GHL ION Director reviews wanted!!

[IKD]

In the market and looking for reviews and impressions of the GHL ION Director that is being released. Really want to know how well the Nitrate accuracy is. Not looking for any paid reviews please!! Already read those. Want independent reviews.

 

[reefwiser]

It first has to be released to people to buy.
it will then take several months for people to get a full understanding of the device.

 

[TheHarold]

Hard to get reviews from something that is not released yet

 

[IKD]

It first has to be released to people to buy.
it will then take several months for people to get a full understanding of the device.

Thanks. I was under the impression it shipped out 3/31. Figured folks would be testing by now, but will wait for inputs.

 

[IKD]

I just saw the update. Not until 5/15 now. May have to go with Trident then.

ION Director – Update about the shipment – GHL (International)

www.aquariumcomputer.com

 

[User1]

I just saw the update. Not until 5/15 now. May have to go with Trident then.

ION Director – Update about the shipment – GHL (International)

www.aquariumcomputer.com

Why? If you don't have anything today the first thing you should is wait until the real world issues settle down then revisit this. Use that time to read up on both to see what may make the most sense for your system. More or less both will have their respected place but the hobby is a long ways from any direct comparison. I'll go a step further and say you will not see a Ion anytime before June or July if not later. The current models on the virus has this going well into June in the US and we have no "real" data coming from China for obvious reasons...

Besides you probably won't find a Trident anyway before then. While Neptune has made amazing strides they are also dealing with social distance mandates and they are not business / state essential. Seriously, use the time to do some research, review your options, and take it from there.

 

[reefwiser]

Trident doesn’t test for all the elements that the ION director does.

 

[User1]

Trident doesn’t test for all the elements that the ION director does.

Correct. Trident tests for Alk, Ca, and Mag. Uses reagents.

Ion tests Ca, Mag, Potassium, Sodium, and Nitrate. Uses a probe/sensor. Life range is 6 to 18 months (estimates) and uses "reference" fluids.

Both have their respected accuracy and/or precision depending on how they state it in their FAQ's. I'd recommend the OP to review. Both allow standard number of tests per day with manual in between. Neptune raised an interesting point during one of their podcasts recently along the lines of people testing more than what they originally told them when polled. The fact there is a manual option seems people do use it and use it more than what they thought...

 

[IKD]

I’ve done research on several models (ION Director, Trident, Reefbot, etc) and narrowed it down the GHL and Neptune. The Nitrate test on the ION Director would have won me over but I want to know how accurate/reliable that test is (and the overall product itself). I’m starting a new tank so don’t have any investment in either platform yet. So it’s either a KH Director from GHL or the basic Apex system. My LFS has Trident reserved so I’m not worried about availability.

 

[User1]

As already stated Ion isn't out. Even if it was we are only on the 4th of April. Accurate and reliability isn't going to come out over night. IT takes time...

 

[IKD]

As already stated Ion isn't out. Even if it was we are only on the 4th of April. Accurate and reliability isn't going to come out over night. IT takes time...

Yeah, I agree. Was hoping to have some initial feedback over the course of April, but now it’s more likely June which is later than I planned.

 

[reefwiser]

With today’s current situation you can not plan anything. Being successful aquarist is to never getting in a rush. Only bad things happen when you get in a hurry. This auto testing landscape is new tech and will take years to shake out. You can run a successful aquarium with out this tech.

 

[IKD]

With today’s current situation you can not plan anything. Being successful aquarist is to never getting in a rush. Only bad things happen when you get in a hurry. This auto testing landscape is new tech and will take years to shake out. You can run a successful aquarium with out this tech.

Ok, I don't see how I came across as 'rushing' by looking for early feedback on a new product. I was even saying I'll fallback to a tried/trusted product like Trident given the updated shipping delay. That said, I'll get on my soapbox and say we need to appreciate that early adopters are an important part of this hobby. If no one bought a product before it was 'shaken out', then we'd never get new products at all as no one would buy them and support/fund improvements. I appreciate the 'wait and see' mentality, but early adopters are the key component of the product life cycle that shouldn't be dismissed.

Thanks

 

[reefwiser]

I am an early adopter had the trident before it was even called trident.

 

[Frogger]

I was planning on buying the Neptune Trident. I had bought an Apex unit in anticipation for its release (still. Once they released it and you had to test 4 times a day all reagents and had to send it in to Neptune for servicing were the deal breaker for me. Living in Canada sending it in to them and getting supplies for it just wasn't going to work. I do not need a reading on my magnesium 3 times a day, once a month is good enough.
When I heard about the GHL over a year ago I decided if I am going to get an automatic tester/controller this sounded like the product for me. The GHL Ion Director seems to be available in Canada from Big Show Frags now. I have been watching it and up till this week it was preorder. So I am assuming they have received shipment from Europe. I was hoping for some good solid reviews before I make the leap of faith and purchase it. I am considering going for their whole deal as this company really seems to have their head on straight and make a quality product. I have waited for 3 years I think I can wait another 3 months. Someone earlier mentioned because they are not available in the US until the middle of May they were going to order the Trident really didn't want this product that much.

 

[Vamsi]

So for the ION director to work, you need three devices?

Profilux + GHL Doser + IOND

This will be an expensive investment for the tests. Any reason the Reefbot was not considered? Just curious.

Thanks

 

[reefwiser]

You can use a stand alone doser and ion. If you don’t want the ProfiLux.

 

[adamsfour]

You can use a stand alone doser and ion. If you don’t want the ProfiLux.

Looks to me like the ION director is available in the US. The GHL webisite has the price and also is selling the reference refills. I too have an interest but will wait for reviews. One of my questions is related to controlling dosing. would it be possible to use the Neptune dosing pumps to control Dosing. Its a big investment for ION Directory if you want to get reading on everything and control it and if I could re-use my dosing pumps it would save me a bit of money. I presently have Trident

 

[AZMSGT]

Looks to me like the ION director is available in the US. The GHL webisite has the price and also is selling the reference refills. I too have an interest but will wait for reviews. One of my questions is related to controlling dosing. would it be possible to use the Neptune dosing pumps to control Dosing. Its a big investment for ION Directory if you want to get reading on everything and control it and if I could re-use my dosing pumps it would save me a bit of money. I presently have Trident

It’s available to order. It’s not shipping till May or later.

 

[reefwiser]

You would have to get the reading from the Ion director and then adjust the dosing of the Neptune doser yourself. Never understood why Neptune when with such a large size doser. It is useless for dosing small volumes of fluid.