Build Series| Eps. 9| Neptune Systems Apex Cabinet: Saltwater Aquarium

/ reefergil
/ reefergil
This video demonstrates how I built my Neptune Systems Apex cabinet. For my next saltwater aquarium build, I will be moving everything out from underneath the tank stand and placing it in its own dedicated location. I painted the Neptune Systems Apex mounting system with a black, grey and orange theme. Hope you enjoy the video.
Music By: Force-NCS Credit to:NCS No CopyRightSounds

[@ROZDAB]

Great details while explaining everything. Top notch. You can see the amount of time you spent planning.

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Wes, much appreciated!

[@ScottM]

Wow.. that turned out great. Makes me want to get a apex just to duplicate this build. Everything looks really neat and clean. Words cannot express how much I liked this display.

[@ReeferGil]

Ah shucks Scott, thanks! Appreciate your post!

[@robnpg1]

Neptune has mounting templates you can print out. they have the hole placements etc that you can place on your board, then drill.

[@PandPNews]

Did you figure out that you don't push had on drill bits or hole saws? Just let the tool do the work. You will also end up with a cleaner hole and less damage.

[@ReeferGil]

Lol, yes I did. Thanks for the post!

[@Matt-dc8lp]

That beautiful maple...only to be painted.

[@ReeferGil]

I know. It wouldn't have fit the decor if I left it.

[@dudepros]

Amazing job dude! Any reefer would be proud to have something so clean looking.

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you very much... I am really happy with how it turned out.

[@Brett5106]

Absolutely stunning. The attention to detail with the colors make everything come together. Great job.

[@ReeferGil]

Really appreciate the post Brett, thank you very much. I subbed.

[@helijamal]

Well done..funny about the hole saws as I did the exact same thing. Appreciate you taking the time to document the build for us that are imagination challenged

[@emilymatthews1290]

Absolute Killer!

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you Emily!

[@coreyramsey9196]

Build is looking AWSOME Gil cant wait to see your new system going

[@ReeferGil]

Hoping I can deliver, lots and lots still left to do. Sump has me stalled out bigtime.

[@RWAquariumPages]

Looks beautiful

[@ReeferGil]

Much appreciated! Not sure if you'd be interested, but I post everyday on Instagram, "ReeferGil"

[@RWAquariumPages]

@@ReeferGil thx will do and following

[@michaeltalley1455]

Loved it! Keeping it real, including mistakes. Great informative video.

[@ReeferGil]

Appreciate the post, thank you.

[@scmountain17]

25 people are jealous they don't have this or an Apex!

[@ReeferGil]

Lol, I guess so. Thanks for the post.

[@camaroryder]

Beautiful job! Looks awesome!

[@UnderTheTide]

I love your attention to detail bud. The story about the Home Depot employees is damned funny too. Things are coming along really nice.

[@ReeferGil]

Haha, thanks Phil. Even when I think I have everything I need, I never do and off to HD to buy more stuff.

[@CincinnatiReefer]

I know their favorite foods!

[@TrashPandaFTW]

That is top tier work Gil! Bet your really proud of it. I myself need to get on the stick and decide how I'm gonna handle my electrical system. By the way you requested to see the system in place, that video is up if you had not seen it. Just a quick equipment overview. Have a good one!

[@ReeferGil]

Yup I saw it and left a comment, really great system you have there. The module sump is sweet. Gorgeous setup you have going.

[@TrashPandaFTW]

ReeferGil wow guess you did! Gets tough to keep track over time.. you know you it goes even more so. Looking forward to the next video! Thanks

[@darrylnelson6264]

This is a nice video. Gave me an idea that i never considered and it works really good. Thanks Gil.

[@ReeferGil]

Awesome to hear, thank you.

[@mikethereefer3719]

Im really digging the black/grey/orange look. Things are coming out great!

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Mike, I'm anxious to get started on the plumbing to bring it all together. Sump is still 3 weeks out.

[@bobbyrob2008]

Looks great my man...Thanks for the laughs, I have been there!

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Bobby, I'm actually going to focus on wood working projects. I know I suck right now, but I want to consider myself an intermediate someday.

[@jasonwalters3193]

nice set up

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you sir!

[@jluusaltwateraquarium8320]

Very so fantastic

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you!

[@davidbrooks8181]

Wow! About to work on my controller cabinet, this was great! Thank you!

[@ReeferGil]

Awesome, I'm glad it helped.

[@South-Texas-Drones_5801]

So clean 🤙🏾

[@ReeferGil]

Right on, thank you!

[@yuyiboy]

I’ll remember to drill part from the front and part from the back. Great build!! 👍🏽

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you!

[@WilSantiagoReefing]

WOW! That is sick! Great job ReeferGil

[@ReeferGil]

I'm really glad you like it, thank you Wil...

[@The_Altered]

when drilling the large holes, drill halfway through from the back, then drill the rest of the way from the front.

[@laminar_flow]

Incredible! So clean, makes my Velcro ties look really bush league.

[@ReeferGil]

HAHA, no no, any sort of cord management is a great thing. Thanks for the post!

[@ryanmonaghan8020]

This came out super clean

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you for all the support!

[@thepassionreef]

Awesome job ReeferGil....love how it all turned out....

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Ash.

[@DrinkhtooO]

Very clean. Nice job

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks KC!

[@briansfishtanks]

Turned out great!

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Brian! Moving forward sloooowly...

[@RogueAquariums]

Gil, nothing like using good ole fashioned equipment. lol.. the cabinet & the way you mounted all the components down to the screws looks very clean. good job..

[@ReeferGil]

Hey man, I really appreciate the boost of confidence. Thanks NW!

[@PRFishGirl]

Beautiful

[@ReeferGil]

PRFishGirl Thx PR

[@jjsdancer]

Absolutely amazing build!!! Loved that you did not edit out your errors, and told us that you made adjustments after you finished! I did subscribed and will look forward to your other videos.

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Dancer

[@cubanreefer1582]

Nothing like having the right and best tools for the job , am glad you edited the audio because am sure you said a few nice word to the Chinese tool that broke, great job am definitely copy your work to do mine soon

[@ReeferGil]

Oh believe me... I had major trucker mouth as I paced around the garage, lol. Thanks man, it was a fun project despite the cheap drill bit.

[@RaulsAquaticsandReptiles]

Looks great! 🔥

[@JRodriguez1127]

Looks great.

[@ReeferGil]

Joel Rodriguez Thanks Joel, it's coming along.

[@scurvy3810]

Well done Gil!

[@ReeferGil]

Thank Scurvy, much appreciated

[@dwest5993]

It’s really looking nice, great job!

[@ReeferGil]

Well thank you very much Debby, I appreciate the comment.

[@chickenfist1554]

Awesome stuff. Makes me want to do something similar and I don't even have a marine tank!

[@1mightymre]

Im so jealous of your setup. Id love to have the patience you have. And im also one of those orange apron people, i love helping guys setup thier mixing stations and frag tanks. Just wish i had the money to build a great system like yours.

[@ReeferGil]

1mightymre Thanks man. Really is a fun hobby.

[@bearclawws]

Gil you did good. That Apex thing is an awesome piece of equipment but I can't get past how ugly they made the controller & wifi part, with that orange and grey cheap looking plastic, but somehow I have to give it to you, you made it look nice. When I get one I plan to keep the door closed on it, somehow to hide those parts if possible.

[@ReeferGil]

LMAO, I truly thought it was ugly too. I needed a color scheme, so I thought I just go with a color scheme I paid a lot of money for. Not sure if you've seen my more recent updates, but all my hardware under the stand is also "color coded". Thanks Robert and good luck with your project!

[@bearclawws]

hahaha. Well some of their stuff looks good, just that controller and wifi design from the 1970's. I'll check your under the stand, I did the same thing with color coding my pvc. Appreciate your reply and video's :)

[@ReeferGil]

Robert Rainey Anytime man, thank you.

[@inventoryking]

Looks amazing!!

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks man!

[@CincinnatiReefer]

Looks great!

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you very much.

[@leem270]

Looks Great! Nice work

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you

[@Cycnoches2012]

excellent build!

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you Cycnoches!

[@marcelmichaud9392]

Nicely done my friend!

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you Marcel!

[@milkmanisin]

you can always use a printer and copy the back of what you want to make a template of. It will show the screw hole placement too. just an FYI. Love the video.

[@ReeferGil]

Yes sir, wish I thought of that prior to doing the video. Thanks for sharing.

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾 great work man

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks CJ! Can't wait to plumb it. Hoping to get sump within next couple of weeks. May implement the CJs self cleaning manifold!

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

ReeferGil hahaha #selfcleaningsump would look great 👍🏾

[@MileHighReefers]

Nice setup Gil, looks sweet!

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Scott, I'm pretty happy with it.

[@ReeferGil]

I sent you a PM for a quick question.

[@ReefEco]

Looking slick ReeferGil. You know you are in it to win it when you paint screw heads : ) You are not alone - I'm spraying my gray ball valves white to match the rest of my plumbing, LOL...

[@ReeferGil]

LOL, I did the same thing to my valves, turned them from red to orange. I have OCD when it comes to stuff like this. Makes it more enjoyable for myself. Are you posting your build anywhere?

[@ReefEco]

Confirm on the OCD - me too. I'll be starting a channel on my build, a 330g and fishroom, in about 6 months. Been planning and buying equipment for the last 18 months as I finish the house renovation. The tank is my reward. I figure the wife will be thrilled when the house is done, so I can get away with whatever ; )

[@ReeferGil]

Reef Eco You had me at 330 gallons. Very well played with the timing to use the completion of the house as a distraction for wifey. I'll sub now, don't want to miss your build, lol

[@ReefEco]

Thanks man! Yeah, we bought this house about 2 years ago, and there just "happened" to be a small room off the living room for the fish room - as if I wasn't looking for that in EVERY house we looked at ; ) Can't wait to finally start the build, and your attention to detail on your new build is certainly an inspiration. Its all about doing it right the first time!

[@ReeferGil]

Cracks me up, I'd secretly be scanning a new house for the same thing. Sounds like a winner, I can only imagine youre pretty stoked to get started! Cant wait to see it.

[@beckydigiovanna3314]

This was awesome

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you!

[@tsurro8086]

Looks good

[@ReeferGil]

T Surro Thank you

[@KreefAquariumhobby]

Looks awsom !!

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks K-Reef... Like what you're doing with your videos in Dutch. Build up that community out there...

[@LittleBitOfaReef]

Clean! 😎

[@ReeferGil]

Little Bit Of A Reef Thank you!

[@matthewgordon904]

A trick to avoiding snapping drill bits with hole saws regardless of the type of hole saws you use is to drill the pilot hole through without the hole saw first then put the whole saw on and drill your hole... to avoid tear out you can drill your hole half way on both sides or you can sacrifice another piece of wood by placing it behind the wood you are drilling so you drill through both pieces this trick is good for cutting on saws as well.

[@ReeferGil]

Where were you before I started this, lol! Thanks you very much for sharing, as you can tell... I need to work on my wood working skills.

[@bdunn14]

You are everything I hope to be one day.

[@kingreef2160]

A good type of junkie

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks!

[@kevinlavergne1144]

Where did you get the orange template

[@captivebredcanada]

Looks great. I really should try and make my tanks more like furniture and less of like they are, good enough. Sucks you had to buy 2 drill bit sets but at least you have a good one for future projects. Those bits work great in acrylic...

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks man, I wasnt happy the drill bit skated on me like that. The Milwaukee drill set seems to be a winner though.

[@Joeyt66]

Great video. That looks sexy!!!!I could totally see myself throwing a tantrum after the drill bit episode. Great job !!!!!

[@ReeferGil]

I felt the blood drain from my head, I was sooo p*%(*& In the end, some touch up paint made it look like it never happened.

[@Reeffred]

Super like!!! 😎😎

[@ReeferGil]

Right-on Fred, thanks!

[@scotturban54]

I like it very much 👌

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you very much! ✌

[@jonathanweber8840]

It came out well, but you could have saved so much trouble by printing out the mounting templates on Neptune's website.

[@ReeferGil]

Jonathan Weber Thanks Jonathan, no trouble at all.

[@matyas4878]

Sorry for the late comment. I am also thinking of creating an apex cabinet and was wondering how you painted it. Did you use any special paint or primer? Thanks

[@birtikidis]

Pro-tip: when preparing to mount your equipment use a computer scanner to get a quick and easy idea of where to drill :)

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Jeromi, Neptune Systems actually has templates available online too.

[@brockkirschenmann9711]

This made me laugh. Nice subtle humor on the back to back setbacks on the cheap hole saw ;) Taking a break? We miss you buddy. Took a break just as the tank was cycling ;)

[@ReeferGil]

Ha, thanks Brock. Tank is doing great. I post nearly daily updates on Instagram.

[@brockkirschenmann9711]

ReeferGil what? Haha I don’t instagram. Didn’t know that. I guess I’ve forced 8 months of silence on my end ;) guess I’ll have to go install Instagram. Been curious how the tank is doing

[@ReeferGil]

@@brockkirschenmann9711 I have to get off my butt to do vids.

[@brockkirschenmann9711]

ReeferGil no worries bro. I found you saw the velvet heartache you went through. So sorry glad to see your back at it. You truly have an amazing system. The time thought and effort that went into this build, from a functional and esthetic is in the top percent of all KZbin tanks. For reals

[@garyp4747]

After all that work, why did you use a tablet display with a cracked screen? Also, when using those hole saws, drill the pilot hole all the way through first. Then (using the pilot hole) drill half way from the front and then finish off the hole from the back. Much cleaner results.

[@ReeferGil]

Gary P Hey Gary, trust me. I learned my lesson with hole saw. Screen isn't cracked, reflection of my ceiling. Lol

[@xjd8375]

$$$??? 😎☝🏻

[@devisissy1]

I know right. My 87 year old grandma uses a drill better... 😂

[@miltonenglish1679]

Very nice job. can i see what the back of the cabinet looks like? I would like to see how you manage the cords. much thanks

[@ReeferGil]

Milton English Absolutely. I'll have something out in a few weeks. It all depends when my sump arrives.

[@upsidediy3945]

Hi new sub. I made a tip from subbing to good care giving videos. I won't have to miss anything to breeding. Thanks , some videos are one of the few. So good work.

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you

[@Abreezeducttesting]

Wow...it looks good, I need your skills.

[@ReeferGil]

Haha, I don't think I have building skills. I'm just OCD, so now that I have a better idea how all this works from my experience with my first build, now I'm just doing attention to detail on the outside of the tank while making sure it's all functional. You can doooit! And thanks abreeze!

[@Abreezeducttesting]

ReeferGil I'm just going to copy you...lol I had errors on my alkalinity testing I made a video. It messed up Parameters for a little bit .

[@ReeferGil]

Yeah, I don't use my Hanna checkers anymore. Readings were always different. I'm much faster with my red sea test kit.

[@dexterj490]

taping a shop vac hose close to where your drilling keeps you from getting dust in your equiptment...but id have drilled the hole before mounting anything anyways

[@ReeferGil]

Hey Dexter, I've been watching some wood working videos and have seen what you're talking about. I'm not handy like that... yet. Any wood working project I take on is always "interesting", lol.

[@Ohhigabe]

Intro song, is that a remix to the Pokémon league theme song?

[@ReeferGil]

Haha, I have no idea. Just grabbed it off the internet.

[@Arie_Idaho_Reef]

Dope

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Arie! I'm happy with how it turned out.

[@jamesweil3470]

Instead of tracing your dose you could have put the dose on a scanner and printed a copy and you would have had the exact placement of the screws

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks James, that would be an easy way to achieve the same thing. Thanks for the post!

[@jamescook4031]

Very clean build! As far as the cheap hole saw bits that kept breaking and also tearing out the wood on the back - it looked like you were using WAY too much pressure. You shouldn’t need to push down very hard for them to work. And as others said a scrap board against the back will help avoid the tear-out/chipping. Anyways thanks for the video - I hope to build something along these lines soon to get my equipment out from under the tank. I’m curious to see what you do about the Vortech cables between the pump and driver - are they long enough?

[@ReeferGil]

The Radion lights were long enough, I haven't installed the MP40's yet, but I have outlets on the left and right side of the stand. The radions and pumps are controlled wirelessly by my WXM module via the Apex, so they don't need to be plugged into the Apex EB832. Thanks for the advice on the hole saw. I was definitely pushing down hard.

[@GENISIS1TWENTYONE]

Nice touches Gil 👌. Very clean, organized and nice color scheme. With it all being in a separate cabinet does it concern you that some of the cords won’t be long enough to reach the power bars?

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Genisis, I purchased some short extension cables just in case I need them. I haven't hooked anything up, so not sure, but I'm guessing the furthest MP40 and maybe my skimmer might need a couple extra feet.

[@thunder92131]

Industrial strength velcro wouldn't have work? It'll also give you the option of moving things around later.

[@ReeferGil]

I still would need to drill cord holes

[@my_smile1969]

Looking good! Btw I sent your event invite out yesterday, see you n the field

[@ReeferGil]

Right on, maybe I should practice tonight. I havent played in forever. Took my PS4 an hour to finish all the updates, lol.

[@my_smile1969]

ReeferGil no worries ( no skill level required) play the objective is all :) I try to set the squads ahead a time so just remember to hit the accept button whenever you have decided that your going to be in it . Also you might want to load the game today just to be sure it did t need an update

[@ReeferGil]

Will do!

[@smiles1969able]

bro you keep drilling with the gear right next to it every time ! lol

[@ReeferGil]

I know I know, but it all worked out in the end :)

[@MrShishi]

Enjoyed your videos.. Good for the hobby!.. I must admit I cringed when you bleach all your LR.. Takes forever for sponges that where growing secretly inside your rock to re-grow.. Definitely seed with some good LR with sponges and fan worms from a trusted source. Best of luck on this system

[@ReeferGil]

Ashish Patel Thanks Ashish!

[@EcoAquatica]

DEFINITELY putting too much pressure on your drill and bit. You might as well have just punched holes through the board. Less pressure = more control, cleaner cuts, and less breakage. Very clean look...

[@ReeferGil]

I never claimed to be a carpenter, but I did learn a lesson here, thanks EcoAquatica for stopping by!

[@nemesis2a1]

Love what you have done Gil! I just purchased the Apex Classic and was looking for mounting options. Do you have a follow up video that shows how you organized wiring?

[@ReeferGil]

Hey Terry, the stand looks exactly the way it was in this video, LOL. I am doing a video on how I manage my wires, just waiting for my sump to get here so I can bang out the wiring all at once. Not sure when the sump is getting here though.

[@brockkirschenmann9711]

I want to see that as well. To see how you make it still look good with a million cords installed ;)

[@ReeferGil]

Brock Kirschenmann I'm going to do my best. I'm not at that point yet. Thanks for the vote of confidence... or should I say pressure, lol 😞

[@brockkirschenmann9711]

You will do great. The system is looking amazing. Ps. I love the tattoo on your right forearm. Been noticing it more lately. The cross is awesome

[@debasmitapaul8946]

can i use a glass drilling bit to drill through plywood

[@ReeferGil]

DEBASMITA PAUL I've used the to drill plastic containers but not wood. If your going to use the glass bit to drill a hole in glass I would be apprehensive.

[@debasmitapaul8946]

ok, then I have to buy a drill bit like yours and thanks for the advise

[@ReeferGil]

DEBASMITA PAUL 👍

[@4rdzlla]

San Mateo eh? Still reefing? I wanna get into it again. Looking at a waterbox 100.3 build

[@ReeferGil]

Nice sized system. Yup, still in it!

[@MatanIluz]

Great work!!! Where did you get this Wire Hole Cover that you paint in orange? Can you post a link to this i love it

[@ReeferGil]

I got them at Home Depot. They're in the area where they sell power strips. I don't have a link unfortunately. Thanks for watching!

[@mikekupetsky6879]

I am cringing watching you get the dust all over your new equipment into the USB ports. why not mark out where your equipment goes mark your hole then remove your equipment before you drill the hole

[@ReeferGil]

HAHA, that would have been a safer way to go.

[@breezyresortsiaton4401]

just for future things I learned the easiest way to make a template is to photo copy the back side in your copy machine then use it. ;-)

[@ReeferGil]

jeff castor That's actually a great idea.

[@mr.nieves4344]

Awesome and Beautiful job. Now I'm thinking on some improvements in my cabinet. BTW, what's the name and function of that you mention @ 11:02 of the video?

[@ReeferGil]

Its Neptune System's Trident. It measures your Alk and CA and can be programmed to dose more or less of the elements based on the results. It is in or will be in beta testing.

[@mr.nieves4344]

ReeferGil Thank You Very Much! I have been in the hobby since I was a kid (few years ago haha) and people like you is the one that keep this hobby being the BEST and always wanting more! God Bless!

[@marcvwest]

if someone can send me an accurate template of the back of the DOS unit I will create a 3D Printer .stl of a bracket for mounting so you mount the unit after screwing the template on to a board.

[@ReeferGil]

Marc West That would be awesome. Check out Neptune Systems web for DOS template www.neptunesystems.com/support/docs/

[@giorgioisgaming5814]

Nice work 👍🏻 But please get rid of the terrible background music... 😬

[@ReeferGil]

It was an experiment. Thanks for the feedback.

[@Bete_Noir]

Painting maple? Oh, the horror!

[@ReeferGil]

LOL, the natural look wouldn't work for me.

[@wallstreetbets2879]

Your pressing way to hard on the drill was the mail problem. Take your time . Pet the saw work

[@ReeferGil]

LOL, yes. I learned from this for sure. Thanks!

[@ReeferGil]

I'm two inches from the top.

[@markhenke2709]

In the future you may not want to drill with expensive components next to the drill and sawdust up inside... just sayin!

[@xjd8375]

How much did you spend for the equipment ? I think everybody would like to know because it is a very important info! Thanks! 😎☝🏻

[@ReeferGil]

Haha, I have no idea how much all the equipment cost. I starting buying it two years before the build. I honestly don't want to know.

[@craigr306]

WTF WOW

[@ReeferGil]

Lol, thanks?

[@craigr306]

MORE POWER CORDS THEN THE POWER GRID LOL @@ReeferGil

[@ReeferGil]

@@craigr306 Definitely a whole lot. Rats nest

[@breezyresortsiaton4401]

OH and next time to keep the tearing out of the holes in back place a scrap piece of wood behind the area you are cutting thru. Live and learn.

[@ReeferGil]

jeff castor Thanks Jeff.

[@flatearthcrypto6991]

now just make cabinets loaded with products and sell them lol. then auto cad back walls with accurate holes and just make boards ppl can add to their cabinet. just include the products big bucks lol

[@ReeferGil]

LOL, sounds like a good idea!

[@CincinnatiReefer]

Gil, where you been man? I miss your video's!!! Updates sometime soon? I'm hooking up my system finally and came back to re-watch this one for inspiration. And I've realized I just don't have it in me to do something this nice lol...

[@reefingcorner3136]

your obviously going to get wood chippings when cutting wood

[@ReeferGil]

Yup, I've since learned better techniques thanks to those in the comments area.

[@marcelrodriguez2067]

All this wiring triggers me, reason why i havent gotten an ATO and APEX.

[@ReeferGil]

You'd have the same amount of wiring even if you were using standard power strips. But, yes, the wire management is a pain.