Dangerous problem

[Foxchase]

So I just got home to everything in my tank off. I checked my inkbird and the last temp it shows was at 9:30 am. It's now 5:33 PM! So the tank has been without heat/flow since 9:30. (Temp dropped from 79- 72 thank God i left the central air at 73 today)
As i was turning everything back on, my AI Prime 16HD were making this horrible loud noise like the fans were hitting the sides and it was slowing down. I'm guessing that forced a load and the GFCI outlet cut the power (not an electrician but it's my only guess).

I do clean the lights. At this point, i wish I could give them back and buy new ones. First the garbage update they had and now this. It's not the first time it's happened either. It happened in like december last time. They now make the same bumping noise all the time. (it was one in December and now this one now).

 

[Foxchase]

My question is, what can I do? Is there some sort of sensor that will send me a notification when it loses power that i can plug into the strip to help? (I know the Neptune has something like that but i don't have the funds for all that)

 

[DEL]

Honestly speaking from experience. when I lost all my corals due to me not plugging in a heater, because it was 100 degrees outside, so hey why would I need a heater right? well, it was in my new house where I didn't know thr basement gets way colder, therefore water temp dropped. my temp dropped to the 60s. ever since then I made sure that my apex is always running and temp probe is changed once a year. apex will always send a text/email/both when a number is out of the range you set it to. it may seem like a lpt of money, but think about how much you invest in your tank. spend now, save later

 

[DEL]

oh, and my apex also let's me know if there's a power outage. so that could also save your tank

 

[MadReefer]

Sorry to hear that. Hope everything is okay. I think people here use Smart Plugs with phone software. I am not sure if you can notified while away from the house. Others can comment on the plugs they use.

 

[Foxchase]

oh, and my apex also let's me know if there's a power outage. so that could also save your tank

I definitely would but Covid kicked my a** when it comes to work and money because i was laid off for a majority of it. So I realistically can't drop 1k+ all at once for an apex system unless i want to be homeless

 

[horseplay]

I don’t want to drop 1k for a controller either. I have an apex jr that I paid $150 for. You can find them used quite often and it worth every penny.

 

[Salted]

I don’t want to drop 1k for a controller either. I have an apex jr that I paid $150 for. You can find them used quite often and it worth every penny.

I didn't know about these. Even $240 for a new one doesn't sound too bad.

 

[amado]

If you can find a used seneye. It would send you a email
When your temp drops or your water level drops.
Neptune is making a huge mistake not making a $299
Controller for the masses. The apex jr if you can find it is a good product.

 

[amado]

I didn't know about these. Even $240 for a new one doesn't sound too bad.

Neptune doesn’t make them anymore

 

[erics210]

I have an older apex jr. No energy bars but temp sensor works. And has the display controller. Will need new salinity and ph probes. PM me if interested. Will sell or trade.

 

[mickeysreef <*))))<]

i saw the older apex on r2r for $200 not long ago. for sale in ny. just the head though

 

[curt]

I have my pump on a different circuit from everything else. If you can do that then your pump wouldn't stop.

 

[horseplay]

If you can find a used seneye. It would send you a email
When your temp drops or your water level drops.
Neptune is making a huge mistake not making a $299
Controller for the masses. The apex jr if you can find it is a good product.

I agree. Neptune dropped the classic/jr line but there is definitely a market for sub $300 controllers. I am not a budget reefer but even a $500 controller seems too high for me. I am sure it does a bunch of fancy things but I only need 1. internet access, 2. temp monitor and controller. The apex jr has both and it has been proven for many years. The rest of the automation I found is better with the smart plugs.

Make sure you find an apex jr in good condition. I bought mine about 1 yr old so it probably has 10+ years of life left on the relays. The apex jr has 4 mechanical relays which are what you want for dosing pumps.

 

[horseplay]

Looks like you can still fine them in some less used website for about $240 new. Not too bad.

 

[brokereefer]

Don't have an Apex Jr. to offer, but I have an Apex Classic or Apex EL if anyone's interested. Send me a PM.

 

[eholceker]

Check out the coralvue controller. You can probablly use this. Control a Heater and powerheads. If power goes out I would be surprised there wasn't a notification.

Hydros Control 2 Starter Pack - Aquarium Controller System

With the HYDROS Control 2 Starter Pack, you can gain control over many functions of your aquarium through a simple and intuitive interface. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned reefer, you’ll find many valuable capabilities with the HYDROS Control 2. Out of the box, you'll have control over 4...

www.bulkreefsupply.com