The versatile VDM Expansion Module can be used as a LED Dimming module to simulate Sunrise/Sunset, Lunar Cycle, Clouds and Lighting with Apex Ready+ fixtures. Or use the module as a Variable Speed Pump control with Apex Ready pumps such as Tunze Turbelle Stream 6105, 6155 and 6255.
- Complete control of Apex Ready pumps that use the 0-10V control
- Complete control of Apex Ready+ LEDs that use the serial interface
- Adds 4 independent 0-10V variable speed ports to the Apex system
- Plug and Play - Automatically recognizes when installed into the system
- 2 AquaBus connectors for flexible expansion via AquaBus
- Comes with 3 Ft. AquaBus cable
- Fully upgradeable via future firmware upgrades
- LED Status indicator
- Compatible with all Apex Systems
- NOTE: The VDM does not include any interface cables for your pumps. You must purchase those separately
Apex Ready Products
LEDs (VDM Module Required to Interconnect with Apex System or Apex Lite/Jr)
- LEDs - BuildMyLED.com Aquarium LEDs
- Apollo LED - SolarBlast UV 5000
Pumps & Powerheads (VDM Module Required to Interconnect with Apex System or Apex Lite/Jr)
- Tunze Turbelle Stream 6105, 6155, 6255 (Special Cable Required)
Apex Ready+ Products
LEDs (VDM Module Required to Interconnect with Apex System)
- Acan Lighting 600/800 Series LED
- Aqua Illumination Sol LED
- Kessil A360N / A360W LED
- EcoTech Marine VorTech Wireless Powerheads (MP10w, MP40w, MP60w)
VDM Module User Manual-
Would be nice if I had it.. By Chris on 11/30/2018
Chris wouldn't recommend this product to a friendOrdered one with an Apex El on Thanksgiving the minute it went on sale. They had 100 or more in stock at the time. My package showed up and no vdm. Called and they confirmed I order when they had stock but I just got a$$ed out. So now I have to wait till they come back in and I didn't even get an apology we messed up your order. So maybe I'll update this review if and when I get one. -
Useful if you need more than the 4 built-in Apex variable outlets By Randall on 8/10/2017
Randall would recommend this product to a friendI needed two variable ports for a Gyre pump I added to my system (one for variable speed, the other for forward/reverse direction), and only had one port left open on my Apex controller unit. This module is easy to set up and adds 4 (2+2) additional variable voltage ports, which function just like the built-in ones, to your Apex system. -
Ok By Jason on 1/16/2017
Jason would recommend this product to a friendLinks lights with the apex system. The only way to control my AI sols is with a controller, therefore required for my system. Works daily with no issues. -
Very useful module By Damon on 6/20/2016
Damon would recommend this product to a friendI currently use two of these modules with my Apex Jr. One to control circulation pumps (only 1 port used so far) and the other to control my Onyx dimmable light fixtures. It was quite easy to create profiles and outlets. Easy to modify as well. These are very helpful to make your reef a more natural ecosystem. Definitely recommend to other reefers... or even FOWLR keepers! -
Works great for my LED's! By namoman28G on 4/16/2015
namoman28G would recommend this product to a friendI installed an LED retro kit for my NC 28G and the VDM module worked great to mimic sunrise and sunset! I also use it for moon light phase. Very easy to install and program. -
Works Nicely By JimVision on 11/10/2014
JimVision would recommend this product to a friendHooks up to the Apex with no trouble. Finally I have light control. -
Finally I can dim By Johnny Sea on 10/25/2014
Johnny Sea would recommend this product to a friendI could not wait to dim my Kessil A360WE. BRS was excellent when the wrong module was shipped to me twice. It was easy to connect and program. Hardest thing is choose how ramp the color and the intensity. -
Awesome By r1rider on 2/14/2014
r1rider would recommend this product to a friendReceived it on time no damage work great all round awsom -
Not Bad By john on 1/2/2014
john would recommend this product to a friendIf you need to control led's or pumps with 1-10v with the apex, this is what you need. It installs easily. Like others have said the apex programming is not the easiest, but there are plenty of examples online.
Overall a good product. -
It Works By Brad Patterson on 11/28/2013
Brad Patterson would recommend this product to a friendIt does what it suppose too, once you figure out all the programming. I have the VDM for my Kessil A360W. Once I got all the profiles setup and all different control features working. No problems. Easy to install. -
It's ok By Bob barker on 11/23/2013
Bob barker would recommend this product to a friendIt works we'll but it's kind of a pain to get the hang of the programming. They really could have simplified it. Also they should have used a different typ of connection when not using the leds that they are mainly made to be used with. How ever when all is done it dose the job as advertised.
Hello,
Are there any advantages to using this for Kessil lights vs the actual controller Kessil makes?
Question posted on May 8, 2016 1:09:00 AM
Great question!
There is not a major advantage to using the VDM instead of the controller. The Controller is nice as it is easy to set up and control. The VDM will require some programming to get the kessil to run for specific times. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
There is not a major advantage to using the VDM instead of the controller. The Controller is nice as it is easy to set up and control. The VDM will require some programming to get the kessil to run for specific times. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor (Admin) on May 10, 2016 5:18:00 PM
Could I use this with an Apex Jr. to perform simulations and dimming on aRadion XR15w Pro?
Question posted on Jun 27, 2016 9:54:00 PM
Not with the VDM for that you will need the WXM by Neptune Systems.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/vortech-wireless-module-wxm-neptune-systems.html
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/vortech-wireless-module-wxm-neptune-systems.html
Answer by: Connor (Admin) on Jun 28, 2016 6:53:00 PM
I have the newest apex. Do I need this to run my tunze pumps? I see a compatable outlet on the powerbar already. Can I just use that instead?
Question posted on Nov 24, 2017 12:13:00 PM
Your Apex comes with two Variable Speed Ports (each port will control two pumps) and with the 2 Stream Pump to Apex cable you can plug each end of the cable into separate Tunze controllers, and then the other end into an open variable speed port allowing you to control the pumps independently.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/2-channel-aquasurf-apex-to-stream-cable.html
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/2-channel-aquasurf-apex-to-stream-cable.html
Answer by: Charlie (Admin) on Nov 24, 2017 1:44:00 PM
Is the vdm module what I need to connect my orpheks to my Wi-Fi apex? If so, do i also need a cable?
Question posted on Jun 7, 2017 5:22:00 AM
If your Orphek model has an RJ45 connection port, this will allow you to connect and control your light through the VDM dimming control module. There are a number of Orphek models, and at the moment we don't have comprehensive information, but we aren't aware of an option to control Orpheks directly through wifi communication.
Regards
Regards
Answer by: Zack (Admin) on Jun 13, 2017 7:43:00 PM
I have 3 AI Sols, a Waveline 6000 and a Gyre 130 with Icecap module. I bought one Apex VDM module so far. Do I need another? Not understanding how many ports are on the module. AIs hook up off serial connection correct?
Question posted on Apr 14, 2016 12:02:00 PM
Great question!
You will need one module for the Gyre (depending on if you want reverse the unit will take up v1/v2 and v3/v4. One Voltage port for the wave line (either V1/V2 or V3/V4) the sols require the serial port. If your sols are unable to be daisy chained (I do not believe they can) an individual VDM will be needed for each. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
You will need one module for the Gyre (depending on if you want reverse the unit will take up v1/v2 and v3/v4. One Voltage port for the wave line (either V1/V2 or V3/V4) the sols require the serial port. If your sols are unable to be daisy chained (I do not believe they can) an individual VDM will be needed for each. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor (Admin) on Apr 19, 2016 10:55:00 AM
Would this be what I needed to run my Zetlight 7000 lights? What all would I need to do?
Question posted on Jun 5, 2017 4:45:00 PM
I'm afraid the ZD-7000 doesn't have a control option for connecting to a 0-10v reference port for control through this module. The ZS-7000 can be controlled and programmed through the included wireless remote, or with the use of the A100 wireless bridge adapter can also be connected to and programmed with iOS and Android mobile devices.
Happy reefing!
Happy reefing!
Answer by: Zack (Admin) on Jun 12, 2017 2:25:00 PM
If I'm going to control 4 Kessil A360 lights and 3 Tunze powerheads, do I need two VDM's or 1 VDM and a ___________ ?
Question posted on Sep 24, 2013 5:59:00 AM
Hey Scott,
It depends on how you want to control the lights. If you want every light fixture to be able to be controlled individually, then you would need a VDM port for each individual light. Otherwise you use a single VDM port to control the first light and then daisy chain the other lights to the first light. The first light will be controlled by the controller and act as the master light and control all the daisy chained lights.
It depends on how you want to control the lights. If you want every light fixture to be able to be controlled individually, then you would need a VDM port for each individual light. Otherwise you use a single VDM port to control the first light and then daisy chain the other lights to the first light. The first light will be controlled by the controller and act as the master light and control all the daisy chained lights.
Answer by: Bulk Reef Supply on Sep 24, 2013 5:59:00 AM
Can I use this module with the Koralia controllable pumps? Or will it just work with the Tunze pumps.
Question posted on Nov 19, 2013 6:59:00 AM
Hi Jake,
The module only works with the Tunze pumps (as far as controllable pumps goes that is). The Koralia doesn't have any 3rd party controllers that I am aware of and the line has also been discontinued.
The module only works with the Tunze pumps (as far as controllable pumps goes that is). The Koralia doesn't have any 3rd party controllers that I am aware of and the line has also been discontinued.
Answer by: Bulk Reef Supply on Nov 19, 2013 6:59:00 AM
