How to Calibrate Probes and Set up Apex Alarms

The temperature probe that comes with the Apex is pre-calibrated, so no setup is needed beyond plugging the probe into the Apex base unit.

Calibrating the Temperature Probe

While we don't typically recommend it, you can calibrate the temperature probe by clicking on Tasks (clipboard icon), then select "Temperature Probe Calibration."

From there, the Apex will walk you through these steps:

1. Ensure that the probe is plugged into the Apex.
2. Select a probe to calibrate.
3. Take a temperature reading with an accurate reference thermometer.
4. Enter the temperature as measured by the reference thermometer.
5. Calibration Complete Confirmation.

Setting up Temperature Alarms

To set this up, click on Tasks and then select "Probe Alarm."

The Apex will walk you through these steps:

1. Ensure that the probe is plugged into the Apex.
2. Select your temperature probe.
3. Rename the temperature probe (optional).
4. Set minimum and maximum temperature values (we typically use 77 and 82 degrees).
5. Review the settings, then hit Send.

pH is one of the most important parameters we can monitor in our reef tanks. To ensure we're getting accurate information, it's a good idea to calibrate any new pH probe.

Calibrating the pH Probe

Before you start:

• In addition to the pH probe itself, you'll need a packet of pH 7 and pH 10 calibration solution, both of which come with the Apex controller.
• Float the sealed calibration packets in your tank for about 10 minutes so that the solution's temperature matches the tank temperature.
• Remove the probe from the storage bottle (some crusty material where the probe enters the bottle is normal).
• Rinse the probe in some RO/DI water.

Once you're done with that, we're ready to calibrate. Click on Tasks, then select "pH Probe Calibration."

The Apex will walk you through these steps:

1. Ensure that the probe is plugged into the Apex.
2. Select your pH probe.
3. Make sure solutions 7.00 and 10.00 are selected.
4. Open your pH 7 calibration solution and insert the pH probe into the solution. Give the probe a few shakes in the solution to release any air bubbles, then hit calibrate. Once Apex Fusion confirms the step is complete, hit Next.
5. Repeat step 4, but with the pH 10 calibration solution.

Setting up pH Alarm

To set this up, click on Tasks and then select "Probe Alarm."

The Apex will walk you through these steps:

1. Ensure that the probe is plugged into the Apex.
2. Select your pH probe.
3. Rename the pH probe (optional).
4. Set minimum and maximum pH values. The default minimum and maximum values are 7.80 and 8.40 pH, respectively. Start with that and adjust later if needed.
5. Review the settings, then hit Send.

If you have the A3 Apex Pro, your system will come with an ORP probe. This probe doesn't need to be calibrated right out of the box.

Setting up ORP Alarm

Before you start:

• ORP probes need some time to stabilize in your aquarium, so don't calibrate the probe right away.
• Place the ORP probe in a probe holder and let it run for at least a day or two. You'll notice the ORP value gradually climb, then settle.

Once you're done with that, we're ready to set up the ORP alarm. Click on Tasks, then select "Probe Alarm."

The Apex will walk you through these steps:

1. Ensure that the probe is plugged into the Apex.
2. Select your ORP probe.
3. Rename the ORP probe (optional).
4. Set minimum and maximum ORP values. We recommend using 300 and 450, respectively.
5. Review the settings, then hit Send.

The A3 Apex Pro comes with a 15" LLS to accurately measure water depth wherever you choose to place it.

Setting up the LLS

Click on Tasks, then select "Liquid Level Sensor."

The Apex will walk you through these steps:

1. Ensure the LLS is plugged into the FMM port on the Apex base unit.
2. Select FMM_1.
3. Make note of which port your LLS is plugged into.
4. Choose the FMM port your LLS is plugged into.
5. Rename the LLS sensor (optional, but recommended).
6. Select the LLS type (the Apex Pro comes with the LLS-15).
7. Set the minimum and maximum values for the alarm, from 1" to 14".
8. Hit Send.

The A3 Apex comes with the MOS sensor as a simple, low-profile way to set a high or low water level alert.

Start by installing the MOS in your desired location, such as your auto top off reservoir or the return chamber of your sump.

Setting up the MOS

Click on Tasks, then select "Add-On Optical Sensor - Low Water" or "Add-On Optical Sensor - High Water" depending on where you've placed the sensor and when you want to be alerted.

The Apex will walk you through these steps:

1. Review the information on screen and click Next.
2. Select FMM_1.
3. Plug the MOS into an available FMM port on the Apex base unit and make note of which port you used.
4. Choose the FMM port your MOS is plugged into.
5. Rename the MOS sensor (optional, but recommended).
6. We're going to hit Skip on step 6 for now.
7. Check the send alarm box and hit Next.
8. Setup Complete Confirmation.

Tip: You can test the setup by placing the MOS in water or taking it out of water (depending on if you used Low Water or High Water setup) and confirm that you get a notification of the change.

The A3 Apex comes with the LD-2 Leak Detector, while the A3 Apex Pro comes with the LD-3 Leak Detector. Setup is the same for both versions.

Setting up the LD-2 or LD-3

Click on Tasks, then select "Add-On Leak Sensor."

The Apex will walk you through these steps:

1. Review the information on screen and click Next.
2. Select FMM_1.
3. Plug the LD-2/LD-3 into an available FMM port on the Apex base unit and make note of which port you used.
4. Choose the FMM port your LD-2/LD-3 is plugged into.
5. Rename the LD-2/LD-3 sensor (optional, but recommended).
6. We're going to hit Skip on step 6 for now.
7. Check the send alarm box and hit Next.
8. Setup Complete Confirmation.