Review: Neptune Apex Advanced Leak Detection Module

[Widdy]

Bought this addon peripheral for my Neptune Apex several months ago, been too lazy to get it setup. With vacation around the corner, figured this would be an excellent reason to finally set it up.

Pictured is the ALD module and 2 Surface Sensors. Setup was rather straightforward -- plug ALD module in and Apex immediately detected the new module and created 4 switches for it. Connect sensors to port 1 and 2 on the ALD module (Switchx5_1 and Switchx5_2). Programmed pumps/skimmer/ATO to include:

If Switchx5_1 CLOSED Then OFF
If Switchx5_2 CLOSED Then OFF

Email and Alarm to include:

If Switchx5_1 CLOSED Then On
If Switchx5_2 CLOSED Then On

And done! Pretty responsive during water test, pumps turned off immediately and alarm/email kicked off.

Hope this helps anyone that has an Neptune Apex and considering some sort of water detection mechanism.

P.S. Thanks to Alan of Reefs Creation for picking this up for me...

 

[NYCEnglish]

Thanks for the write-up - been considering this for a while now. My only concern is that if I turn the pumps off the water level is going to rise in my sump which may be the area where the leak is. I plan to use multiple sensors to determine if the leak is from the DT or the sump and act accordingly.

 

[Widdy]

You're welcome. I see your concerns, if the leak is at the sump it'll eventually leak out regardless. Multiple sensors could help, but at the end it's a matter of how fast the leak is addressed. Not sure if it applies to you, but I keep my return locline right below the water surface, this should minimize some water being returned, also serving as a siphon break.

 

[NYCEnglish]

Same here regarding the return. Agreed, detection, or rather speed of detection is the key.

 

[E.intheC]

Updates on this? I'm thinking about adding a few sensors to my setup as well.

 

[Widdy]

Updates on this? I'm thinking about adding a few sensors to my setup as well.

Hi E -

System is working very well. The ALD is fully populated with 4 sensors, I'm paranoid. One under my ARID reactor, calcium reactor and x/y axis of the sump.

I test it every so often during a waterchange. Wet hand/finger will do...

 

[E.intheC]

Thanks for the quick reply Widdy

It looks like these are great for the OCD or paranoid type like myself. They're not cheap though!

 

[Widdy]

Thanks for the quick reply Widdy

It looks like these are great for the OCD or paranoid type like myself. They're not cheap though!

Agreed, like any assurance (insurance?), their value aren't returned until there's a disaster. $200 all in for the ALD system (Module + 4 Sensors) is pale in comparison to a new floor, or in my situation being in an apartment -- damages to neighboring units. So envious of people with their tanks in a basement, where damages are minimized and, most likely, their own.

It does offer a worry-less experience, not worry-free.

 

[Exotic Reef]

I'm geting this in the next week or so . I installed wood flooring thought the whole first floor . I had to break down tank (thank god I did ) I noticed I had water under my sump . When the floor was done I moved everything into place and a day or 2 after of everything being set up again I noticed I had a nice noticeable puddle . I bought a new sump and my leaks were gone . I figure the sump was weak and when the guys were working they hit it by a accident .. I'm Deffenetly going to buy the module it would suck to have about 30 gallons or more of water on the floor in the future

 

[E.intheC]

Agreed, like any assurance (insurance?), their value aren't returned until there's a disaster. $200 all in for the ALD system (Module + 4 Sensors) is pale in comparison to a new floor, or in my situation being in an apartment -- damages to neighboring units. So envious of people with their tanks in a basement, where damages are minimized and, most likely, their own.

It does offer a worry-less experience, not worry-free.

I own a row-style house, so my basement still carries the "neighbor" risk. Admittedly, it's less because there's a drain in the basement, but it's still there, and enough to keep me from getting a large tank.

 

[pmoneyt]

had it for a few months and I have to say it works well. I got an alert at work one day from my ALD and I called home and to find out what was leaking. It turned out to be my skimmer had over flowed and the splashes from the bubbles run down the side of the sump. I was able to shut down my skimmer remotely until I got home.

Right now I am only running two sensors but I will get 2 more and put them by my water storage containers.