{"product_id":"neptune-systems-aquacontroller-apex-afs-auto-feeding-system","title":"Neptune Systems AquaController Apex AFS Auto Feeding System","description":"\u003ctable cellpadding=\"4\" cellspacing=\"0\" border=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003ctr valign=\"top\"\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"verdana75pt\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"verdana75pt\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApex AquaController expansion accessory automates aquarium feedings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr valign=\"top\"\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"verdana75pt\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"verdana75pt\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeed your fish consistently and safely while you are home or away\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr valign=\"top\"\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"verdana75pt\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"verdana75pt\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncorporate other Apex-controlled equipment to automate even complex feeding routines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore innovative automated feeding solutions with this expansion accessory for your AquaController Apex Controller System and Neptune Systems AquaController Apex Jr System. Neptune Systems AquaController Apex AFS Auto Feeding System allows you to integrate any Apex-controlled aquarium equipment to your feeding strategy. In other words, you can create a feeding sequence that automatically turns off your return pump and skimmer before feeding and have them turn back on after feeding OR any other combination you can imagine!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNeptune Systems AquaController Apex AFS Auto Feeding System allows you to feed your fish consistently and safely while you are home or away. Innovative feeding system accepts pellet or flake food and features a motorized food delivery system that automatically extends and retracts into the housing for each feeding. This unique stay-dry system prevents caking and clumping for reliable performance. Apex AFS Auto Feeding System features two AquaBus connectors so you can daisy-chain multiple feeders together to feed multiple aquariums, increase feeding capacity or to offer different types of foods. Connects to and is powered by the Apex system via AquaBus Connections Ports.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeeds pellet or flake food in varying amounts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApex can be set so that the AFS will feed from one time to as many times as you like throughout the day.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConnects and powered via the Apex AquaBus.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"Stay-dry\" system has a sealed food container that extends and retracts for each feeding. This keeps food dry and prevents clumping.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe lowest setting feeds just a few grains of pellet food so multiple small feedings are possible.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAllows for optimal feeding - small amounts many times a day.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeedings can be combined with other operations such as powering off return pumps, skimmer, etc. and then automatically turning them back on after a set amount of time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdjustable mounting clip extends up to two inches (or hook \u0026amp;; loop fastener can be used) so it will work in almost every aquarium configuration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes 15 ft AquaBus Cable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBonus: FREE Sample of Crossover Diet food included!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompatible with the Apex, Apex Lite, and Apex Jr. AquaControllers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003ePhysical Installation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe feeder can be mounted to the rim of your tank using the included mounting bracket or can sit on a flat surface. Four self-stick rubber feet are included that may be applied to the bottom of the feeder if you're not going to use the bracket. Pull the drum out of the housing and pop off the lid to fill with your preferred dry food then just push the drum back into the housing on the rotation shaft. Adjust the orange slider (- +) to control how much food is released on each drum rotation.\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInitial Connections\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBefore connecting your AFS to your system ensure you are on a compatible firmware level. The AFS requires firmware of at least 4.30_BA13. You can determine the firmware version your controller is running by looking at the beginning of any XML report or by going to the Network Setup web page and looking at the bottom of the page. If your firmware is not at that level or greater, please download and apply the latest version from Neptune's support web page where you'll find updates for both PC's and Mac's as well as complete instructions. Your controller will not recognize the AFS or create the appropriate outlet if you are not on a compatible level of firmware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlug one end of the included AquaBus cable into either of the AquaBus ports on the AFS and the other end into an available AquaBus port anywhere on your existing Apex system. It makes no difference which AquaBus port is used and you do not need to power down the system when connecting AquaBus accessories as the system is plug-and-play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWARNING: NEVER plug standard USB devices into any AquaBus connector or AquaBus accessories into computer USB ports. Damage to the AquaBus accessory and\/or USB device may result.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStartup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAs soon as the AFS is connected to an active AquaBus, it will power up and begin to initialize. When first connected to an Apex Base Unit (through the AquaBus), the AFS will automatically be assigned an AquaBus address and be added to the Apex list of outlets. The LED Status indicator on the AFS will flash yellow while it is being initialized. This only takes a second or two. Once initialized, the LED Status indicator will be solid green.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVerify the Installation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nVerify the AFS was initialized and added to the Apex configuration:\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApex Display:\u003c\/strong\u003e Setup\u0026gt;; Module Setup\u0026gt;; Modify Name - From this screen, you can see all AquaBus modules installed on the system.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeb Interface:\u003c\/strong\u003e Configuration\u0026gt;; Module Setup - Verify the AFS is listed in the Apex Module List and note the module number assigned to it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAn outlet will be automatically created called 'Feeder_X_1' where 'X' rep resents the module number assigned to the AFS. For example, if your feeder was assigned Aquabus address #4 the outlet would be named 'Feeder_4_1'. Like any other outlet, you can change this name if you wish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConfiguring and testing the AFS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThere is no configuration necessary with the AFS. Once the outlet is created, you can begin programming it. To test the outlet to see if it's active, simply set the outlet to ON via the Dashboard, the Display or your smart phone app. The feeding drum should extend, rotate one time then retract back into the AFS. You can then turn the outlet to AUTO and begin programming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgramming Examples\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe following examples will help you quickly program your system to use the AFS. Refer to the Apex Setup and Programming Guide or the Comprehensive Reference Manual for detailed instructions on how to configure and program outlets as well as a complete definition of all programming statements and syntax.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"SectionHeading2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethod #1 - Using the Feed Wizard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nTo use the wizard, make sure 'Feeder' is selected for Control Type in the Outlet Configuration web page.\nFirst Feeding Time - The time each day of your first (or only) feeding.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding Repeat Interval\u003c\/strong\u003e - If you are going to have multiple feedings, how far apart should they be? If you only intend a single feeding, you can ignore this and leave it at 60.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDrum Rotations per Feeding \u003c\/strong\u003e- How many drum rotations per feeding?\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeedings per Day\u003c\/strong\u003e - Used with Feeding Interval to space multiple feedings starting with Feeding Time.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeed Timer\u003c\/strong\u003e (A-D) - Used to select one of the built-in Feed timers as an override to your AFS feed program.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\nHere's a chart to help you understand how to use the Feed Wizard to get the feed times you desire:\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"5\" border=\"0\" bgcolor=\"#dcdddf\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n     \u003ctr align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#336699\"\u003e\n       \u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Verdana12ptWhite\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScenario\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Verdana12ptWhite\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding Time\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t  \u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Verdana12ptWhite\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding Interval\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t  \u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Verdana12ptWhite\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrum Rotations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t  \u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Verdana12ptWhite\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeedings per day\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n       \u003ctd align=\"right\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Jason11\"\u003eFeed one time at noon with a single drum rotation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n       \u003ctd align=\"right\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Jason11\"\u003e12:00\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t   \u003ctd align=\"right\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Jason11\"\u003eValue Ignored\t\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t   \u003ctd align=\"right\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Jason11\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t   \u003ctd align=\"right\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Jason11\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr bgcolor=\"#94c2dc\"\u003e\n       \u003ctd align=\"right\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Jason11\"\u003eFeed three times per day at 9am, Noon, and 3pm; single drum rotation each time\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n       \u003ctd align=\"right\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Jason11\"\u003e9:00\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t   \u003ctd align=\"right\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Jason11\"\u003e180\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t   \u003ctd align=\"right\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Jason11\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t   \u003ctd align=\"right\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Jason11\"\u003e3\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd align=\"right\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Jason11\"\u003eFeed twice a day at 1pm and 5pm; 3 drum rotations each time\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n       \u003ctd align=\"right\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Jason11\"\u003e13:00\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e \n\t   \u003ctd align=\"right\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Jason11\"\u003e240\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t   \u003ctd align=\"right\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Jason11\"\u003e3\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t   \u003ctd align=\"right\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Jason11\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n       \t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n   \n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\n\u003cspan class=\"SectionHeading2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethod #2 - Advanced programming Examples\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt any point, you can switch programming modes and use the 'Advanced' mode to enter your program yourself. Optionally, you can begin with the Wizard (see above), let the wizard create the program then switch modes to Advanced and modify the program the Wizard created for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHere's the program created by the Wizard in the first scenario: Single feeding at Noon, single rotation:\u003cbr\u003e\nOSC 000:00\/000:30\/000:30 Then On\u003cbr\u003e\nif Time 00:00 to 1\u003cbr\u003e\n2:00 Then Off\u003cbr\u003e\nif Time 12:02 to 00:00 Then Off\u003cbr\u003e\nif FeedA 000 Then On\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe key to programming the AFS is understanding that the feeder drum will rotate once every time power is applied. That's where the Oscillate statement comes in. It turns the outlet ON for 30 seconds then OFF. The 'If Time' statements keep the outlet OFF the rest of the time - in this example all day with the exception of 12:00:00-12:01:59. The Oscillate statement starts at 12:00 with 30 seconds OFF followed by 30 seconds ON (which causes the feed drum to extend, rotate and retract). This happens once and the outlet then goes OFF until the next day at noon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHere's the code created by the Wizard for the last example: Feed twice a day at 1pm and 5pm, 3 drum rotations each time:\u003cbr\u003e\nOSC 00\u003cbr\u003e\n0:00\/000:30\/000:30 Then On\u003cbr\u003e\nIf Time 00:00 to 13:00 Then Off\u003cbr\u003e\nIf Time 13:04 to 17:00 Then Off\u003cbr\u003e\nIf Time 17:04 to 00:00 Then Off\u003cbr\u003e\nIf FeedA 000 Then On\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNote that each 'If Time' statement is longer-4 minutes instead of 2 which gives you the 3 x 1 minute rotations plus a little time so the outlet doesn't turn OFF too early. If you wanted a different number of drum rotations at each feeding, simply adjust the times accordingly - 2 minutes for a single rotation, 3 minutes for 2 rotations, 4 minutes for 3 rotations, etc. This way you could have 2 rotations at the 1pm feeding but 4 rotations at the 5pm feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne final note about the program the wizard creates. You'll note there's an 'If Feed' statement automatically inserted at the end of the program. This gives you the ability to manually activate the feeder whenever you want and get a single feed rotation. Simply select that feed timer from the Display module, the Dashboard or your smart phone application and the AFS will be activated for a single drum rotation feed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"SectionHeading2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExceptions you can Incorporate in your Feed Strategy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSince the AFS understands all the Apex commands, probes and switches, you can incorporate these into your feed program for the ultimate in control. For example, you can suspend feeding if your water quality is below a certain point by checking your ORP or pH levels:\u003cbr\u003e\nOSC 000:00\/000:30\/000:30 Then On\u003cbr\u003e\nIf Time 00:00 to 13:00 Then Off\u003cbr\u003e\nIf Time 13:04 to 17:00 Then Off\u003cbr\u003e\nIf Time 17:04 to 00:00 Then Off\u003cbr\u003e\nIf FeedA 000 Then On\u003cbr\u003e\nIf ORP \u0026lt;; 300 Then OFF (Add this statement at the end of your program)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou can also suspend feeding if any alarm conditions are TRUE simply by checking the condition of your Email alarm outlet. For example, add the following at the end of your feed program:\nIf Outlet EmailAlm_I5 = ON Then OFF\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAnother possible exception, suppose you want to suspend feeding on a particular day each week. Again, with the Apex controller it's easy to do. Add the following code to the end of your feed program if you want to skip feedings on Saturdays (for more information on the Day of Week command, see the Comprehensive Reference Manual at Neptune's support web site):\nIf DOW------S Then OFF\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSuppose you make use of float switches as part of your aquarium control strategy - perhaps to tell you your sump is low or your skimmer waste reservoir is full. Maybe you use a toggle switch to indicate a maintenance period has begun. You can incorporate a switch condition in your feed program:\nIf Switch3 CLOSED Then OFF\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf Switch3 indicated you were in a maintenance mode and perhaps your pumps and skimmer are turned off, this would tell the feeder to skip this feeding. As soon as you complete maintenance mode and Switch3 goes back to OPEN, when the next feeding time arrives, the feeder will operate normally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne final example. Here we want a complete feeding workflow:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eInitiate Feed cycle \u0026gt;; turn off return and skimmer \u0026gt;; wait 1 minute \u0026gt;; feed \u0026gt;; wait 10 min \u0026gt;; turn on return \u0026gt;; wait 5 min \u0026gt;; turn on skimmer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHere's how you would accomplish that. First, you'll need a virtual outlet (for information on how to create virtual outlets, see the Comprehensive Reference Manual). We'll start with a simple one time a day, single rotation feeding but you can adapt for any number of feedings:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e[v-feed]\u003cbr\u003e\nSet OFF\u003cbr\u003e\nIf Time 12:00 To 12:01 Then ON\u003cbr\u003e\n[skimmer]\u003cbr\u003e\nSet ON\u003cbr\u003e\nIf Outlet v-feed = ON Then OFF\u003cbr\u003e\nDefer 15:00 Then ON\u003cbr\u003e\n[return]\u003cbr\u003e\nSet ON\u003cbr\u003e\nIf Outlet v-feed = ON Then OFF\u003cbr\u003e\nDefer 10:00 Then ON\u003cbr\u003e\n[feeder_3_1]\u003cbr\u003e\nSet OFF\u003cbr\u003e\nIf Outlet v-feed = ON Then ON\u003cbr\u003e\nDefer 1:00 Then ON\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs you can see, it's really up to your imagination on what you can do with a fully integrated Automatic Feeding System and an Apex AquaController. And if you ever get stuck on how to accomplish something, Neptune support and the Neptune Community Forums are ready and waiting to assist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"LiveAquaria","offers":[{"title":"Auto Feeding System (Mfg# AFS)","offer_id":48509212328179,"sku":"88341","price":109.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0794\/9497\/1635\/files\/lg_88341.jpg?v=1771033385","url":"https:\/\/www.liveaquaria.com\/products\/neptune-systems-aquacontroller-apex-afs-auto-feeding-system","provider":"LiveAquaria","version":"1.0","type":"link"}