Neptune A3 Apex Jr. System Controller - Temperature, pH, ORP, Salinity Monitor

The Neptune A3 Apex Jr. System Controller is the entry-level offering in Neptune Systems A3 Apex line. It's designed to provide essential monitoring capabilities and a solid foundation for future expansion, making it a good choice for aquarists who want to start with core monitoring and add control features later.

An affordable monitoring-only solution that tracks temperature, pH, water level, and leaks  - the essentials that prevent most aquarium disasters. Features two AquaBus ports for easy expansion and becomes a full controller when you add an Energy Bar.

Included Monitoring with the A3 Apex Jr:

Temperature: Yes, the A3 Apex Jr. includes a temperature probe for continuous monitoring of your aquarium's temperature. This is crucial for maintaining stable conditions and receiving alerts if temperatures go outside your desired range.
pH: Yes, it comes with a lab-grade, double-junction pH probe. This allows for accurate, real-time monitoring of your aquarium's pH, which is vital for water chemistry and the health of your livestock.

ORP and Salinity probes are not included with this device

Other Key Features of the Neptune A3 Apex Jr.:

Apex Fusion Cloud Interface: Like all A3 Apex systems, the Jr. utilizes the free Apex Fusion web-based platform. This allows you to:

• Monitor your included parameters (temperature, pH, water level, leaks) in real-time.
• View historical data and graphs.
• Receive alerts via email or smartphone notifications if parameters go out of range.
• Customize your dashboard with a drag-and-drop interface.
• Log manual test results and observations.
• Access your aquarium's data from anywhere with internet access.

Fluid Monitoring: The A3 Apex Jr. includes:

• MOS (Magnetic Optical Sensor): This is a new, improved level sensor that can be used for auto top-off (ATO) setups, high/low level warnings in sumps, or monitoring water storage levels.
• LD-2 Leak Detection Sensor: This sensor helps protect your home and aquarium by detecting water on surfaces like your stand or floor, triggering alerts to prevent floods.
  

Expandability: This is a major selling point of the A3 Apex Jr. It features:

• Two AquaBus ports: These ports allow you to connect additional Neptune Systems modules (like the PM1 for ORP, PM2 for salinity, or other modules like the PM3 for dissolved oxygen).
• Two FMM Ports: For connecting fluid monitoring sensors.
• While it's primarily a "monitoring-only" solution out of the box, you can easily add an Energy Bar (e.g., EB832) via an AquaBus port to gain full control over your pumps, lights, heaters, chillers, and other equipment.
• Built-in Audible Alarm: Provides local alerts for critical conditions.
• Wi-Fi Connectivity: Connects to your network via Wi-Fi only (no Ethernet port on the Jr. model).

What the A3 Apex Jr. is best for:

• Entry-level users: It's an affordable way to get into the Apex ecosystem and start with essential monitoring.
• Budget-conscious aquarists: You can expand its capabilities over time as your needs and budget allow.
• Users who primarily want monitoring: If your main goal is to keep an eye on temperature, pH, water levels, and leaks, and receive alerts, the Jr. offers great value.
  Nano tank owners: Its compact size and included features are often sufficient for smaller setups.

The Neptune A3 Apex Jr. is an excellent starting point for smart aquarium monitoring. It gives you immediate access to crucial temperature and pH data, along with leak and water level detection, all accessible remotely via Apex Fusion. While it doesn't include ORP or salinity monitoring out of the box, it provides the necessary expansion ports to add these features (and full equipment control) whenever you're ready.