Neptune Systems Temperature Probe

The Neptune Systems Temperature Probe is a fundamental and essential sensor for any Apex aquarium controller setup. While often overlooked due to its simplicity compared to other probes, maintaining stable water temperature is absolutely critical for the health and survival of all aquarium inhabitants.

Key Features and Functions:

Continuous Temperature Monitoring:

The probe provides real-time, continuous readings of your aquarium water temperature.
This allows you to see the exact temperature at any moment and track fluctuations throughout the day or night.
This is a significant upgrade from relying on stick-on thermometers or occasional manual readings.
Accuracy and Precision:

Neptune Systems temperature probes are designed to be accurate and reliable, typically within ±0.5 ∘C (1∘F) or better.
They respond quickly to changes in water temperature, providing timely data.

Versatile Placement:

The probe is typically small and robust, allowing it to be placed in various locations:
Display Tank: To monitor the exact temperature of the main display.
Sump: Often placed in the return pump section or a general sump compartment for overall system temperature.

Chiller/Heater Inlet/Outlet: To monitor the temperature of water flowing into or out of heating or cooling equipment.

Refugium/Frag Tank:For systems with multiple sections that might have different temperature requirements.

Integration with Apex System:

Temperature probes are arguably the most ubiquitous sensor in the Apex ecosystem. They can connect to various modules:

Main Apex Unit: Most Apex head units (Apex 2016, Apex EL, Apex Pro, etc.) have at least one dedicated temperature probe port (often labeled "TEMP" or "PROBE").

Energy Bar 832 (EB832): The EB832, a common power strip, also typically includes temperature probe ports.

PM1 Module (pH/ORP/Temp): If you're using a PM1 for pH/ORP, it includes a temperature port, allowing for localized temperature compensation for those probes.

PM2 Module (Conductivity/Temp): Similarly, the PM2 includes a temperature port for localized temperature compensation of the conductivity probe.

FMM Module (Fluid Monitoring Module): Some FMM versions also include a temperature probe port.

Real-time Data, Logging, and Graphing:

The current temperature is constantly displayed on your Apex Fusion dashboard.
All temperature data is logged and graphed over time, allowing you to easily visualize daily temperature swings, long-term trends, or sudden drops/spikes. This is crucial for:
Identifying equipment malfunction: A steady temperature rise might indicate a failing chiller, while a drop could point to a heater issue.
Understanding environmental impact: See how room temperature affects tank temperature.
Monitoring stress factors: Sudden swings are highly stressful for livestock.

Crucial for Automation and Alerts:

Temperature data is one of the most common parameters used for Apex automation:

Heater Control:Program your heater to turn ON when temperature drops below a set point and OFF when it reaches the desired temperature.

Chiller Control: Program your chiller to turn ON when temperature rises above a set point and OFF when it drops to the desired temperature.

Cooling Fan Control: Activate cooling fans if the temperature gets too high.
Alerts: Set up email, SMS, or push notifications to warn you if the temperature goes outside your safe range (e.g., "Temperature below 24°C" or "Temperature above 27°C").

Failsafe Actions: For critical high-temperature situations, you can program the Apex to dim or turn off lights (as lights generate heat) or even shut down other heat-generating equipment.

Temperature Compensation for other Probes:

As mentioned above, accurate pH and conductivity/salinity readings are highly dependent on temperature. Having a temperature probe connected to the same module as your pH or conductivity probe allows the Apex to automatically compensate those readings for temperature variations, ensuring their accuracy.

Installation and Maintenance:

Placement: Submerge the probe's tip directly in the water. Ensure it's not directly exposed to an air bubble, in direct sunlight, or too close to a heater/chiller output, which could give localized, inaccurate readings. A good location is typically in a high-flow area of the sump.
Connection: Plug the probe's jack (usually a standard 3.5mm audio jack or sometimes a dedicated probe connector) into the designated temperature port on your Apex module.
Configuration in Apex Fusion: The Apex will usually auto-detect the temperature probe. You can then name it descriptively (e.g., "Sump_Temp," "Display_Temp") and set up your desired control parameters and alerts in Apex Fusion.
Maintenance: Temperature probes require very little maintenance. Periodically inspect them for any buildup and gently wipe them clean with a soft cloth. Ensure the connection is secure.
The Neptune Systems Temperature Probe is an indispensable tool for maintaining the precise and stable temperature required for a healthy and thriving aquarium. It provides continuous monitoring, robust automation capabilities, and critical alerts to protect your aquatic environment.