The Neptune Apex A3 Pro Aquarium Controller is Neptune's most complete A3 controller package, built for high-end reef systems and advanced aquariums that need expanded monitoring, Energy Bar control, leak detection, liquid-level sensing, ORP monitoring, and serious automation potential.
The Apex A3 Pro is the flagship A3 package for aquarists who want the broadest built-in monitoring package and the strongest starting point for a full Apex ecosystem. It includes the Apex Pro base unit, Energy Bar 832, lab-grade double-junction pH and ORP probes, temperature probe, optical leak sensor, 15 inch Liquid Level Sensor, Aquabus cable, calibration solutions, and expanded onboard ports. For large reef systems, SPS-dominant aquariums, equipment-heavy installations, controller boards, fish rooms, and mission-critical systems, the A3 Pro is the model that minimizes what needs to be added later.
Where the standard A3 provides core control and monitoring, the A3 Pro adds ORP monitoring, liquid-level measurement, optical leak detection, more FMM capacity, and 0-10V variable output capability. It is designed for aquarists who want deeper system awareness and more control options from day one.
Neptune Apex A3 Pro Features
Flagship A3 monitoring package: Includes temperature, pH, ORP, optical leak detection, and liquid-level monitoring hardware for a more complete system view.
Energy Bar 832 included: Provides eight controllable 120V AC outlets, three 1LINK ports, two switchable DC24 accessory outputs, individual outlet LEDs, and per-outlet power monitoring.
Lab-grade double-junction pH probe included: Continuous pH monitoring helps track stability, dosing effects, calcium reactor tuning, kalkwasser use, and unexpected chemistry shifts.
Lab-grade double-junction ORP probe included: ORP monitoring gives additional insight into water cleanliness trends and can help alert the owner to unusual organic load or oxidation changes.
Temperature probe included: Allows the Apex to track system temperature and support alerts or automation for heaters, fans, chillers, and emergency safeguards.
Optical leak sensor included: The included optical leak sensor is designed to detect water on multiple surfaces and can be used for stand, sump, floor, and fish-room protection.
15 inch Liquid Level Sensor included: Measures liquid depth and allows the owner to monitor sump levels, reservoirs, containers, or other liquid-holding areas through Apex Fusion.
Four built-in FMM ports: Expanded FMM capacity gives the Pro more direct accessory and sensor connection options than the standard A3 or A3 Junior.
Variable output capability: Four 0-10V variable output channels support compatible Apex-ready controllable equipment where analog control is used.
Wi-Fi and Ethernet networking: Connect through Wi-Fi for convenience or hard-wire Ethernet where maximum network reliability is preferred.
Digital inputs for advanced control: Six digital inputs support compatible switch boxes, float switches, cabinet buttons, maintenance triggers, and custom automation logic.
Apex Fusion integration: Use Apex Fusion for remote monitoring, alerts, programming, outlet control, historical trends, dashboards, and system management.
Apex A3 Pro Specifications
Controller model: Neptune Apex A3 Pro Aquarium Controller
Monitoring included: Temperature, pH, ORP, optical leak detection, and liquid level
FMM accessory ports: 4 built-in FMM input ports
Controllable AC outlets: 8 outlets through the included Energy Bar 832
1LINK outputs: 3 outputs through the included Energy Bar 832
DC24 accessory outputs: 2 switchable DC24 outputs through the included Energy Bar 832
Digital inputs: 6 digital inputs for compatible switch and breakout-box applications
Variable outputs: 4 channels of 0-10V output capability
Network connection: Wi-Fi or hard-wired Ethernet
Audible alarm: Built-in alarm buzzer
Expansion: Compatible with Apex A3 Series modules and accessories
Display module: Sold separately
Salinity probe: Sold separately
Energy Bar 832 and Equipment Protection
The included Energy Bar 832 is central to the Apex A3 Pro's control capability. It allows heaters, lights, return pumps, skimmers, reactors, UV sterilizers, refugium lights, fans, dosing equipment, and other compatible devices to be controlled through Apex programming. Power monitoring on individual outlets can help identify equipment that is stuck, stalled, unplugged, underperforming, or behaving differently than expected.
With 1LINK and DC24 ports built into the Energy Bar, the Pro can also support cleaner Neptune accessory integration with fewer separate power supplies. For high-end systems where cabinet organization, emergency logic, and equipment visibility matter, the Energy Bar 832 gives the A3 Pro the power-control backbone expected from a premium controller package.
Advanced Monitoring and Expansion Notes
The A3 Pro is best suited to aquariums where monitoring more than just temperature and pH is important. ORP monitoring can help identify unusual system changes, the 15 inch Liquid Level Sensor provides depth-based level awareness, and the optical leak sensor improves leak detection capability. The additional FMM port also leaves more room for future sensors compared with the standard A3.
The display module and salinity probe are not included and are available separately. The A3 Pro has the broader hardware platform for advanced monitoring and control, but final system capability depends on connected accessories, programming, installation, and how each outlet or sensor is configured.
Setup and Installation Directions
Install the Apex Pro base unit and Energy Bar in a dry, ventilated, accessible location with drip loops on all cables. Mount probes where readings will be stable and representative of the aquarium system, typically in a sump area with steady water movement. Connect the Energy Bar using the included Aquabus cable, connect the probes and sensors, calibrate the pH probe with the included solutions, and configure the system through Apex Fusion. Label outlets carefully, test alarms, verify sensor placement, and confirm all emergency programming before depending on automation for livestock protection.
What's Included
Apex Pro Base Unit
Energy Bar 832
6 ft Aquabus Cable
Lab Grade Double Junction pH Probe
Lab Grade Double Junction ORP Probe
Temperature Probe
Optical Leak Sensor
15" Liquid Level Sensor
pH calibration solutions