GHL , Apex or Reef Factory ?

[The Farmer]

that’s one loaded question! Good luck
I run apex, they all have problems, but for repair reasons I can ship locally in the us and get my products fixed that works for me

 

[HuduVudu]

Just a quick note here: you can ONLY control a profilux wirelessly, more exactly via Wi-Fi connection (from there you have the choice between myGHL and direct local connection, both of which offer the same functionality).

Doser 2.1 SA implments a LAN interface.

Lasse has stated there are other LAN devices in their Proflux line up, but I am not sure of the others. I also think that they are older versions.

 

[Tankkeepers]

Doser 2.1 SA implments a LAN interface.

Lasse has stated there are other LAN devices in their Proflux line up, but I am not sure of the others. I also think that they are

To add to this from Lasse mounth to me to you

you can only use the LAN interface on the 2.1 if it's in standalone mode as soon as it's slaved to a 4 or 4e it relies on the WiFi from the 4 or 4e

Which from everything iv read says they won't stay connected

Very interesting to know that not only does the ghl itself have some sort of software probkem with the wifi

but now even the work around has a problem causing the app to crash

That's what a memory leak does
Crashes the app and possibly bluescreens with a hardware failure

for a remote control you can't control remotely not a very good product

This is the exact reason I'm going apex vs ghl

Plus I can buy 2 entire apex systems for the price of 1 ghl then iv got backup when somthing goes bad

My needs cost wise
apex 2000
ghl 3500

 

[HuduVudu]

you can only use the LAN interface on the 2.1 if it's in standalone mode as soon as it's slaved to a 4 or 4e it relies on the WiFi from the 4 or 4e

Yah, I ran into this. Lasse let me know that this would happen so at least I had a heads up.

 

[blaxsun]

Hard pass on GHL. I can’t say why without violating the TOS, though…

 

[FishyFishFish]

I can’t say anything more about GHL either. TOS.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

It's not against TOS to start a feedback thread in the appropriate feedback forum. We do not allow threads intended to rant about or bash any individual, business, organization, or group. The goal is to keep R2R a positive place that is different from many other social media platforms. If you have a feedback you would like to leave, please do not feel it won't be allowed. It just needs to be placed in the feedback forum per our TOS.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Hard pass on GHL. I can’t say why without violating the TOS, though…

I can’t say anything more about GHL either. TOS.

You sure can state why you would go with one company and not the other but we’re not going to have threads dedicated to bashing. Thanks!

 

[saltyfins]

Hello reefer's all over the world !
The last piece of equipment in my new SPS tank is....computer of the tank !
I heard and saw a lot of different computers over the years , and always wanted the GHL profilux + KH director....and now with the new addition of ION director it seems to be the perfect product..
But I read few reviews about the difficulties of setting up and running the full GHL system...
And the other hand , reef factory products looks very simple to install and operate.....what is your recommendation ?
..

I run GHL, and I like it....but it's SUPER HARD to figure out. I have to almost always have help from the company. I wish I could just figure it out. With that said, they have been amazing, in the help I ask for! I have more equipment to install, but until I can at least figure out the lights....I dont dare.

 

[SecondCityCorals]

You sure can state why you would go with one company and not the other but we’re not going to have threads dedicated to bashing. Thanks!

Ok sure. I would not go with GHL for the below response to their hardware having issues. I have had hardware/software issues with Neptune/Ecotech and both companies were professional and did not accuse me of "pleasing the GHL haters" (of which, I have never discussed GHL prior to today).

 

[blaxsun]

Ok sure. I would not go with GHL for the below response to their hardware having issues. I have had hardware/software issues with Neptune/Ecotech and both companies were professional and did not accuse me of "pleasing the GHL haters" (of which, I have never discussed GHL prior to today).

This. How a company responds to its customers (or lack thereof) tells a lot about it. Here's the link to the review.


Im the comments section in YouTube you can read Parker's response to the above comment from GHL and decided for yourself if this was a "hit piece".

 

[Tankkeepers]

Just watched your review looks and seems like an honest review from someone not being payed ty

Now to what ghl did wow that is really bad

I will also point out when I was looking into ghl I found the exact same things you did

Network is horable if it even works

Way to many faulty probes off the line not just in the ion director

And ghl blaming the user for what is clearly something wrong with their products is not ok

Exact reason I'm going apex at least they take care of their problems

Ghl has haters becouse they treat people like this don't relese updates or add planned fetures like they said they will

Then when it breaks in warrent rather then saying yep may if been our bad they try and turn it around on the user saying it was somthing they did

I don't want to start a fight over this or want any comments I'm simply stating the finding about the company I have made while looking into what controller was the best

I'm not trying to bash in anyway simply stating the facts not an opinion

Also Exactly how is buying a new product taking it home setting it up it not working then reviewing it stating exactly what you found biased

Especially when it's somthing this expensive

 

[SecondCityCorals]

Just watched your review looks and seems like an honest review from someone not being payed ty

Now to what ghl did wow that is really bad

I will also point out when I was looking into ghl I found the exact same things you did

Network is horable if it even works

Way to many faulty probes off the line not just in the ion director

And ghl blaming the user for what is clearly something wrong with their products is not ok

Exact reason I'm going apex at least they take care of their problems

Ghl has haters becouse they treat people like this don't relese updates or add planned fetures like they said they will

Then when it breaks in warrent rather then saying yep may if been our bad they try and turn it around on the user saying it was somthing they did

I don't want to start a fight over this or want any comments I'm simply stating the finding about the company I have made while looking into what controller was the best

I'm not trying to bash in anyway simply stating the facts not an opinion

Also Exactly how is buying a new product taking it home setting it up it not working then reviewing it stating exactly what you found biased

Especially when it's somthing this expensive

For the record it wasn't my review. But I've been watching Parker since his channel debuted. Generally he's a straight shooter who doesn't have any allegiance to anyone or any bone to pick. He cares about his reef and just wants what is best for it. We have thousands, if not 10s of thousands of dollars of livestock in our tanks. These are living "breathing" animals that rely on us.

Its not even about the ION director having issues. Its about relying on a company that acts in a way that isn't beneficial to solving the problem.

You can look in my post history, I have criticized Ecotech as well as Neptune for some of their choices. But at the end of the day, I do it because I want them to get better. I'm not trying to hurt their business. I'm trying to point out things that would only make them a stronger market player.

 

[Tankkeepers]

For the record it wasn't my review. But I've been watching Parker since his channel debuted. Generally he's a straight shooter who doesn't have any allegiance to anyone or any bone to pick. He cares about his reef and just wants what is best for it. We have thousands, if not 10s of thousands of dollars of livestock in our tanks. These are living "breathing" animals that rely on us.

Its not even about the ION director having issues. Its about relying on a company that acts in a way that isn't beneficial to solving the problem.

You can look in my post history, I have criticized Ecotech as well as Neptune for some of their choices. But at the end of the day, I do it because I want them to get better. I'm not trying to hurt their business. I'm trying to point out things that would only make them a stronger market player.

Thank you for clarification and I completely agree that's how it should work

Acknowledge you have a fault and take steps to fix it

But that's part of this world's problem and it's really a shame

 

[Fitchtastic]

Anyone excited about the upcoming Reef Factory Smart tester and integrated ICP services that have been announced?

 

[Forty-Two]

I have both GHL Profilux, and GHL Director, as well as a MasterTronic.

Here's my take on these products:
Profilux Cons:

• Its difficult to setup.
• Its code, and approach to delivering a reef computer is antiquated.
• It can sometimes be flakey with its connection due to having poor wifi connectivity
• It lacks several key features that are *possible* to do on the Profilux - but problematic. For example - you can set up a history graph to see the trends, but its not easy. Often times I find it doesnt save the dosing data in the history table, so that's pretty much useless too.
• The power bar (at least the EU one) doesnt have 3 prong holes - which is super irritating as I cant use it to control on/off items that have 3 prongs. Why you would make it with 2 prongs only for a plug is beyond me
• I have not been impressed with the dosing pumps for their quality. I had to jump through hoops not to get air in the lines - even using the parts that the Profilux provides.
• The units are NOT WATERPROOF. Who designs it like this? Ya sure stack them, but if one of your pumps leak.....the whole stack can get destroyed. BRILLIANT.

Profilux Pro's:

• The probes are good. There might be problems here and there, but overall they are good quality
• Its relatively stable - outside of the wifi issue, it doesnt crash a lot
• It is handy to see basic data in an app regarding your tank. I know the other vendors do something similar - but its what I can give for a 'Pro' for the Profilux

GHL Director Pro's:

• ........it can do the Alk test if you can ever get it setup properly?
• Its all integrated into 1 app, I dont have to flip between apps

GHL Director Con's:

• The setup is a nightmare. I spent probably 20-30 hours trying to get it setup right, and Im still .4 out on Dkh from other testing methods
• The design is TERRIBLE. Who puts a waste water spout on the top right of the back of the unit so it can leak all the way down your stack and ruin your other components -especially since they arent waterproof at any level.
• The instructions are poor. Yes there are instructions on how to set it up, but it doesnt go into the necessary detail that is required because the setup is so finicky.
• There is a plastic nut which holds in the probe on the right side of the unit. Because the unit is so flimsy and the plastic can be broken - tightening this nut too much will cause a crack and the unit will be destroyed......but that's not mentioned anywhere in their instructions that I saw
• The PH probe doesnt sit in terribly well so its hard to set it up so it doesnt leak. And again - leaks DOWN onto your other GHL gear which destroys it...because its not waterproof.....even though they recommend to stack them.
• I could go on and on about how terrible this piece of 'tech' is. I wouldnt suggest anyone buy it

MasterTronic Pro's:

• Professionally made. It doesnt feel like it was built in your Uncle's garage (unlike GHL)
• Relatively easy to setup
• App is good (not great)
• Performs a wide variety of tests
• Accurate
• Comes with the necessary equipment to set it up properly - for example - the tubes are a certain length because that will dictate how long the pump runs to draw water - RODI or sample. Its a known quantity - and makes it easier to setup and calibrate.
• Has a leak detector/no risk of leaking on to my other equipment and ruining it

MasterTronic Con's: Overall the below are minor complaints

• Sometimes the app is slow to refresh. If you run a test, you may need to go to the dashboard and come back in to get the results in the app itself
• The app appears to have lost some of the history on my magnesium tests - not sure why yet
• Re-setting it up after changing Wi-Fi routers can be a bit finicky and a bit of a pain

As you can see - I would give a like warm response to a Profilux - simply because I dont know what the other computers are like, and I cant imagine they are that much better (Ive heard issues with the Apex as well). Focusrite equipment however - ie: Mastertronic, Alkatronic, Doseatronic I would reccomend based on my experience with the Mastertronic. Its a great piece of gear.

 

[FishyFishFish]

To provide a bit of balance regarding the KHD:

• It is consistent in its readings when set up correctly (if it is 0.4 DKh out, then who's to say that the other test method is correct and, even if it is, you can program an offset so that they match).
• My vent output doesn't leak.
• The setup videos are great, and are about as comprehensive as you could possibly get (I didn't find it particularly hard to set up).
• I haven't cracked anything on my unit.
• My PH probe doesn't leak.
• If you're worried about it leaking then you can put it at the bottom of the stack.
• Extremely well built.
• Dosing pumps are possibly the best available on the market.

I'm sure Focustronic customer service would come up with a quick search.

(p.s. Mastertronic and KH Director do different things. There is no such thing as a GHL Director, just the KH Director and ION Director).

 

[Forty-Two]

To provide a bit of balance regarding the KHD:

• It is consistent in its readings when set up correctly (if it is 0.4 DKh out, then who's to say that the other test method is correct and, even if it is, you can program an offset so that they match).
• My vent output doesn't leak.
• The setup videos are great, and are about as comprehensive as you could possibly get (I didn't find it particularly hard to set up).
• I haven't cracked anything on my unit.
• My PH probe doesn't leak.
• If you're worried about it leaking then you can put it at the bottom of the stack.
• Extremely well built.
• Dosing pumps are possibly the best available on the market.

I'm sure Focustronic customer service would come up with a quick search.

(p.s. Mastertronic and KH Director do different things. There is no such thing as a GHL Director, just the KH Director and ION Director).

I didnt include a lot of context here due to typing on mobile while multi-tasking - but I can provide a little more.

Regarding consistency: I've checked KH Director vs two different test kits - Hanna (with two different reagents - because we know the Hanna DKH test kit has had 'bad batches' of reagent) and the Tropic Marin Alk test kit - both showed discrepancies vs the KH Director.

In addition - its now .4 out - this doesnt include the weeks and months it spent 2-3 dkh out, then 1.5 dkh out, then 1 dkh out etc as I ironed out the kinks in the setup. I even went so far as to purchase a quality digital scale to weigh the water samples in order to remove possible errors in the sample line volume settings. In other words - when i say its .4 dkh out - that's after many weeks, and hours spent troubleshooting and setting it up, adjusting, trying etc. To me - that's unacceptable for such an expensive unit.

Its not that Im worried about leaking - it leaked several times, and in different places. Even after setting it up initially and there were no leaks. After repeated issues of troubleshooting and attempting to eliminate where the issue in the testing is coming from - leaks developed. In my case it destroyed several pieces of my gear. To me - that's also unacceptable. If GHL is going to recommend stacking, the units should at least be waterproof and I think other people should know this. And I cannot place it 'on the bottom' - because that would create issues with the requirement to ensure that the unit is above waster water tube and intake tubes.

Im glad you've had a good experience with it. From other threads Ive read of yours - I didnt get that impression.

And whether its KH Director or GHL Director is semantics. You knew the unit I was talking about. Its responses like that that make me not take you seriously as I would classify you as a 'fanboy'

 

[FishyFishFish]

It's not semantics; you are comparing the KHD with the Mastertronic, which doesn't work the same way or do the same thing.

What is your personal experience with the Alkatronic?

 

[Forty-Two]

It's not semantics; you are comparing the KHD with the Mastertronic, which doesn't work the same way or do the same thing.

What is your personal experience with the Alkatronic?

Its actually pretty similar. There are reagent tests. Tests are done automatically. Basic mechanics with pumps are used to achieve this. Trending over time is important, as is consistency and ease of use. In fact the MasterTronic also does Alk tests so - you *could* use it instead of the Alkatronic to measure Alk. I do not, but its possible.

I have not tried the Alkatronic - because I bought the KH Director, and its...kind of working. For my other tank I would not buy the KH Director again - but would go with the Alkatronic.

But again - the mechanics are pretty much the same between the Alkatronic and the MasterTronic - but the MasterTronic is a bit more complicated.