GHL Profilux vs VERTEX Cerebra

Daniel@R2R · Jan 23, 2017

Ok. So I'm thinking I'd like to do a comparison of 2 different controllers by running them on separate systems. I know I want to get an Apex for one system, but I'm torn between Vertex and GHL as my second system. It's such that if I could somehow think of a way to have enough time and resources, I'd probably try running all 3 to be able to get a feel for the differences between them all...

But alas, I am limited on money and space...and I don't want to end up in divorce court

, so I think I need to limit it to 2.

So what are some of the most noteworthy differences between these 2 controllers (and hey, if you want to compare all 3, I'm game.)? Thoughts?

chefjpaul · Jan 23, 2017

Cerebra is still in beta, not ready yet, thats the main factor right now.

I am debating the GHL right now.

reefwiser · Jan 24, 2017

Cerebra is still in beta and might be for a while. GHL is a solid controller and had the ability to have a expansion box to control multiple Aquariums

Feet4Fish · Jan 24, 2017

By no means am I trying to derail your comparison thread between the two controllers. But if I recall I think when you posted a video on the Puratek level controller you referenced the Puratek aquarium controller. Is there any reason why you're not considering Puratek aquarium controller? I have nothing in it except for just curiosity. If I am completely off-base I apologize and nevertheless I'm following thread with great interest.

Robthorn · Jan 24, 2017

I pre ordered the Profilux 4. Seems like it is going to be like all the other new otems on the market. Put off and put off. We have now passed the 2nd release date and no word. But I did order it in hopes of reliability since I had the worst year with controllers in the over 15 years of using one so its time for change. I will try to be patient.

I would have went puratek but it doesn't do everything I want it to.

reefwiser · Jan 24, 2017

GHL had a supplier that was slow on getting an essential component for the G$ unit to them. Units are shipping out in the next couple of weeks now. They had a lot of orders for the G4 profilux.

Daniel@R2R · Jan 24, 2017

soffutt said:
By no means am I trying to derail your comparison thread between the two controllers. But if I recall I think when you posted a video on the Puratek level controller you referenced the Puratek aquarium controller. Is there any reason why you're not considering Puratek aquarium controller? I have nothing in it except for just curiosity. If I am completely off-base I apologize and nevertheless I'm following thread with great interest.

The Puratek is still an excellent controller, and I actually still have mine. I'm just curious about trying out these controllers that I haven't had experience with. One factor that has me wanting to check these out is that I'm running a lot of ecotech products (radions and mp40), and so I want to try out a controller that will interface with them (Puratek doesn't yet).

ReefRocker · Jan 24, 2017

Go with GHL.

I've owned their ProfiLux controllers since 2008 and NOT ONCE did the system ever fail. The product is rock solid stable and easy to setup. There's also the fact that the system does not require modules for this and that, it's all nicely tucked into a single box. If you end up needing more slots, just pop an expansion card into the ProfiLux and you're good to go. I personally don't like having wires coming out from all over the place.

@Robthorn Give them some time and it'll be worth the wait. Look at it this way, they'd rather be sure they're releasing a stable product from day 1 than to take a chance on their customers having an issue. For as long as I've known the company, they've put out products that just work. The quality of their products is night and day difference from the competition.

Some may like the idea of testing out a beta controller product, but me, not so much. IMO, it's too risky to trust a non-finalized product on a system where we put hundreds, if not thousands of dollars into.

Robthorn · Jan 24, 2017

Yeah Rocker I think the hold up is a part or parts need to build the units. From what I gather the unit is finalized . Just need parts.
My issue is my current conroller has to be sent back in for repair again and I think I have just over a month to do that under warranty. Any power failure sends me back to 12 pm 2008. I can't sell it until it is good to go.
Trying to be patient.

ReefRocker · Jan 24, 2017

Robthorn said:
Yeah Rocker I think the hold up is a part or parts need to build the units. From what I gather the unit is finalized . Just need parts.
My issue is my current conroller has to be sent back in for repair again and I think I have just over a month to do that under warranty. Any power failure sends me back to 12 pm 2008. I can't sell it until it is good to go.
Trying to be patient.

Oh wow, that stinks. Hopefully that other controller manufacturer can provide you with something that will be fully functional for the sake of your tank. I have to say, that's what I love about GHL, their hardware is among the most reliable I've seen.

Feet4Fish · Jan 24, 2017

mdbannister said:
The Puratek is still an excellent controller, and I actually still have mine. I'm just curious about trying out these controllers that I haven't had experience with. One factor that has me wanting to check these out is that I'm running a lot of ecotech products (radions and mp40), and so I want to try out a controller that will interface with them (Puratek doesn't yet).

Thanks for the exclamation. Still very interested in following looking forward to it. I'm in the market for a new controller too as I currently believe that fishbit has fallen off the face of the earth.

Big B · Jan 24, 2017

I bit the bullet on the new GHL. My deciding factor was reliability, I feel like it will be the best in that department. Good luck with your decision, its a tough one.

Blue Lip · Jan 25, 2017

I have the Cerebra and it is definitely still in beta. There are people that have their power bars disconnect. Vertex has been working on this fix for a while. The cloud feature is more of a future thing Vertex is working on. I preordered mine last summer and you couldn't preorder probes. I am still waiting for them to be available. I have asked Vertex on their facebook page and in the cerebra.club forum when they will be available but it is not a question they answer.

Daniel@R2R · Jan 25, 2017

Well, I think it's pretty obvious from the responses that GHL is what I should go with. I was already leaning that way, but wanted to give Cerebra a fair shake before deciding. Thanks everyone!

Blue Lip · Jan 27, 2017

Vertex made an announcement about the cerebra today. There is a hardware issue that disconnects the power bar from the head unit making it unreliable. They have redesigned the head unit and power bars as well as moving from android 2.0 to android 7.0. People that bought the cerebra will receive a new controller at no cost. This is supposed to happen around May.

chefjpaul · Jan 27, 2017

Blue Lip said:
Vertex made an announcement about the cerebra today. There is a hardware issue that disconnects the power bar from the head unit making it unreliable. They have redesigned the head unit and power bars as well as moving from android 2.0 to android 7.0. People that bought the cerebra will receive a new controller at no cost. This is supposed to happen around May.

Glad i hung onto mine.