Automate Temperature Control & Reduce Fire Danger

Part of My Neptune Systems Gear Review Series

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This article is for automation geeks!!

When it comes to Safely Controlling Temperature of your aquarium system you need to consider how all of the components operate together.

I am going to provide details of on the integration of the components and then individual component high-lights of the Bulk Reef Titanium Heater, Neptune Systems Temperature Probe, and Neptune Systems Optical Sensor.

First lets look at heater types. Heaters comes as either heaters with a built-in controller or as a heating element. Heaters with built-in controllers are limited in placement due to requiring access to the controller and the cord is usually short. In addition they usually only last a year a so. Heating elements do not have a built-controller and also have extra long cords. Both of these features allow for much greater flexibility in placement and they have longer life spans. Mine run 3 to 4 years.

Neptune Systems Apex Controllers

Using an internet based expandable controller to manage the heating element provides the ability for you to program safety controls, manage it remotely using your phone or device of choice, and integrate with other devices, such as optical sensors and temperature probes.

Integration

I use the Bulk Reef Supply Heating Elements on all of my systems, plugged into the Neptune Systems Apex Controller, with integration to temperature probes, and optical sensors for added safety.

Clown Triggerfish

For my community aquarium, with 550 gallons of water in the system, lots of coral, fish, and inverts, I have implemented redundancy in case of failure since I also frequently enjoy overnight outdoor adventures and for increased accuracy.

I have two Bulk Reef Heating elements in this system. One 600 watt heating element in the sump and one 300 watt heating element in the aquarium. So if one were to fail the other will still keep the aquarium warm enough till I install a replacement. Each heater is plugged into a different Neptune Systems EB832 Energy Bar, that way if an energy bar goes down it than one is still running. And each energy bar is plugged into a socket that is on a different breaker.

Temp Probe

For monitoring the temperature I use two Neptune Systems Temperature Probes, which I test the calibration every two months. One of the probes is in the aquarium, and is plugged into a Neptune Systems PM2 module. The other is in a slow section of the sump and plugged into the Neptune Systems Controller.

Optical Sensor

A heater can cause a fire or melt materials around it if it is left on with no water covering it. So I use Neptune Systems Optical Sensors to monitor the water levels. For example, I have one sensor in the sump that is used by the sump heater, which if the water level drops down to 3 inches above the heater, then it turns off the heater. The aquarium heater uses the optical sensor that is hidden the aquarium and will turn off he heater if the water level gets down to 3 inches above it. Each of these sensors are plugged into different Neptune Systems Fluid Monitoring Modules. Neptune has two versions of the optical sensor. One has a magnetic mount and the other has a screw on nut mount. The magnetic is much easier to install since it you can quickly place it where you need it with the magnet.

I have more optical sensors to handle flooding and sensors for leak detection that I will cover in another article.

Code

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Here is the magic that controls the temperature and makes it a safer environment for

using the heater in the sump. See picture 2.

Fallback OFF

If Tmp_FR < 78.3 Then ON

If Tmp_FR > 78.5 Then OFF

If RefuOp OPEN Then OFF

If FeedA 000 Then OFF

Notes:

• Tmp_FR is the temp probe in the sump.

• If the temp is below 78.3 turn on the heater.

• If the temp is above 78.5 turn on the heater.

• If the optical sensor, RefuOp, which in in the sump, is exposed to air turn off the heater

• If the automatic feeder cycle is on, then turn off the heater.

Picture 3

Here is the magic that controls the temperature and makes it a safer environment for using the heater in the aquarium.

Fallback OFF

If Tmp_FR2 < 78.1 Then ON

If Tmp_FR2 > 78.2 Then OFF

If FRL_Op OPEN Then OFF

If FeedA 000 Then OFF

Notes:

• Tmp_FR2 is the temp probe in the aquarium.

• If the temp is below 78.1 turn on the heater.

• If the temp is above 78.2 turn on the heater.

• If the optical sensor, RFL_OP, which in in the aquarium, is exposed to air turn off the heater in the aquarium.

• If the automatic feeder cycle is on, then turn off the heater

Heater High-lights

The Bulk Reef Supply (BRS) Titanium Heater Element is a robust heating solution

designed for aquarium enthusiasts seeking durability and efficiency. Crafted from corrosion-resistant titanium, this heater is fully submersible and shatterproof, addressing common issues associated with traditional glass heaters.

Key Features:

• Durable Construction: The titanium body ensures resistance to corrosion and eliminates the risk of shattering, providing a safer environment for aquatic life.

  
  

• Separate Temperature Control: Designed without an internal thermostat, the heater requires an external temperature controller, allowing users to customize and manage their aquarium's temperature more precisely.

  
  

• Easy To Maintain: Every 4 to 6 months I clean off any gunk on the heater using a paper towel. To clean turn off the heater for 15 mins or until it cools to the touch, then remove from the water and wipe down. Has a 3 year warranty.

  
  

• Versatile Sizing: Available in multiple wattages—100W, 200W, 300W, and 600W—to accommodate various tank sizes, from up to 40 gallons to 200 gallons.

  
  

User Experiences:

I give it 5 stars out of 5. I use these heating elements in all of my systems and have had

Zoa Soft Coral

great success. I like the flexibility of pairing it with my preferred external controller, Neptune Systems Apex.

Temperature Probe High-lights

Neptune System Temp Probe

A temperature Probe is a vital component for all aquarists seeking precise and reliable temperature monitoring in their aquariums. Neptunes' Temperature Probe is designed to integrate seamlessly with Neptune's Apex systems, this probe ensures that aquatic environments remain within optimal temperature ranges, promoting the health and well-being of marine life.

Key Features:

• High Precision: The probe offers temperature precision up to 0.1°F, allowing for accurate monitoring and maintenance of stable water conditions.

  
  

• Compatibility: It is compatible with various Neptune Systems modules, including the Apex, Apex Jr., PM1, PM2, and PM3, providing flexibility for different aquarium setups.

  
  

• Durable Construction: Built to withstand the aquatic environment, the probe features a 6-foot cable, facilitating convenient placement within the aquarium or sump.

  
  

User Experiences:

I have found the Neptune Systems Temperature Probe to be a an excellent tool for my systems. But I do test the calibration every couple of months using a NIST certify level thermometer, HI98509 Checktemp 1 Digital Thermometer, and I recalibrate the probe if needed. 

Optical Sensor High-Lights

Optical Sensor

The Neptune Systems Optical Level Sensor (OS-1) is a reliable solution for monitoring water levels in various aquarium applications. Utilizing reflected infrared light, this sensor detects changes between wet and dry states, providing accurate and consistent performance over time. It integrates seamlessly with Neptune's Fluid Monitoring Module (FMM), allowing aquarists to oversee sump levels, mixing stations, or any liquid reservoirs.

Key Features:

• Reliable Detection: The optical sensor uses infrared light to detect water presence, ensuring precise monitoring of liquid levels.

  
  

• Versatile Mounting Options: The OS-1 sensor can be installed using custom brackets or through a hole, offering flexibility in various setups. It comes with a fastening nut and silicone washer for secure attachment.

  
  

• Neptune Apex Integration: When connected to the FMM, the sensor communicates with the Apex system, enabling automated responses to water level changes, such as activating or deactivating pumps.

  
  

User Experiences:

Magnetic Optical Sensor

I use 12 optical sensors in through out my systems and clean them once a year if needed. I have found them very reliable and have not replaced any in 6 years. For easy of use, I would go with the Neptune Systems Magnetic Optical Sensor. This allows you to easily place it where you want it and remove it just as quickly.

In summary:

Juliette & Romero breeding pair of Yellow Gobies

I have found the Neptune Systems Optical Level Sensor & Temperature Probe and the BRS Titanium Heating Element to be very reliable when used with the Neptune Systems Apex Controller. For me, these devices reduce my worry of component or aquarium failure and help keep my fish, inverts and corals safe.