Which Controller?

I can only speak on Neptune controllers, but assuming we are talking neptune....
You would need three controllable outlets (plug ins) for your lights. Two for your light cord and one for your fan cord.
You would plug all your canopy fans into one standard power bar, then plug the power bar into one controllable outlet.
You would plug your heater into one controllable outlet.
You would need one controllable outlet for your return pump, top off pump, and skimmer.
Total of 8 outlets. 
With a neptune apex controller you could monitor temp, ph, and salinity. (no outlets needed!) Although you would need to order an additional and separate module to monitor salinity.
For your 40B you don't need another head unit/base module (apex controller) you only need one additional energy bar. It does not connect wirelessly, but you could connect it too your apex controller with an extra long USB cord (called an aqua bus cable).
One controllable outlet for each of the following:
1. Heater
2. Lights
3. Lights
4. Fans (two connected into standard power strip)
5. Powerheads (three connected into standard power strip)
6. Return Pump
7. ATO
8. Empty
You would deed an additional module to monitor temperature/ph, and an additional modular for salinity.
Doing could be added to your empty outlet in the future.
So you would need:
1. Apex base module
2. Two EB8's
3. PM1 Module
4. PM2 Module (x2 of them)
5. Extra ph probe
6. 2 salinity probes

 

I realize your Vortechs are already taken care of, however, I was pleasantly surprised with how much I like being able to control my Vortechs on my Apex via the WXM module. It allows you to have certain modes running at various times throughout the day. Mine switches the wave program and sync vs anti-sync several times each day.

 

What would be the solution if your DT and your fish room are in seperate locations? I ran pvc to my sump in a mechanical room 20 feet away from the DT. Would I be looking at using extension cords?

 

extra long aqua bus cables (they look like USB cables but they aren't) and extension cords.

 

They are indeed USB cables but the "Aquabus" system uses 12v signals instead of the typical 5v USB is usually powered by.

I use these at the shop. I just hooked a bunch of them together and ran them all over the place.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=103&cp_id=10303&cs_id=1030304&p_id=8608&seq=1&format=2

There are some other sources for custom made USB cables but these work just as well are cheap.

 

Or you could by a 50' run for $50 from usbfirewire.com, this is where I bought mine.  They have longer runs as well and they are made just for the Apex.
http://www.usbfirewire.com/Parts/rr...RR-APEX-50

 

^^^^get that cable. And run it along the baseboard or wherever. Nice find Sone!

I mean standard six plug power strip when I mean regular power bar.

I have a feeling, based on your questions, that the Neptune system is going to be very difficult for you to program. I could be wrong. Personally, I am somewhat tech savvy and that Neptune has caused me all kinds of fits. But once I got it dialed in I would say it is the most important piece of equipment I have. There are a lot of apex owners on this board, and there is a lot of help on Reef Central. However if I were you I would try to get someone to come over and spend a few hours with you setting it up.

 

Are there wireless options avaialbe today?

 

APEX! NOTHING COMPARES, PERIOD!

 

It depends on who you ask. /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/smile.gif If I recall correctly, the lab grade probes are supposed to last longer than a standard probe due to higher quality components. How much longer? I don't think there's a hard number or percentage on it. I think the lab grade probes are sealed with epoxy to withstand higher pressure to be used in calcium reactors. But then again, I have never heard anyone saying a standard probe failed in a calcium reactor either. I usually go with a lab grade probe for the peace of mind that it might encounter fewer problems and should last longer.

 

Hey Terri,
Once you get your Apex connected to the your home network, then you can have someone connect to it via the Internet. Do you have it accessible to the Internet yet?

--AJ