GHL Vs. Neptune

[TheReefAddict]

I’ve been an avid Neptune user for the past two years. However the components seems to be dropping like flies lately. I’ve have 2 fmm modules crap out, 1 inch flow sensor seized up, cor 20 died, pmup fried. Doser motor stopped working. I do like the ease of use with the Neptune products.
I’ve got a couple of questions for the community.
1. Is 2 years the for components to start crapping out the norm?
2. Am I wrong for expecting more?
3. Is it worth switching to GHL?
4. Do their components last longer?

 

[fcmatt]

I have read the flow sensors can be troublesome but those 2 pumps dying is odd being so new when you consider truly premium gear of a similar nature can last a decade.

I am also researching ghl but I read troubles about their dosers for example.

I just can't seem to pull the trigger and blow 1000 to 2000 on this stuff. Meaning a kh director, doser, and controller... i have regretted so many past purchases over the last 20 years I now only buy trusted proven higher end stuff.

And even if you went ghl they don't make all the crazy stuff neptune does so you will end up buying that tunze pump to replace the pmup and a red dragon dc return instead of the cor. It won't be all from one brand.

 

[Kyl]

This forum and the NA market in general is heavily Apex slanted, but the Profilux install base by all indications is growing at a steady pace. @Ditto has an extensive thread on switching, I have switched from a rather large Apex install across two systems, @Torx made the switch a few years ago. I haven't really kept on others that have switched, but I won't say it was flawless and everything is roses. Overall though I do not regret switching at all, and kind of wish I had done so before a few of my last Apex purchases. My largest overall opinion of having switched, I don't have that urge to "check the dashboard" daily, or even multiple times daily, anymore.

Upon making the switch, I did reconsider how I wanted to control my systems; all eggs in one basket is not what I do now. When I was with Apex, that was my only goal, everything must work with the Apex, etc. For example, my power heads are now on external to Profilux controllers (IC2GC / Wave Engine). While they can be interfaced with a profilux/apex to initiate some specific things (a maintenance mode, feed mode, etc), they do not require said external controller to function. This is a form of controller redundancy, and frankly side?-loading that I chose to do, but that said I am a huge proponent of gyres over all other power heads, so this path made the most sense.

If you're running heavy Vortechs, control of them is still an option, or Tunze, or any other 0-10v input capable pump. Return as well, you are not limited or chasing a "GHL" ready pump. Anything 0-10v works, or just buy an AC pump and never worry about it dying prematurely.

I still Apex is a good controller platform, and the "classic" head unit is still near bulletproof (and I still have my original one on my fathers FW system), but I no longer wished to support the company going forward.

 

[Kyl]

I’ve got a couple of questions for the community.
1. Is 2 years the for components to start crapping out the norm?

I have found a few items with suspect longevity, especially given the cost.

2. Am I wrong for expecting more?

No, and frankly the problem across this entire hobby is blind brand loyalty that rewards companies regardless of what they put out.

3. Is it worth switching to GHL?

Only you can answer that question for yourself. Do a lot of reading, ask questions of other users. Find someone with a "seasoned" install for lack of a better word. Chat with them, ask what they like, what they don't, any gotchas they ran into, how they feel overall

4. Do their components last longer?

I have not used the gear for a long enough period of time to really comment on that, other than to say there is something to be said when you see and handle equipment that isn't just a bunch of plastic.

 

[Ditto]

With COVID and me working extensive hours I have not had time to do an update video on the now the 3rd year of my switch-out, and plan to do it as soon as things slow down.

@Kyl thank you for the mention.

The wealth of information now about Apex and GHL now on these forums.

I am approaching 3 years on most of my devices on the oldest tank. I have lost 1 ph probe, 1 salinity probe (I dropped it) and 1 float sensor. On my 2.1 dosers I had to replace the caps on one because it had the older covers and do clean them every 6 months. On one maxi I had the hose split and had to replace the hose within the head.

Otherwise the breeze. Lights, light bars, powerbars no issues no blown out leds with par levels the same as the day I took them out of the box.

Your not expecting more about the hobby a controller is a major investment. I tell people to look at the features, determine what is
Important to you and make the choice. I explained on my thread why I made the switch and 3 years later would not go back.

Only you can answer the question on the switch. For myself yes it was worth it, all 3 tanks are running without any issues. I am not tinkering with them and enjoy the hobby more and more now that I am on the GHL platform.

I run apex on a another tank. Do the GHL components last longer? I can say yes, I have had an issue with a apex eb832 With two outlets going on it and a Apex DOS that had to replace the head, a Apex eb832 where a outlet stopped working and last a Apex WAV quit working. I keep the unit running to compare features and help others who have questions when they are switching out.

 

[TheReefAddict]

This forum and the NA market in general is heavily Apex slanted, but the Profilux install base by all indications is growing at a steady pace. @Ditto has an extensive thread on switching, I have switched from a rather large Apex install across two systems, @Torx made the switch a few years ago. I haven't really kept on others that have switched, but I won't say it was flawless and everything is roses. Overall though I do not regret switching at all, and kind of wish I had done so before a few of my last Apex purchases. My largest overall opinion of having switched, I don't have that urge to "check the dashboard" daily, or even multiple times daily, anymore.

Upon making the switch, I did reconsider how I wanted to control my systems; all eggs in one basket is not what I do now. When I was with Apex, that was my only goal, everything must work with the Apex, etc. For example, my power heads are now on external to Profilux controllers (IC2GC / Wave Engine). While they can be interfaced with a profilux/apex to initiate some specific things (a maintenance mode, feed mode, etc), they do not require said external controller to function. This is a form of controller redundancy, and frankly side?-loading that I chose to do, but that said I am a huge proponent of gyres over all other power heads, so this path made the most sense.

If you're running heavy Vortechs, control of them is still an option, or Tunze, or any other 0-10v input capable pump. Return as well, you are not limited or chasing a "GHL" ready pump. Anything 0-10v works, or just buy an AC pump and never worry about it dying prematurely.

I still Apex is a good controller platform, and the "classic" head unit is still near bulletproof (and I still have my original one on my fathers FW system), but I no longer wished to support the company going forward.

Thanks for sharing the links. Good reads. Maybe I’m too indecisive giving the money I’ve already invested with Neptune. Switching to a different platform and the cost associated with it are at least forcing me to seek out info.

 

[TheReefAddict]

With COVID and me working extensive hours I have not had time to do an update video on the now the 3rd year of my switch-out, and plan to do it as soon as things slow down.

@Kyl thank you for the mention.

The wealth of information now about Apex and GHL now on these forums.

I am approaching 3 years on most of my devices on the oldest tank. I have lost 1 ph probe, 1 salinity probe (I dropped it) and 1 float sensor. On my 2.1 dosers I had to replace the caps on one because it had the older covers and do clean them every 6 months. On one maxi I had the hose split and had to replace the hose within the head.

Otherwise the breeze. Lights, light bars, powerbars no issues no blown out leds with par levels the same as the day I took them out of the box.

Your not expecting more about the hobby a controller is a major investment. I tell people to look at the features, determine what is
Important to you and make the choice. I explained on my thread why I made the switch and 3 years later would not go back.

Only you can answer the question on the switch. For myself yes it was worth it, all 3 tanks are running without any issues. I am not tinkering with them and enjoy the hobby more and more now that I am on the GHL platform.

I run apex on a another tank. Do the components last longer? I can say yes, I have had an issue with a eb832 and a DOS that had to replace the head, a eb832 where a outlet stopped working and last a WAV quit working. I keep the unit running to compare features

Thanks for the insight, much appreciated.