Newly set up Apex and probes

canadianeh · Jun 17, 2020

I just set up my brand new Apex and boy the calibration process was not as smooth as I thought. Not as smooth at @Terence video on YouTube. First, calibrating the salinity probe for the first time took more than 30 minutes. I kept trying and trying after failing multiple times. The probe connection kept giving error message and Fusion couldn’t get the “acceptable level” right. I unplugged and plugged back in many times. Searching online, many suggested to float the calibration solution in the tank to match the temperature, BUT Terence’s video doesn’t say this and the calibration package doesn’t say this. I finally got it work after multiple times.

The PH probe also had a little problem but not as bad as the salinity probe.

After all that hard work, the salinity shows 38 ppt and PH shows 7.51. The temperature probe is fairly accurate.

Hanna salinity handheld checker that I calibrate every month shows 35.4 ppt.

Salifert PH shows 8.3

is this normal with Apex probes for being way off??

also, is my ORP number normal? Under 200. The tank is 2 months old and has two clownfish in it.

SuncrestReef · Jun 17, 2020

See my post from yesterday about the salinity probe: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/salinity-probe-and-ddr-question.730459/#post-7605959

canadianeh · Jun 17, 2020

SuncrestReef said:
See my post from yesterday about the salinity probe: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/salinity-probe-and-ddr-question.730459/#post-7605959

So it is okay to submerged the probe cable in water when you mount them upside down?

how about PH probe and my ORP #?

SuncrestReef · Jun 17, 2020

canadianeh said:
So it is okay to submerged the probe cable in water when you mount them upside down?

how about PH probe and my ORP #?

Neptune states that the cable can become brittle over time if left submerged, but I've never read anything that says how long that could take. I've had mine submerged for over 2 years now with no problems, and stable readings.

I believe the pH and/or ORP probes need to soak in the tank for several days to stabilize before calibration. I also assume you removed the protective caps from the probes (all except for the temp probe).

canadianeh · Jun 17, 2020

SuncrestReef said:
Neptune states that the cable can become brittle over time if left submerged, but I've never read anything that says how long that could take. I've had mine submerged for over 2 years now with no problems, and stable readings.

I believe the pH and/or ORP probes need to soak in the tank for several days to stabilize before calibration. I also assume you removed the protective caps from the probes (all except for the temp probe).

I see.

yes I removed the protective caps after I realized they won’t fit into the Neptune probe holder with it on. So I have to recalibrate after several days?
Man, no one from Neptune even Terrence mention it on their video instructions. That’s why we have so many questions and issues on the forum about the same thing.

DarthSimon · Jun 17, 2020

Just a quick FYI, you can calibrate in real time in Apex Local. Sometimes there is a lag with Fusion and Calibration. I had similar issues a few years back, and Neptune showed me calibrating in local can be helpful.

You c an access your Apex Local by typing in the IP address of the apex directly into your browser bar.

canadianeh · Jun 17, 2020

DarthSimon said:
Just a quick FYI, you can calibrate in real time in Apex Local. Sometimes there is a lag with Fusion and Calibration. I had similar issues a few years back, and Neptune showed me calibrating in local can be helpful.

You c an access your Apex Local by typing in the IP address of the apex directly into your browser bar.

where do I find the Apex IP address and which one is it?

I did mine using iPhone app. So with your suggestion, I will have to use browser to login to Fusion instead of the app, yes?