small detail,
it is something I and many other Apex users
are really happy to see.
The second thing you'll notice is that the A3 Apex bundle
now includes an LD2 leak sensor
and the new magnetic optical sensor.
I think this is a big win.
One of the things we, and often our spouses
worry about the most is water where it shouldn't be.
So including a simple leak sensor right outta the gate
is something that all aquarists can make use of
and gain that peace of mind
that normally we'd need to buy separately.
I'd most likely place this leak sensor
under the aquarium stand to make best use of it.
That way, any water leaking, whether it's at the sump,
external plumbing, hang on filtration
or even a failed seam on the tank.
The water will eventually make its way to the floor
where the sensor is.
And Fusion can send you a push notification
or email and even trip an audible alarm (alarm beeping)
to let you know the moment it detects water.
The magnetic optical sensor can also be used
in a number of different ways to add simple redundancy,
the most obvious of which probably being
using it as a low flow sensor in your sumps return section,
so that you never accidentally let your return pump run dry.
But it could also be used as a high level sensor
for the aquarium or a low level sensor
in your ATO reservoir.
The uses for this kind of sensor are virtually endless.
Yes, both the LD2 and that optical sensor
require FMM ports.
And while there is no FMM module included in the box
that's because when you flip the base unit up
and look at the ports, you're gonna notice right away
that there are three new ports that do not currently exist
on the Apex EL, those three ports are actually FMM ports
for fluid monitoring.
And not only do they work with the included LD2 sensor
and magnetic optical sensor,
but they also work with flow sensors
and the brand new LLS, Liquid Level Sensor,
meaning you no longer need a separate FMM module
to take advantage of those accessories.
And instead you can just plug them right
into the Apex base unit.
Which basically saves you a hundred bucks,
if all you wanna do is grab a couple accessory sensors
to add to the system.
Which I personally think is a really nice added value
that makes the new A3 Apex a great way
to add some always appreciated redundancy
right outta the box.
There is one more new feature
that you will not notice right outta the box.
And I actually hinted to it earlier
and that is a built-in audible alarm.
This is another big win for me personally.
Instead of having to purchase a separate device
to act as an audible alarm,
to draw your attention to the tank if you're at home
and don't happen to have your phone in your hand,
Apex now has a shrill and very attention grabbing
audible alarm built directly into the base unit.
So for those who do prefer it
you will not need to spend extra
or dedicate space on your controller board
or on the wall for a separate alarm.
Now, a lot of the new A3 Apex is gonna be very familiar.
Just like the EL, you still have a power port,
two Aquabus ports, a temperature probe port,
a pH or ORP probe port, an ethernet port, and an IO port.
Both the base unit and the EB832
still have their fantastic mounting options
for attaching them to a controller board.
The physical setup and the app experience
for both iOS and Android devices
is also virtually identical.
And the app does a really great job
of walking you through the initial setup,
which only takes about 10 minutes from start to finish.
Once you pair up your Apex to the Fusion app
you'll see that the outlets are already pre-configured
for the most popular reefing gear.
And you can plug in your devices to the respective plugs
on the EB832 and you're off to the races.
Now, one thing that has changed with the app experience
is that Neptune Systems now serves up
customizing your setup right away
with improved setup features in the A3.
And just like always, the tasks function
makes adding new gear, super simple with zero coding skills.
If you are a control freak, though, you can get as in depth
and nerdy with it, as you like.
Create your own custom codes
and really make the A3 Apex your own.
And the A3 Apex isn't the only new gear
Neptune Systems has been brewing up.
There are three brand new sensors
that you can take advantage of.
One of which is a first in our industry.
And while I did touch on a couple of them earlier,
you can get a much more in depth look at them
in this video right here.
(upbeat music softly fading)