FMM - Fluid Monitoring Module - Know How It Flows
Fluid Monitoring Module connects to any Apex! It does so much!
The FMM (Fluid Monitoring Module) is a module that connects to any Apex (Apex 2016, Apex Classic, Apex Gold)
via it’s AquaBus port providing four multi-function monitoring ports that can be used for flow sensors, water-level sensors,
leak detections sensors and possibly future products as well.
The FMM is a multi-purpose module that, with the help of various accessories, enables your Apex to do:
- Flow Monitoring
- Leak Detection
- Water Level Detection
- Power 24VDC accessories
- Future sensors
FLOW SENSORS
Return pump
Measuring the flow of your aquarium’s main return pump is an incredibly useful piece of information.
The key benefit would be to have the Apex notify you the instant the flow stops for any reason —
usually the result of a failed or faulty pump. Furthermore, an indication of a reduced flow rate could be
used to determine that the pump or the lines are dirty or are becoming clogged with algae, debris, animals,
or the growth of organisms inside your plumbing.
Auxiliary pumps on reactors and the like
This is a very handy application for the FMM. Place a flow sensor on a device like a carbon/gfo/biopellet
reactor and it serves many purposes. First off, you will know if your pump is not not flowing correctly or
failed altogether. Next, you can easily fine-tune the flow into the reactor by watching the dashboard tile on
your Apex. Finally, you can know when the reactor is becoming clogged with detritus or possibly channeling
has occurred by an alert on your Apex or by monitoring your dashboard.
Put a flow sensor inline to your device, plug it in to the FMM, and see exactly the flow rate of the water
(any aquarium fluid really) going through that sensor. The industrial-grade flow sensors use either a turbine
or paddle-wheel mechanism (depending on the model) to measure the flow.
It is important to note that the flow rate that will be reported back to you from the flow sensors will likely
be far lower than you expect or what is printed on the pump label or documentation. This is due to head
pressure loss from physical height differences, long runs, restrictions such as ball valves, fittings like elbows,
tees, and reducers, and then finally the loc-line many use as the entry point into their tanks.
As an example, a pump rated at 3200gph will likely be showing less than half that amount in nearly all applications.
With the FMK – Fluid Monitoring Kit you get one 1″ Flow Sensor as well as two 1/2″ Flow Sensors.
(The 1/2″ sensors are rated for flow rates from 30-250 gph. The 1″ flow sensors are rated for flow rates from 150-1500 gph.)
ONE PORT FREE – ADD ANOTHER SENSOR!
The FMK comes with three flow sensors but the FMM has a total of four ports. This means you have one
port free to use for another purpose. Buy additional flow sensors
(available also in 2″ and 1/4″ sizes) or choose from one of the options below and add even more functionality!
OPTICAL WATER-LEVEL SENSOR (OPTIONAL)
There are many useful purposes for water-level sensors on an aquarium. They can help you build an auto-top-off,
monitor the levels in your supplement containers, even help automate saltwater mixing containers. Traditionally float
switches have been the most commonly used types of these devices, however they are prone to all kinds of failure.
On the other hand, the solid-state, optically-controlled sensors used with the FMM are much more reliable and dependable.
These optical sensors work by using an LED emitter and receptor in a clear enclosure such that when it becomes
wet, the light bends and no longer completes the circuit.
Easy to use
Of course you could always add water-level sensors to your Apex – but it was more complicated than most users
could handle. Now, with the FMM and these optical water-level sensors, you just plug them in! No wire-stripping,
no breakout box necessary!
LEAK DETECTION (OPTIONAL)
In addition to flow monitoring and level-detection, the FMM can be used for leak detection. Simply plug in up to
four of our new, super-sensitive leak detection probes and place them where you want that oh-so-important
protection for your floors, and your marriage! There is one sensor for solid surfaces and another slimline version
for use under carpets.
DC24 ACCESSORY PORT BUILT-IN!
The FMM has another trick up it’s sleeve. In addition to the four sensor ports, the FMM also has
a DC24 accessory port and a power supply input. This adds another controllable outlet to your Apex set up.
So, for instance, if you do want to make your own ATO and attach our available PMUP or Solenoid Valve,
you can do so. Simply add our 36W 24V DC power supply (available separately).
What's Included?
- 1x FMM Module
- 1x Aquabus Cable
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FMM Accessories
Flow Sensor – 2″ (FS-200)
Usually used with a return pump, this flow sensor can be placed in line with the flow on any pipe, connected to the FMM,
and communicate to your Apex the flow rate of water through that pipe. The flow sensor itself uses British Standard Parallel
The FS-200 will work with flow rates from 300-3000 gph.
Flow Sensor – 1″ (FS-100)
Usually used with a return pump, this flow sensor can be placed in line with the flow on any pipe, connected to the FMM,
and communicate to your Apex the flow rate of water through that pipe. The flow sensor itself uses BSPP threads so for
The FS-100 will work with flow rates from 150-1500 gph.
Flow Sensor – 1/2″ (FS-50)
Usually used with aquarium accessories like reactors, carbon/GFO filters, etc., this flow sensor can be placed in line with
the flow on any pipe, connected to the FMM, and communicate to your Apex the flow rate of water through that pipe.
The FS-50 will work with flow rates from 30-250 gph.
Flow Sensor – 1/4″ with push-fit connectors (FS-25)
Usually used with aquarium accessories like RODI inputs, calcium reactor feed lines etc., this flow sensor can be placed
in line with the flow on 1/4″ tubing, connected to the FMM, and communicate to your Apex the flow rate of water through
that pipe. The flow sensor itself uses push-fit connectors to make connecting to your system as simple as possible.
The FS-25 will work with flow rates from 3-12 gph.
Optical Level Sensor (OS-1)
This sensor plugs into your FMM and, using reflected infrared light, will signal your Apex when it changes state from
being wet to dry or dry to wet. This sensor can be used for constructing your own ATO (auto-top-off), as a high-level
warning sensor in your sump, water storage level sensor, and much more. The sensors can be mounted into custom brackets
or through a hole in a vessel. Included are a fastening nut and silicone washer.
These sensors are sold individually.
Leak Detection Probe for use under carpet (LD-1)
Plug this probe into your FMM and then place it underneath your carpet near your aquarium. Upon contact with
water this probe will communicate to your Apex and alerts or other actions can then take place. Don’t have carpet,
see the next probe listed here.
Note: The LD-1 will only work with the FMM and cannot be used with the ALD module.
Leak Detection Probe for solid surfaces (LD-2)
Plug this probe into your FMM and then place it on any surface where you want to detect stray water.
Upon contact with water this probe will communicate to your Apex and alerts or other actions can then take place.
Time is so critical when it comes to water on the floor so it is very common to place two of these inside
the stand and two outside the stand to have the ultimate protection against a leaky aquarium.
Note: The LD-2 will only work with the FMM and cannot be used with the ALD module.
PMUP (Practical Multi-purpose Utility Pump)
The PMUP is a 24VDC submersible pump that was designed to directly connect to the DC24
accessory ports on either the FMM Module or 1Link module. If you own our WAV powerheads or our new Apex,
then you have a place to plug it in! These ports are switchable and can power the pump on and off just like any other
outlet.
The PMUP is a multi-purpose pump that can be used for many different tasks on your aquarium like: ATO,
Make-Water Stations, Media Reactors, etc.
Solenoid Valve (SV-1)
This 24VDC powered, normally-closed (NC), solenoid valve has push-fit tubing input and outputs designed
for standard 1/4″ tubing. The electrical connection on this solenoid valve fits the DC24 accessory ports found on the FMM,
1Link products. Common uses include safety stops for RODI systems, CO2 systems on calcium reactors, and many other places
where you want to control the on/off flow of water, air, or other gasses.This solenoid valve can also be used with our
standalone 24VDC power supply (not included) if you do not own one of the above products and want to use this solenoid valve
with your Energy Bar 6.
Power Supply – 24VDC 36W (PS-36-SCHUKO)
This 24VDC, 36W power supply is used with the FMM so that you can attach the powered accessories above like
the PMUP or the Solenoid Valve. This power supply is for 220V European-style Schuko outlets.
