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-   -   Programming Apex With Separate ATO (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2156367)

MarkoD 04/10/2012 12:13 PM

Programming Apex With Separate ATO
 
had an issue last night where i had my entire top off reservoir get pumped onto the floor.

the little tube from the aqualifter pump got loose and it was pumping onto the floor all night.

was just wondering if there is a way for me to program my apex so that the plug only turns on for about 2 or 3 min every hour.

if so, how could i do this?

OR

is there a way i can get the plug to turn off a couple min after the ATO starts drawing current for the pump? and then maybe have it reset after an hour to allow it to turn on again

rite_eh 04/10/2012 12:49 PM

Right now is your ATO controlled via being plugged into an Apex outlet and a float switch? If so I assume you are turning the outlet on when the float switch changes from normal state, correct?

RussM 04/10/2012 04:28 PM

You can easily do so... use the OSC command.

But first I suggest you directly address the problem... weight the end of the tubing or affix it somehow so it doesn't easily get pulled out. An airstone makes a nice little weight for airline tubing.

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-1278617...2201_151778399
Drill it through longitudinally so water flows smoothly.

MarkoD 04/10/2012 05:30 PM

yes im using an avast marine ATO

it has a pressure switch that activates a plug.

and i have the plug unit plugged into my apex

aquamanic 04/10/2012 06:22 PM

Been there,, done that! Had the same thing happen so don't feel bad. Like Russ said, takes 5 minutes and a couple pieces of velcro to fasten the outlet tube to something so it can't flop out of your sump. Do that before you fool with a program that may/may not catch the problem again.

MarkoD 04/10/2012 06:29 PM

thanks guys. but the problem wasnt that the tube fell out the sump (i have it zip tied in there)

the problem is that the tube fell out of the outlet side of the pump

rite_eh 04/10/2012 06:44 PM

I am not overly familiar with the Avast ATO system but from pictures and what you are describing it sounds like the Apex has an Avast unit plugged into it and the Avast outlet is controlled by the Avast switch, does this sound correct? If so I'm guessing your Apex programming for the outlet in question is something like:

Fallback ON
Set ON

... and that's it. Is this the case? If the Avast unit is regulating when the ATO runs instead of the Apex then you will not be able to control the outlet using the Apex as the state of the outlet (on or off) is governed by the Avast switch, relay and outlet.

Please post your outlet programming if possible if there seems to be more to it than what I provided above.

RussM 04/10/2012 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkoD (Post 20122319)
thanks guys. but the problem wasnt that the tube fell out the sump (i have it zip tied in there)

the problem is that the tube fell out of the outlet side of the pump

Ah! Understand. If you are using vinyl tubing, pick up some silicone tubing.... it grips those smooth Aqualifter inlet/outlet ports much better.

MarkoD 04/10/2012 06:50 PM

heres the program i have it on right now


Fallback ON
Set OFF
OSC 057:00/003:00/000:00 Then ON


it wont prevent flooding, but at least it wont be pumping water all night

RussM 04/10/2012 07:04 PM

That should work nicely, Marko.

rite_eh 04/10/2012 07:08 PM

That would work, however it should be noted that if the Avast unit is switching its own outlet it would be possible for the Apex to be on and the Avast float switch / outlet to be off and vice versa.

This shouldn't be a problem as long as the water that can evaporate from your tank in an hour could be replenished within 3 minutes using the aqualifter circuit.

MarkoD 04/10/2012 09:42 PM

yeah i think it'll be just fine. ill adjust it if needed

givinggoodwill 04/10/2012 10:28 PM

Shouldn't you fallback be off ?

MarkoD 04/10/2012 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by givinggoodwill (Post 20123177)
Shouldn't you fallback be off ?

why? if the power goes out, id want this to come back on

RussM 04/11/2012 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by givinggoodwill (Post 20123177)
Shouldn't you fallback be off ?

In this case, with Fallback ON, and if comms between the EB and Apex base are lost, the ATO will function normally, since it is a standalone ATO unit. So I think Fallback ON is better.

ISeaReef 04/11/2012 09:44 AM

Here's my program to help deal with stuck float switch but it should help in your situation too. My ato pump comes on after every 4hrs and allow to run up to 20sec only (my pump needs less than 20sec to topoff but your pump speed might vary). If the pump runs for more than 20sec, I will get a text message telling me it exceeded the time limit which probably means I have a stuck float switch or in your case a loose hose. Hope this helps.

[ATOSUMP]
Set OFF
If Outlet SumpATO_SW = ON Then ON
If Outlet ATOTimer_sw = ON Then OFF
If Outlet ATOLow_SW = ON Then OFF
Min Time 240:00 Then OFF

[ATOTimer_sw]
Set OFF
If Outlet ATOSump = ON Then ON
Defer 000:20 Then ON


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