Once your Neptune Systems Apex is connected and your probes and sensors are dialed in, the next step is putting it to work. One of the easiest ways to do that is by programming the outlets that power your day to day equipment.

Using Apex Fusion tasks, you can quickly set up common gear like a heater, light fixture, return pump, powerhead, and protein skimmer. These simple automations help keep your reef tank stable and remove a lot of the small daily tasks that normally require manual control.

Tip: We'll be using the Tasks feature in Apex Fusion for each piece of equipment. To get to the Tasks list, simply click on the clipboard icon when viewing the Apex Fusion Dashboard.

Heater
Neptune Systems Apex Fusion heater task setup screen

The heater is one of the most important pieces of equipment to automate. Heater failures are one of the most common reasons for a tank crash as temperature swings can stress livestock quickly. The Apex helps maintain consistent control by monitoring the actual tank temperature and switching the heater outlet on or off as needed.

1

Open the Heater Task

In Apex Fusion, start by selecting the Heater task to begin the guided setup.

2

Select the Heater Outlet

Choose the outlet where the heater is plugged into the Energy Bar.

3

Select the Temperature Probe

Choose the probe the Apex should use to monitor the aquarium temperature.

4

Set the Temperature Range

Define the range you want the heater to operate in, such as turning on below 78°F and off at 79°F.

Light Fixture
Neptune Systems Apex Fusion light task setup screen

Instead of manually turning lights on and off, the Apex automatically powers the outlet based on the schedule you set.

Note: If your light fixture has built-in programming or runs on a separate app, you'll likely want to skip this task and simply set any lighting outlets to run 24/7. The light fixture's own programming will handle the on/off function on its own.

1

Open the Light Task

Select the Light task in Apex Fusion.

2

Select the Light Outlet

Choose the outlet your aquarium light fixture is connected to.

3

Set the Lighting Schedule

Choose when the lights should turn on and off each day.

4

Optional Temperature Safeguard

You can set a temperature limit that will automatically shut the light off if the tank becomes too warm.

Return Pump
Neptune Systems Apex Fusion return pump task setup screen

The primary reason for running this task is to link the return pump to a feed mode. Feed modes allow you to easily turn off any equipment assigned to it. This is especially helpful when adding food to the tank so that it doesn't immediately flow down the overflow and into your filtration system.

Note: If you're setting up a Neptune Systems COR pump, use the COR task instead.

1

Open the Return Pump Task

Select the Return Pump task in Apex Fusion.

2

Select the Return Pump Outlet

Choose the outlet where the return pump is connected.

3

Assign Feed Mode

Assign the outlet to Feed Mode A so the pump shuts off during feeding.

4

Add Restart Delay

Set a delay, such as five minutes, before the pump turns back on.

Powerhead
Neptune Systems Apex Fusion powerhead setup using the return pump task

Like return pumps, powerheads can also be connected to a feed mode. This reduces flow during feeding and allows fish more time to consume food before it spreads throughout the tank.

1

Open the Task

Use the Return Pump task to configure the powerhead outlet.

2

Select the Outlet

Choose the outlet your powerhead is plugged into.

3

Assign Feed Mode

Link the powerhead outlet to Feed Mode A to assign them to the same feed mode as your return pump.

Protein Skimmer
Neptune Systems Apex Fusion skimmer task setup screen

The protein skimmer benefits from a restart delay after pumps turn back on. This helps prevent sudden sump water level changes from causing the skimmer to overflow.

1

Open the Skimmer Task

Begin the setup using the Skimmer task in Apex Fusion.

2

Select the Skimmer Outlet

Choose the outlet where the skimmer is connected.

3

Select the Return Pump Outlet

This allows the Apex to automatically turn off power to your skimmer if the return pump is ever turned off.

4

Set the Restart Delay

Set your desired delay. Five or ten minutes is usually sufficient.