Never before offered in the aquarium industry the LLS Sensors allow for the measurement of water depth in inches or centimeters. Available in four different sizes- 4″, 15″ 23″ and 35″ each sensor has a special place in helping understand the water level in the sump, aquarium, reservoirs, and other liquid-holding containers. No longer does one need to physically look to observe how much water level is above or below a specific point, but now simply open the Apex Fusion app and observe.
LLS-23 may be used with any A2 Apex equipped with a FMM, or with any A3 Apex using either the embedded FMM ports or with a separate FMM. LLS are not backward compatible with A1 Apexes (Apex Classic models).
The Neptune Systems Liquid Level Sensor (LLS) is a relatively new and highly innovative product in the aquarium monitoring space. Unlike traditional float switches or optical sensors that only detect the presence or absence of liquid at a single point, the LLS-23 provides a continuous, real-time measurement of liquid depth over its entire length.
This "electronic ruler" capability opens up a wealth of new possibilities for monitoring and automation in your aquarium.
Continuous Depth Measurement:
The LLS-23 is a vertical sensor that can identify the exact depth of a fluid (in inches or centimeters) at any given time along its 23-inch length.
This allows you to track subtle changes in water level, not just "wet" or "dry" states.
Patented Resistive Sensing Technology:
The sensor uses a patented resistive sensing technology that accurately and reliably measures the liquid level when in contact with the liquid.
Real-time Data and Datalogging:
The current liquid depth is displayed directly in your Apex Fusion dashboard, often with both digital and animated visual readouts.
This data is continuously logged, allowing you to view historical trends, graph changes over time, and analyze consumption rates.
Ideal for Small Reservoirs and Containers:
The 23-inch length makes it perfectly suited for monitoring liquid levels in:
Small ATO (Auto Top-Off) Reservoirs: Track how quickly your top-off water is being consumed due to evaporation.
Dosing Containers: Monitor the precise amount of calcium, alkalinity, magnesium, or other additives remaining in your dosing containers. You can even calculate your daily or weekly consumption of these additives.
Small Sump Compartments: Track levels in smaller sections of your sump.
All-in-One (AIO) Tank Chambers: Monitor water levels in the back chambers of nano or all-in-one aquariums.
Enhanced Automation and Alerts:
With continuous depth measurement, your Apex can perform more sophisticated automation:
Multiple Alerts: Set up multiple alert thresholds (e.g., "ATO reservoir at 2 inches," "ATO reservoir critical - 0.5 inches").
Smart Dosing: Monitor dosing solution levels and alert you well in advance before a container runs empty.
Evaporation Tracking: See your daily evaporation rates and ensure your ATO system is keeping up.
Adaptive Control: While not typically used for immediate ATO control (due to a slight delay in reading changes, generally 15 seconds per inch), it can be used for secondary checks or to adjust pump speeds. For example, if your sump's return pump section drops to a certain level, you could have your Apex slow down or turn off your return pump to prevent cavitation or running dry, before it would activate a traditional ATO.
Mounting Clip Included:
Each LLS-23 comes with a clip for easy mounting to the side of a sump, aquarium, or container. It can also be mounted to a baffle inside a sump.
Compatibility:
The LLS-23 (and all LLS sensors) can be used with:
Any Apex A2 series controller (e.g., Apex, Apex EL) when equipped with an FMM (Fluid Monitoring Module).
Any Apex A3 series controller (e.g., Apex Pro, Apex, Apex Jr.) using either the embedded FMM ports or a separate FMM.
Important Considerations:
Requires FMM: The LLS-23 must connect to an FMM module.
Not for Instantaneous Control: Neptune Systems advises that while the LLS provides continuous data, its response time (around 15 seconds per inch of level change) means it's generally not recommended for direct, instantaneous control needs like the primary trigger for an ATO pump. For ATO, traditional optical sensors (like the OS-1 or MOS) are still preferred for their immediate "wet/dry" state changes. The LLS-23 excels at monitoring and secondary safeguards.
Calibration: The LLS-23 requires calibration to ensure accurate readings. Once calibrated, it's typically accurate to about two-tenths of an inch (0.2 " or about 0.5 cm).
Liquid Compatibility: The LLS-23 is safe for use with saltwater, RO/DI water, and commonly used alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium supplements. It should not be used with saturated Kalkwasser, RedSea NO3:PO4-X (NoPox), vodka, or other additives/treatments containing alcohols, as these can damage the sensor or provide inaccurate readings. The top of the sensor, where the electronics are, should also not be submerged.
