Neptune Systems COR-15 User manual

COR USER GUIDE
APEX-CONNECTED COR-15 & COR-20

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................. 1
COR FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................... 2
WHAT’S IN THE BOX....................................................................................................... 3
GET TO KNOW YOUR COR DRIVER .................................................................................. 4
GET TO KNOW YOUR COR PUMP ..................................................................................... 5
APEX SYSTEM FIRMWARE REQUIREMENTS..................................................................... 5
PHYSICAL INSTALLATION –COR-15 AND COR-20 DRIVER............................................. 6
PHYSICAL INSTALLATION –COR PUMP.......................................................................... 7
COR PUMP AND COR DRIVER CONNECTION ............................................................. 8
COR-20 CONNECTION TO APEX SYSTEM AND POWER..................................................... 9
COR-15 CONNECTION TO APEX SYSTEM ....................................................................... 10
COR DRIVER FIRMWARE UPDATE ................................................................................. 10
COR DRIVER STATUS LED PANEL AND LED BAR............................................................ 12
COR DRIVER BUTTONS ................................................................................................. 15
COR DASHBOARD TILES ............................................................................................... 16
ABOUT IQ-LEVEL .......................................................................................................... 18
INITIAL COR CONFIGURATION ............................................................................... 19
IQ-LEVEL ADJUSTMENT ............................................................................................ 19
ESSENTIALS OF COR PROGRAMMING ........................................................................... 22
COR ERRORS AND ALERTS............................................................................................ 24
COR FALLBACK MODE ................................................................................................... 26
USING A COR-20 IN STANDALONE MODE ..................................................................... 28
COR PUMP MAINTENANCE ............................................................................................ 29
NEPTUNE SYSTEMS LIMITED WARRANTY ..................................................................... 31

COR User Guide Page 1
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the Neptune Systems APEX COR pump!
This Guide is for use by persons who will be using their COR pump in
conjunction with a Neptune Systems APEX controller system. If you will be
using the COR-20 without a Neptune Systems APEX system, refer to the
COR-20 Standalone User Guide found on the Documentation page on the
Neptune Systems web site.
The COR-15 and COR-20 pumps are flow-optimized, energy-efficient variable-speed DC
pumps which are ideal for use as a return pump, closed loop pump, or reactor manifold
pump in saltwater and freshwater aquariums. The COR-series pumps were designed
from the ground up to be tightly integrated with the Neptune Systems APEX family of
aquarium controllers for ease of use and advanced control, however the COR-20 CAN be
operated WITHOUT connecting it to an APEX.
A Neptune Systems APEX controller with a free 1LINK port (provided by either the 1LINK
module or Energy Bar 832) is required to utilize the COR-15; it cannot function as a
standalone pump.
The COR pumps systems are fully compatible with all APEX controller models, including
the APEX (2016), APEX Classic, APEX Gold, APEX Jr, and APEX Lite. The COR is not
compatible with pre-APEX generations of Neptune Systems controllers such as the
AquaController 3 or ACjr.

COR User Guide Page 2
COR FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
❖COR-20: 2000GPH @ 0’, 90w maximum current
❖COR-15: 1500GPH @ 0’, 60w maximum current
❖COR Pump cable length: 9 feet (275cm)
❖Multicolor status LED to indicate the operating state of the pump system and of
any conditions requiring user attention
❖Speed indicator 8-LED bar to visually show the speed for the pump
❖Convenient push buttons to turn the pump on & off, and to activate a feed mode
which may be used during feeding times or during aquarium maintenance periods
❖COR pumps may be used submerged/in-sump or for externally-plumbed
installations
❖2-port AquaBus hub for APEX system interconnection (COR-20)
❖Dedicated 100-watt 24VDC power supply (COR-20)
❖Watertight connectors in the cables between the COR driver and COR pump
❖1LINK port for system interconnection to an APEX system, delivering power and
communications through a single cable (COR-15)
❖Active performance monitoring and error notifications through the APEX and APEX
Fusion
❖Fallback fail-safe setting. If a communication failure occurs between the APEX and
the COR driver, the COR may be configured to revert to a user-configurable
default speed or to turn off.
❖Pump dimensions: 120mm x 98mm x 165mm

COR User Guide Page 3
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
COR-20 Package Contents
The COR-20 package, depicted above, comes with:
❖COR-20 driver
❖COR pump
❖6’ (2m) AquaBus cable for connection to an APEX system
❖100w 24VDC power supply & power cord
❖1-1/4” threaded x 1-1/4” slip union for use on the COR pump output
❖1-1/4” threaded x 3/4” slip fitting for optional hard-piped use on the pump output
❖1-1/2” threaded x 1” slip fitting for optional hard-piped external plumbing
❖O-rings for each fitting (not depicted)
❖5mm hex wrench
Note: the included power supply may be slightly different than the one depicted
The COR-15 package (not depicted) comes with:
❖COR-15 driver
❖COR pump
❖10’ (3m) 4-pin 1LINK male-to-male cable for connection of the COR-15 to an APEX
system via a 1LINK module or EnergyBar 832.

COR User Guide Page 4
❖1-1/4” PVC union for use on the COR pump output
❖1-1/4” threaded x 3/4” slip fitting for optional hard-piped use on the pump output
❖1-1/2” threaded x 1” slip fitting for use on the pump intake when the pump is
plumbed for external use
❖O-rings for each fitting
❖5mm hex wrench
GET TO KNOW YOUR COR DRIVER
The COR-15 and COR-20 driver provides power and speed control to the COR pump.
When connected to an Apex system, the COR driver appears to the Apex as an AquaBus
expansion module, and is managed by the Apex like any other Apex expansion module.
COR Driver Front
COR Driver Back
COR-20 Driver Connections
Pump Speed LEDs
Status LED Panel
Control Buttons
Module Mounting
System
AquaBus Ports
DC Power Jack
1LINK Port
Pump Cable
COR-15 Driver Connections

COR User Guide Page 5
The COR-15 and COR-20 driver may also be referred to as a ‘module’, however, the term
‘driver’ will be used throughout this user guide.
GET TO KNOW YOUR COR PUMP
APEX SYSTEM AOS/FIRMWARE REQUIREMENTS
Your APEX system MUST have a version of firmware installed which contains support for
the COR. The minimum required versions are:
1.5” intake, BSPP
threads
1.25” output,
BSPP threads
Detachable baseplate
with rubber feet
Titanium socket head
screws (4) for disassembly
One screw is not visible in this photo

COR User Guide Page 6
❖APEX (2016) systems must have AOS version 5.03_AB17 or newer.
❖APEX Classic systems must have firmware version 4.53_AB17 or newer.
It is recommended to upgrade your APEX AOS or firmware to the latest available version
even if your APEX currently meets the minimum version requirement.
❖Refer to the APEX (2016) Get Started Guide for instruction about updating the
APEX Operating System to the latest release.
❖Refer to the Firmware Updates page on Neptune Systems’ web site for instructions
and download of APEX Classic firmware.
WARNING: Do not connect your new COR-15 or COR-20 driver to your
APEX system until you have verified that your APEX has the required
minimum firmware version or newer, or have upgraded your APEX if needed.
PHYSICAL INSTALLATION –COR-15 AND COR-20 DRIVER
The COR-15 or COR-20 driver should be securely mounted in a location free from
moisture. The COR driver uses an innovative mounting system which provides safe
secure mounting yet allows easy removal of the COR from the mounting plate. It is
recommended that the COR driver be mounted on a vertical surface such as a wall, an
upright mounting board, or the side or back of your aquarium stand. Use the included
screws to mount the COR driver mounting plate, then slip the COR over the mounting
plate and press downward to firmly seat the COR driver on the mounting plate. If
mounting on drywall, use drywall anchors (screws and anchors not included). A
printable mounting template is available HERE. The mounting template contains
additional mounting guidelines.
❖Be sure to utilize drip loops on all cables plugged into the COR driver.
❖Leave at least 1” of clearance at the top of the COR driver to allow for easy
dismounting of the driver.
❖Leave at least 2.5” of clearance below the COR driver to allow sufficient room for
cabling
WARNING: Water damage will void your COR driver warranty! Mount the
COR driver in a location safe from any form of moisture exposure –drips,
splashes, etc.

COR User Guide Page 7
PHYSICAL INSTALLATION –COR PUMP
The COR pump may be installed for use either submerged (in sump) or externally-
plumbed. An extensive discussion of aquarium plumbing design, PVC plumbing
cementing, etc. is beyond the scope of this user guide; however, some tips and
suggestions are provided here. If you need assistance with plumbing design or
assembly, enlist the help of a local aquarist or an aquarium design, installation, and
maintenance professional.
Submerged/In Sump Installation
It is highly recommended that your return plumbing has 1-1/4” piping and
fittings to obtain the most flow from your COR pump. Smaller diameter piping
will reduce the overall flow of water.
❖If your tank return piping is 1-1/4”, use the included 1-1/4” union.
❖If your tank return piping is 1” diameter, use the included 1-1/4” union and a 1-
1/4” to 1” slip x slip PVC reducer fitting (not included).
❖Do not use the small orange O-ring on the pump if using the 1-1/4” union.
1-1/4” Union Mounted on COR output
❖If your tank return piping is ¾” or smaller, use the smaller 1-1/4” x ¾” slip
adapter and the smaller orange O-ring.
3/4” Slip Adapter Mounted on COR output
❖It is recommended that you install the outer collar part of the 1-1/2” x 1” slip
adapter on the intake threads, as this will provide protection for those threads.
Do not use the inner 1” slip part of the adapter, just use the outer collar.

COR User Guide Page 8
Slip Adapter Collar Mounted on COR Intake
Externally-Plumbed Installation
If you will install your COR external to the sump, use both supplied slip adapter fittings,
or optionally, use the 1-1/2” x 1” slip fitting on the pump intake and the 1-1/4” union on
the pump output. Note that the reduced diameter of these fittings will restrict the flow
through the pump. Optionally, use a 1-1/2” BSPP coupler or union (not supplied) to
connect to larger intake piping. The included orange O-rings must be installed when
using the slip adapter fittings
COR PUMP AND COR DRIVER CONNECTION
To connect the COR pump and driver, simply connect the pump’s cable to the short
pigtail cable of the COR driver. The connectors are keyed; align the connectors
carefully; do not force the connectors together.
Use the outer locking ring of the driver-side connector to tighten the connection and
form a water-resistant seal. The mated and properly tightened connectors are not
intended to be submerged in water.
The COR driver and COR pump cables should be connected prior to connecting power
and APEX cables to the COR driver. If you need to disconnect the COR pump from
the COR driver, COR driver power and APEX connection cables should be
disconnected first, before you disconnect the pump cable.
Alignment slot and key
Outer
Locking Ring

COR User Guide Page 9
COR-20 CONNECTION TO APEX SYSTEM AND POWER
The COR-20 driver communicates with the APEX base unit and other system modules
through the AquaBus connectors. The COR-20 has two AquaBus connectors which may
be utilized to connect the COR-20 to an APEX system and optionally, daisy-chain an
additional module or modules downstream of the COR. There are no limitations on the
order AquaBus accessories can be connected or to which AquaBus ports accessories
must be connected. The total length of all AquaBus cables should be limited to 200 feet.
Refer to the APEX Started Guide for more information about AquaBus in general.
WARNING: NEVER plug standard USB devices into any AquaBus connector
or connect an APEX controller or AquaBus modules to computer equipment’s
USB ports. Damage to the AquaBus modules and/or USB device may result.
To connect your COR-20 driver to the APEX system, simply use the included AquaBus
cable to connect either of the COR-20 driver AquaBus ports and any available AquaBus
port on your APEX system.
Plug the included detachable power supply power cord into the power supply and plug
the other end into a wall outlet or power strip. It is not necessary or recommended to
plug the power supply into an EnergyBar outlet. It is highly undesirable to turn power to
the COR system ON and OFF; it should have constant power.
If you do use an EnergyBar outlet despite the recommendation not to do so, that outlet
should be programmed to be ALWAYS ON by using the Always Control Type or by
manually programming the EnergyBar outlet with this simple program:
Fallback ON
Set ON

COR User Guide Page 10
COR-15 CONNECTION TO APEX SYSTEM
To connect a COR-15 to an APEX system, that APEX system must be equipped with an
available 1LINK port on an EnergyBar 832 or a 1LINK module. The EnergyBar 832 and
the 1LINK module each have three 1LINK ports; any of those 1LINK ports may be used.
However, if you also have WAV pumps and/or DC24 accessories, and other 1LINK and
DC24 devices such as WAV and PMUP pumps on a single EnergyBar 832 or 1LINK
module, calculate the total possible load of all connected 24VDC devices. Do not exceed
the maximum 24VDC load of the EB832 or 1LINK module, which is 100 watts. Add
another 1LINK module or EB832 in necessary.
•The COR15 may draw up to 60 watts
•WAVs draw up to 30 watts
•PMUP draws approximately 17 watts
•DŌS draws up to 22 watts
•GRO draws approximately 20 watts
Do NOT connect a COR-15 driver to a DOS’
1LINK port or a Trident’s 1LINK port.
COR DRIVER FIRMWARE UPDATE
After initially connecting the COR-20 or COR-15 to your APEX System, and after any
subsequent APEX system firmware or AOS update, check the COR driver’s installed
firmware version, and update it if it shows as OLD.
If you have an APEX (2016), go to the Modules page in either APEX Local or APEX
Fusion. Look in the SWRev column; if it says OK for your COR, no update is needed. If
it shows OLD, then click on the COR line, choose Update Firmware from the Action
menu, then click the orange Update APEX button

COR User Guide Page 11
If it shows OLD, then click on the COR line, choose Update Firmware from the Action
menu, then click the (Update APEX) button
If you have an APEX Classic model, you must use the Classic Dashboard to check the
COR firmware version, and if necessary, update it. This cannot be done through APEX
Fusion. Go to the Configuration->Module Setup page, and look at the table at the
bottom of that page.

COR User Guide Page 12
Look in the SWRev column; if it says (OK) for your COR, no update is needed. If it
shows (OLD), then select the COR using the Module dropdown; after the page refreshes,
click Update Firmware, the click Submit Module Change.
You can observe the module firmware update progress just above the Module List on
that page.
COR DRIVER STATUS LED PANEL AND LED BAR

COR User Guide Page 13
The Neptune Systems logo on the face of the COR-15 and COR-20 driver is a multicolor
LED panel which indicates the status of the COR.
The top bar of 8 small LEDs provides additional information. In most cases, it indicates
the approximate speed of the pump.
There are several possible states of the LED panel.

COR User Guide Page 14
Logo Color
Status Meaning and 8-LED Bar Indication
Solid
Orange
•The COR driver is operating normally and is communicating with the APEX
system. If a COR-20 is being used in standalone mode, this also indicates
normal operations.
•The number of LEDs lit on the 8-LED bar indicates the current pump speed.
There are 16 speed levels when in standalone mode.
Flashing
Orange
•The COR driver is in fallback mode and is attempting to communicate with
an APEX base unit.
•The number of LEDs lit on the 8-LED bar indicates the current pump speed.
Pink
•The COR pump has been manually turned OFF using the left COR button or
by using the COR tile on the APEX Classic, APEX Local, or APEX Fusion
dashboard.
•None of the small LEDs will be lit.
Green
•One of these three conditions exist:
oFeedA has been activated using the right COR button
oFeedA has been activated through the APEX
oThe COR driver is in Minimum Speed Calibration Mode
•The number of LEDs lit on the 8-LED bar indicates the current pump speed
Blue
•The COR driver is in Maximum Speed Calibration Mode
•The number of LEDs lit on the 8-LED bar indicates the current pump speed
Red
•An error condition exists. When the status LED is red, one of the LEDs of 8-
LED bar will flash to indicate the specific issue detected.
oThe COR driver has detected an overcurrent condition (LED #1, #4,
or #5 may be flashing) This may indicate that the pump’s intake is
blocked or a foreign object is preventing the impeller from rotating
oThe input power voltage is too high (LED #2 will be flashing)
oThe COR-20 driver is connected to an APEX system but it has no
24VDC input power (LED #3 will be flashing)
oThe input power voltage is low (LED #3 will be flashing)
oThe COR pump is running while dry or out of water (LED #6 will be
flashing)
oThe internal temperature of the pump is high (LED #7 will be
flashing)
Yellow
•The COR driver’s internal firmware is being updated by the APEX
Not Lit
•One of these conditions exist:
oThe COR-15 driver’s 1LINK cable is disconnected
oThe COR-20 in Standalone Mode has no 24VDC power
oThe COR-15 or COR-20 driver has suffered a failure

COR User Guide Page 15
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
oWhenever the LED panel is lit red, a specific error message will also be shown on
APEX Fusion and APEX Local dashboards; these are not shown on the Classic
Dashboard. The error conditions must be enabled however, for these status
messages to appear.
oThe LED panel may continue to be red for up to one minute after an error
condition has cleared or has been resolved.
oSimilarly, the display of an error message on the APEX Fusion or APEX Local
dashboard may persist for 1-2 minutes after an error condition has cleared or was
resolved.
COR DRIVER BUTTONS
The function of the two buttons on the COR driver will vary depending on the operating
mode of the COR driver.
During normal APEX-connected operations, the left button may be used to turn the COR
output OFF and then back to AUTO. The right button may be used to activate or cancel
Feed Cycle A.
❖To turn the COR output OFF, press and hold the left button for 3 seconds; the
status LED panel will turn pink to indicate that the output is OFF. The OFF state
will also be shown on the COR tile on the APEX Local, APEX Fusion, or Classic
Dashboard.
❖To return the COR output to AUTO, press and hold the left button for 3 seconds;
the status LED panel will turn orange to indicate that the output is back in the
normal AUTO state. The AUTO state will also be shown on the COR tile on the
APEX Local, APEX Fusion, or Classic Dashboard.
❖To activate FEEDA, press and hold the right button for 3 seconds; the status LED
will turn green to indicate that FEEDA is active. The status LED panel will return
to normal orange illumination when the FEEDA timer expires or is canceled using
an APEX Dashboard Feed tile.
❖To cancel FEEDA from the COR driver, press and hold the right button again for 3
seconds. The COR right button may be used to cancel FEEDA even if FEEDA was
activated by means other than the COR button.
The COR’s right button can activate FEEDA only; it is not configurable for activation of
Feed Cycles B, C, or D instead.

COR User Guide Page 16
Refer to other APEX documentation for more information about using Feed Cycles.
COR IQ-Level Adjust Mode and COR Standalone Mode
During these modes, the left and right buttons are used to control the speed and flow
rate of the COR pump.
❖The left button will decrease the pump speed
❖The right button will increase pump speed
❖Each button press changes the pump speed by approximately 6%
COR DASHBOARD TILES
When you connect your COR-15 or COR-20 to your APEX, one or two tiles will be created
on your Dashboard, depending on the APEX model and the user interface in use.
If using APEX FUSION or APEX Local, you should be alerted of the availability of new tiles
after connecting your COR driver to your APEX:
If you do not see the New Tiles indicator in the upper right area of the Dashboard,
refresh the Dashboard by clicking on your APEX’s name in the upper right, then selecting
Dashboard from the displayed menu.
Click on the button to reveal the unused tiles area, then drag the COR tiles out to your
dashboard as position them as desired. You may need to use the horizontal scroll bar to
scroll to the far right to see the new tiles, which will have a blue halo.

COR User Guide Page 17
Click on the button when done.
The COR slider tile shows the current state of the COR output: manual OFF, AUTO, or
manual ON. The current speed of the COR is shown as a percentage. The COR tile must
be in the AUTO position for the COR to be operated under program control.
Click on the button on the OFF/AUTO/ON slider tile to configure the COR.
The larger graphical tile displays COR status as well as the current power consumption in
watts, the COR pump RPM (revolutions per minute), and the pump’s internal
temperature, expressed as a percentage. The OK message seen above is the normal
status; if there is some sort of error or abnormal condition, a message will be displayed
in red instead of the OK status, as seen here:
Additional information about COR error conditions is provided later in this guide.
For APEX Classic controllers, one tile will appear on the Classic Dashboard:

COR User Guide Page 18
The COR slider tile shows the current state of the COR output: manual OFF, AUTO, or
manual ON. The COR tile must be in the AUTO position for the COR to be operated
under program control. Click on the name of the COR in the tile to configure the COR.
Regardless of the APEX model and user interface in use, the default name of a COR-15
or COR-20 output is COR_#_1, where #is the AquaBus address of the COR driver. You
may change the name if desired.
ABOUT IQ-LEVEL
IQ-Level is a form of calibration that allows you to configure the pump’s minimum and
maximum speeds to be optimal for your aquarium. Using IQ-Level is entirely optional
but is highly recommended.
In the next few paragraphs, we will discuss IQ-Level as it should be done for a common
aquarium setup in which the COR is used as a return pump. Other COR uses, such as
closed loop applications, will require different criteria be used for IQ-Level.
Ideally, the pump’s maximum speed will be calibrated so that 100% speed corresponds
to that speed which moves the perfect amount of water for the tank’s overflow drain(s),
without exceeding the capacity of the overflow or pumping insufficient volume of water
to maintain a constant full siphon drain. This is important to do, as properly setting the
maximum speed of the pumps ensures that the output of the pump will not exceed the
capacity of the overflow and drain system, even if the COR slider on the Dashboard is set
to manual ON.
Ideally, the COR’s minimum speed will be set with IQ-Level so that when the pump is
running at 1%, the pump does not slow so much that the water in the return piping
drains out backwards. The perfect minimum speed is that speed which just holds the
water column full and in a quiescent state, and does not actually cause water to be
pumped. You would then program to COR to run at that minimum speed during feeding
times and in other situations when no water movement is desired.