Now that your A3 Apex or A3 Apex Pro is physically installed on your aquarium, it’s time to unlock its full potential.

This guide walks you through:

  • Connecting your Apex to Apex Fusion
  • Getting online through WiFi
  • Enabling Heartbeat for offline alerts

We'll reference the Apex Pro, but the process is nearly identical for both the A3 Apex and A3 Apex Pro.

Before You Get Started

Take a minute to confirm the following:

  • The Apex base unit is connected to the EB832 using the included Aquabus cable
  • The Energy Bar is plugged into power
  • The Apex logo on the base unit turns solid blue after booting
  • You have access to a 2.4 GHz WiFi network

Important: The Apex does not support 5 GHz WiFi networks. If your router combines 2.4 and 5 GHz bands automatically, make sure you’re connecting to the 2.4 GHz network.

If the logo on the base unit is solid blue, the controller is ready to connect.

Step 1: Download and Log Into Apex Fusion

  1. Download the Apex Fusion app on your phone or tablet
  2. Open the app
  3. Create an account and log in

Early in the setup process, you will be prompted to enable push notifications.

Enable them.

This is how the Apex will alert you if something goes offline or a parameter drifts out of your set range.

Step 1: Download and Log Into Apex Fusion

Step 2: Create Your Aquarium Profile

After logging in:

  1. Tap “Start Your Journey”
  2. Name your aquarium
  3. Select your Apex model
  4. Review the equipment connection overview

Confirm that the included Aquabus cable is connected from the base unit to the Energy Bar and that the Energy Bar has power before continuing.

Step 2: Create Your Aquarium Profile

Step 3: Connect to WiFi

When prompted, choose how you want to connect: WiFi or Ethernet. If your Apex is close to your internet router, ethernet is the prefered connection.

If using WiFi:

  1. Select WiFi
  2. Tap “Connect to Nearby Apex”
  3. Your device will temporarily join the Apex’s local network
  4. Select your home WiFi network
  5. Enter your WiFi password

Again, make sure the network is 2.4 GHz.

After entering your credentials, allow the controller a moment to connect.

Step 3: Connect to WiFi

Step 4: Link the Apex Controller to Your Fusion Account

The final step is linking the Apex to your Fusion account.

Once complete, you will see a confirmation screen. Tap the dashboard button in the lower right corner to access your system.

You should now see your live dashboard with outlet status, probe readings, and more system information. At this point, your Apex is successfully connected.

Step 4: Link the Apex Controller to Your Fusion Account

Optional, but HIGHLY Recommended: Enable Heartbeat

Now enable one of the most important safety features in the Apex ecosystem.

Heartbeat allows Fusion to monitor whether your controller is online and communicating. If Fusion stops hearing from your Apex, you receive a notification.

To enable it:

  • Tap your tank name in the upper left corner of the dashboard
  • Scroll down and tap on “Heartbeat”
  • Toggle from Disabled to Enabled
  • Press “Update Apex”

Heartbeat is now active.

If your controller ever goes offline due to power loss, network failure, or shutdown, you will be notified.

Enable Heartbeat in Apex Fusion

What’s Next

With your Apex connected and Heartbeat enabled, your system is ready for:

  • Leak detection setup
  • Probe calibration
  • Outlet programming
  • Automation

Connection is the foundation. From here, you can begin configuring the controller to actively monitor and manage your aquarium.

Need help with the next steps?

Learn More: How to Set Up Apex Leak Detectors, Water Level Sensors, and Alarms (coming soon!)