GHL feeding questions

[devin]

Trying to decide between the new apex or the GHL Controller. I have never owned a controller at this point but I've moved from a 16 gal aio to a 90 gal and thought it might be a nice upgrade.

Reason for not just going with the new apex is what I've read about reliability and I just don't like the new design, my tank color scheme is blue, grey and white. Adding in orange/silver would just throw everything off. But if I can hide that and use the classic black display it might be ok. The reason I don't do the classic is I don't want to deal with a bunch of moduals, it's just more wires to run and things bolted. I like the idea of one box and maybe a expansion box. Other then that I know it will do want which is auto feed along with the stuff both controllers do.

I know very little about the GHL controllers and there isn't a whole lot of information available. I did recently download the manual they posted but it didn't give a good handle on if the following was possible or how straight foreword it would be to do.


Auto feed mode duration of 20 minutes:
Timed in sync with eheim auto feeder 2 times a day.
Shut down return pump for 20 minutes
Shut down protein skimmer for 25 minutes
Then nutrient transport mode on Eco tech power heads.
Power up pump
Power up skimmer


Manual feed mode for when dropping in frozen food or spot feeding, push button activated:

Shuts down return pump.
Shuts down skimmer.
Lowers speed of ecotech power heads.


*** Bonus Question ***

Anyone use the dose 2 and mixer to do some late night auto feeding of corals using liquid food? Just run the hose to the return pump broadcasting it then shut down the return pump for a few minutes.

 

[Bob Escher]

They are NOT I repeat NOT doing away with the older APEX models, they are keeping them. They know there is way thousands of people using the old so that is not a issue and some of the new will work with old ( but you don't want that) I don't know the GHL myself I only have APEX ( the old one) and I love what it does so of course my recommendation is the APEX since they're not doing away with them

 

[reefwiser]

This would be easy to set up . I don't currently have my GHL set up to do this but yes it does function like this. GHL is more all in one system not a bunch of boxes that you connect to the controller itself.
You can set up the doser 2 to do the feeding function for you and the Profilux has a very wide and programmable dosing system.
The GHL Doser 2 has 24 volt DC stepper motors that can dose down to .1 ml

 

[d2mini]

Yes like reefwiser says, it can do what you need.
You can add the Vortech control box if you want the Profilux to control them...
https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/usa/product/vortech-controller/
Or just program them with Ecosmart live with the correct timing.



@Marco@GHLUSA

 

[Bob Escher]

This would be easy to set up . I don't currently have my GHL set up to do this but yes it does function like this. GHL is more all in one system not a bunch of boxes that you connect to the controller itself.
You can set up the doser 2 to do the feeding function for you and the Profilux has a very wide and programmable dosing system.
The GHL Doser 2 has 24 volt DC stepper motors that can dose down to .1 ml

This is funny when I read your comment, not a bunch of boxes I had to go to the GHL website and you know you need to compare the two, because the basic versions Regular APEX NOT JR) they are identical in their functions. I counted 12 add on "boxes" to the GHL of course in all reality take away the lights and fan. The thing about Apex is you can use any light or any fan, on the GHL website it makes it look like I need to buy those lights and cooling fan specifically from GHL to work with the controller.
GHL has a doses so does Apex, GHL has additional sensors as well

I will agree that GHL has more options such as redox sensor, flow sensor and level sensors but from looking at it all I would say as far as "boxes" they are the same
Thanks for letting relook at another controller but I disagree with you on number of things
The cost is almost the same by the way

 

[d2mini]

This is funny when I read your comment, not a bunch of boxes I had to go to the GHL website and you know you need to compare the two, because the basic versions Regular APEX NOT JR) they are identical in their functions. I counted 12 add on "boxes" to the GHL of course in all reality take away the lights and fan. The thing about Apex is you can use any light or any fan, on the GHL website it makes it look like I need to buy those lights and cooling fan specifically from GHL to work with the controller.
GHL has a doses so does Apex, GHL has additional sensors as well

I will agree that GHL has more options such as redox sensor, flow sensor and level sensors but from looking at it all I would say as far as "boxes" they are the same
Thanks for letting relook at another controller but I disagree with you on number of things
The cost is almost the same by the way

With the apex gold you have a display, the brain, and then for salinity you need yet another box.
With GHL, EVERYTHING is in the main box. The main computer, the display and all ports/connections.
And MORE can be added to that main box via expansion cards.
Lights don't need to be "controlled" by a controller other than simple on/off, and same with fans. Any fan can be used and turned on/off to coincide with tank temps or whatever.
If you feel you really need variable speed control, then you can get the GHL fan/module.

And yes, the prices are close.
Which to me makes the GHL a no-brainer considering the stability and build quality.

 

[Bob Escher]

But the point was when you add it all up they both need more "boxes" to run things. I have no idea how the GHL works I just went to their website and seen additional boxes additional this and that just as in a apex, the cost was basically the same. All the places that came up to sell were in the UK so I'm not sure it available here in the US . Is it? That's the only point I was making .

 

[Support@GHLUSA Verified Sponsor]

<cut> All the places that came up to sell were in the UK so I'm not sure it available here in the US . Is it? That's the only point I was making .

Hello Bob - Great question.
Yes, our Products are available through many LFSs and of course, through our Website, direct from us(GHL USA), shipping from our Florida warehouse.
https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/usa/shop/

 

[reefwiser]

Bob I have an use both. GHL uses cards in a box and apex just has a separate box. Both are good controllers. It's what you want compact or spread out. I see Apex with there new Apex move towards the GHL model. Apex does a dos two head doser. Which is fine for someone who just does two part or AWC. But what if you want to have more dosing options. [emoji3] I have 11 dosers that I am setting up to do AWC feeding dosing of elements and Balling classic.

 

[Bob Escher]

Bob I have an use both. GHL uses cards in a box and apex just has a separate box. Both are good controllers. It's what you want compact or spread out. I see Apex with there new Apex move towards the GHL model. Apex does a dos two head doser. Which is fine for someone who just does two part or AWC. But what if you want to have more dosing options. [emoji3] I have 11 dosers that I am setting up to do AWC feeding dosing of elements and Balling classic.

Wow 11 dosers thats amazing in itself. I agree with you I need 4 I spent a little over 200 bucks for my doser (4 heads) rather than the DOS which I like but Im not rich by any means
I started with a APEX got it from a guy that for $17.00 gave me the $565.00 version, Ive replaced the display and added a PM2 and WXM module but I like it, But the price for the full GHL (ultimate?) at $1300.00 bucks is wow. too much for me

 

[Bob Escher]

Hello Bob - Great question.
Yes, our Products are available through many LFSs and of course, through our Website, direct from us(GHL USA), shipping from our Florida warehouse.
https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/usa/shop/

Thank you Yes I went and looked. Do you know on the main page images are linked wrong

 

[reefwiser]

Bob I picked up an Ultimate setup here on R2R for 600 bucks. I always say to keep your eye's open.
I am a long time industrial PLC guy been working with processors and dosing pumps for over 30 years now. So while I can write the software and use off the shelf Allen Bradley equipment. I like to learn how to use the aquarium version of the PLC.

I started with the Doser 2 model buying from Vinny last year at MACNA. I like that I can work with someone knowledgeable with the software. An Vinny gives the user base the support we need to get into the technical issues. With the smaller user base here in the US I don't feel overlooked as one does with all the Apex users in the US.

 

[Bob Escher]

Sounds Great I admit that would I like to see Neptune come out with a flow sensor for example but I prety much have everything I need

 

[reefwiser]

You can do neat things with flow senors. I use them to monitor flow thru filter chambers here at work. This let's us see if a filter element is clogged or not. So for an aquarium a filter chamber( read reactor we must use fancy words in this hobby ) you use the flow meter to make sure you are getting the proper flow thru say GFO or Carbon and you can monitor to see if it is clogged or is slowing down over time. It's one of those nice to have things.

 

[Bob Escher]

I agree with you

 

[Support@GHLUSA Verified Sponsor]

I use the flow sensor to adjust my DC Return pump. I have a couple of media reactors on a manifold, on my return line.
I've got flow to the display set for X GPH, I can adjust flow to the media reactors, and the P3 will auto adjust the return pump to compensate for the loss of flow. Will also alarm if flow falls below a threshold.

 

[devin]

Thanks all for the replies. And I feel you Bob on the lack of clarity on the profilux systems, but ya it's cards that you drop into 1 box kinda like expansion cards on a pc. As far as light control I don't really care about that since my radions work just fine on their own.

But with GHL recently becoming part of the forums maybe they will get a little more active in the US and maybe even drop some videos on setting up the system. I know apex recently dropped one for the new apex and seems pretty straight forward.

I still have a month or two to decide. But if I go with the profilux maybe I will test out the video mode on my Sony a2 and post a video of how to work it.

 

[reefwiser]

As I bring my GHL online I am going to be making video's on all the steps of programming a GHL computer.
Hope to do a video introducing the GHL staff at MACNA too.

 

[garias]

GHL is a better product