Neptune Systems pH/ORP Temperature Probe Module

Probe
pH
Keeping pH stable is critically important to healthy coral in a reef aquarium. A stable pH is also less stressful for all the aquarium’s inhabitants.

Monitoring pH not only allows you to tune in desirable parameter stability but also serves as an important warning system to warn you of negative chemistry changes.

Compatible with:
Any available BNC port on the following products: PM1 & A1, A2, or A3 Apex Series

Included with Apex Jr, Apex, Apex Pro

The Neptune Systems pH/ORP Temperature Probe Module, commonly known as the PM1 module, is an essential component for monitoring critical water parameters in aquariums using a Neptune Systems Apex controller. It allows for real-time measurement of pH, ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential), and temperature.

Key Features and Functions of the PM1 Module:

pH Monitoring:

Core Function: The PM1's primary role is to connect a pH probe (sold separately) to your Apex system. This probe measures the hydrogen ion concentration in the water, which determines its acidity or alkalinity.

Real-time Data: It provides continuous, real-time readings of your tank's pH, displayed on your Apex Fusion dashboard.

Crucial for Reef Tanks: pH stability is paramount in reef aquariums, as it directly impacts calcification, coral health, and overall system biology.

Alerts and Automation: You can set up alerts (email, SMS) if pH deviates from your desired range. Crucially, you can program the Apex to trigger automated responses based on pH, such as controlling CO2 dosing for calcium reactors, turning off dosing pumps if pH swings too high/low, or activating an emergency air pump.

Calibration: pH probes require periodic calibration using calibration solutions (e.g., pH 7.0 and pH 10.0 for marine). The PM1 supports this process through the Apex Fusion interface.
Temperature Compensation: Similar to conductivity, pH readings are influenced by temperature. The PM1, when connected to a temperature probe (also connected to the PM1), uses the real-time temperature data to automatically compensate the pH reading, providing a more accurate and consistent value.
ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential) Monitoring:

Core Function: The PM1 also allows you to connect an ORP probe (sold separately). ORP measures the water's ability to break down waste or "oxidize" pollutants. It provides an overall indicator of water quality and the water's cleanliness.

Indicators of Water Quality: Higher ORP values generally indicate cleaner, healthier water with good dissolved oxygen levels. Low ORP can signal an accumulation of organic waste or inadequate oxygenation.

Ozone Control: ORP monitoring is especially critical for aquarists who use ozone generators. The Apex can be programmed to precisely control ozone dosing based on target ORP levels, preventing overdosing, which can be harmful.
Temperature Compensation: ORP readings are also temperature-dependent, and the PM1 provides temperature compensation for the ORP probe as well.
Temperature Monitoring:

Dedicated Port:The PM1 includes an additional temperature probe port. While your main Apex unit usually has a temperature probe, having an extra one on the PM1 allows for dedicated temperature compensation for the pH and ORP probes, or for monitoring temperature in a different section of your system (e.g., a refugium, quarantine tank).
Digital Input/I/O Expansion:

Six Digital Inputs: Similar to the PM2, the PM1 features six digital inputs. These are highly versatile and can be used to connect various "dry contact" switches, such as:
Float switches: For auto top-off (ATO) systems, sump level monitoring, or controlling reservoir levels.

Leak detection probes: To trigger alarms or shut-off equipment if water is detected outside the tank.

Pressure sensors:For monitoring filter pressure or other systems.

Push buttons: For manual overrides or feeding modes.
Requires Breakout Box: To connect these digital inputs, you typically need a Neptune Systems Breakout Box, which plugs into the I/O port on the PM1 (or the Apex main module).

Integration with Apex System:

AquaBus Connection:The PM1 connects to your Apex controller via an AquaBus cable, becoming part of your Apex network.

Plug-and-Play: It's designed for easy plug-and-play setup. Once connected, your Apex controller automatically recognizes the module.
Datalogging and Graphing: All data from the connected probes (pH, ORP, temperature, and I/O states) is logged and graphed within Apex Fusion, allowing you to track trends and review historical data.

Upgradeable Firmware: The PM1's firmware can be updated through the Apex system, ensuring compatibility with new features and improvements.

How it Works (Simplified):

pH/ORP Probes: The pH and ORP probes, submerged in your aquarium water, generate a small electrical voltage that varies based on the chemical properties they are measuring.
Temperature Probe: The temperature probe simultaneously measures the water's temperature.

PM1 Processing: The PM1 module receives these raw voltage signals from the pH/ORP probes and the temperature data.

Temperature Compensation: Using the temperature data, the PM1 adjusts the pH and ORP readings to a standard reference temperature. This ensures that your reported values are accurate regardless of small temperature fluctuations in your tank.

Data Transmission to Apex: The compensated pH, ORP (and raw temperature) data is then sent to your main Apex controller via the AquaBus.
Apex Fusion Display & Automation: The Apex controller processes this data, displays it in Apex Fusion, and executes any programmed rules or alerts based on your configured parameters.

Compatibility:

The PM1 module is compatible with all Neptune Systems Apex controller models, including the Apex (2016), Apex Classic, Apex Lite, Apex Jr., and the A1, A2, and A3 Series Apex (A3 Jr, A3 Apex, A3 Pro).