ReefSakes
Active Member
I am running Apex system now but setting up my new 200g system. I have GHL mega set with 3 head 2.1 doser and extra PAB 5.1 power bar. If you had a choice which system would you go with and why. Thanks for the help.
Apex or GHL
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120reefkeeper
Reef keeping with Military Precision!
Neither ....
120reefkeeper
Reef keeping with Military Precision!
I’d go with The Hydros. Seeing as though you’re considering the Mastertronic , it will fully integrate with the Hydros system. It already fully integrates with Alkatronic.
OP
OP
ReefSakes
Active Member
I'm kinda use to my apex now but I heard they not gonna even come out with a phos/trate trident so it's why I feel like they are falling behind and thinking about switching to either ghl or mastertronic.
OP
OP
ReefSakes
Active Member
I'm not to sure with the Hydros yet. Too new and I heard tech support is horrible rn. But yes I am considering mastertronic but would have to sell my 2 apex system and ghl system to get it
MONTANTK
Valuable Member
I had heard they hinted at a possible expansion to No3 Po4 but it’s mostly speculation. I would definitely take the mastertronic over anything but it’s just too expensive for me.
I had some issues with my Trident, I was able to resolve it the same day. Apex is good as a controller I have the Hydros on my other tank as well. I think right now the apex has more options, but it's like apple if you invest in that ecosystem it's an investment and they got you for the long haul.
telegraham
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I run them all...ReefKeeper, Hydros, Apex, eKoral and GHL. GHL has been the most reliable. Period. Second best has been the ReefKeeper. That ol'skool thing is bulletproof. Too bad it's done. The others are hit or miss. Broken Apex and odd support/replacement process (I received a used unit as a replacement). The eKoral has required a hard reset twice. Could just be my bad luck. I've experienced two WiFi connection drops between the Hydros Control 2 and the power bar. WiFi is not the prefered connection for mission-critical tasks. WiFi connections add risk.
Mentioned above is the integration of the Focustronic equipment with Hydros. That's a data-sharing only integration. Not at all fully integrated or controlling. The Hydros simply collects data from the Forcustronic API. Maybe that will change in the future.
Short answer? GHL. For me, it has been the most reliable.
Jim
Ditto
Valuable Member
I always answer this with that a person purchasing the controller needs to look at the feature of both GHL, and Neptune Systems and decided what features they want and the most important to them and then decide.
For me GHL, stability was a major factor for me, and 4 years in June since my Switch from APEX 2016 to a GHL P4 I have NO regrets doing it. Fast forward to today I would hand down do it again no questions asked.
I see my controller as set and forget device you should not need to worry about what the controller is doing and have confidence it is doing its job. It like you getting into your car do you worry about the onboard computer that runs your car, you put the key in or push the button and it starts.
Before my switch out having the Apex was like a job always an issue, the salinity probe was always not working right was always in fusion adjusting something, it was taking the fun away from having a tank. I am away sometimes away week on end and never had to worry about the unit failing even when power is out and the standby generator running everything, I cannot say the same for the Apex 2016.
I have helped user switch from Neptune Systems to GHL, even answered with Apex Fusion screen shots how it done in Apex Fusion to GHL Connect. Apex can do things GHL can not do and GHL can do things Apex can not do. People are loyal to both manufactures. But I believe GHL can not be beat in stability, and reliability.
For me GHL, stability was a major factor for me, and 4 years in June since my Switch from APEX 2016 to a GHL P4 I have NO regrets doing it. Fast forward to today I would hand down do it again no questions asked.
I see my controller as set and forget device you should not need to worry about what the controller is doing and have confidence it is doing its job. It like you getting into your car do you worry about the onboard computer that runs your car, you put the key in or push the button and it starts.
Before my switch out having the Apex was like a job always an issue, the salinity probe was always not working right was always in fusion adjusting something, it was taking the fun away from having a tank. I am away sometimes away week on end and never had to worry about the unit failing even when power is out and the standby generator running everything, I cannot say the same for the Apex 2016.
I have helped user switch from Neptune Systems to GHL, even answered with Apex Fusion screen shots how it done in Apex Fusion to GHL Connect. Apex can do things GHL can not do and GHL can do things Apex can not do. People are loyal to both manufactures. But I believe GHL can not be beat in stability, and reliability.
landlubber
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i can't say i've had any of the issues with reliability or find the shortcomings mentioned here. 5 years with zero issues but i also don't lean on it to automate every process either.
i like reefing, i prefer to do my own parameter tests and could care less about having a trident or alktronic.
i like reefing, i prefer to do my own parameter tests and could care less about having a trident or alktronic.
Saltysav96
Active Member
GHL P4 hands down for me.
Reliability it looks great. And customer service with vinny is great.
I like that the GHL products like mitras, dosers, KHD, etc can be ran as a standalone until unlike Apex’s tridant and dos.
Reliability it looks great. And customer service with vinny is great.
I like that the GHL products like mitras, dosers, KHD, etc can be ran as a standalone until unlike Apex’s tridant and dos.
mike550
Valuable Member
I started with what I was looking for in a controller and focused on GHL and Apex. Ultimately I chose Apex because of the form factor and what looked like a larger user community. I don’t buy into the whole Neptune eco-system so I’m not looking to buy their pumps, etc. I think Apex is a great way to start but in hindsight GHL might have been a better choice. Maybe my next tank where I can take everything I‘ve learned and try it again! Hah
RyanGHL4Life
New Member
GHL4LIFE!
Kyl
And how does it feel like, to wake up in the sun
I dumped an extensive Apex system in favour of two P4/E based platforms after I lost faith in both the product and the company. Should have made the jump sooner, is my only regret.
GHL is not all roses but you get what you pay for, and the Germans aren't known to be junk hucksters.
GHL is not all roses but you get what you pay for, and the Germans aren't known to be junk hucksters.
I looked closely at both several years ago. I decided to go with Apex because of costs. I have not regretted it one bit. I have has some issues, the most significant being a DOS failure, but I found their tech support to be responsive and effective, including replacement of my DOS. I just added a Trident to my system and love it.
IME most complicated technology can be hit or miss, but learning as much as you can about how to use it can help, as can having reliable tech support.
I have auto water changes auto testing and dosing and I love the way it controls my Vortechs- life is good. The only thing I test regularly is Phosphate, but the Hanna Checker Ultra Low test only takes a few minutes. I do test temp, Alk, Ca and salinity about once a week for safety. I also physically inspect tank and sump every day. I do not believe any of this technology is set it and forget it- trust but verify.
I also have a lot of warnings set to text and email me with power and parameter issues. The Apex is very powerful, but it can have a steep learning curve. The Neptune and BRS videos are great.
IME most complicated technology can be hit or miss, but learning as much as you can about how to use it can help, as can having reliable tech support.
I have auto water changes auto testing and dosing and I love the way it controls my Vortechs- life is good. The only thing I test regularly is Phosphate, but the Hanna Checker Ultra Low test only takes a few minutes. I do test temp, Alk, Ca and salinity about once a week for safety. I also physically inspect tank and sump every day. I do not believe any of this technology is set it and forget it- trust but verify.
I also have a lot of warnings set to text and email me with power and parameter issues. The Apex is very powerful, but it can have a steep learning curve. The Neptune and BRS videos are great.
