Scalability of controllers

asdfjkl semicolon · Mar 15, 2017

Hi -

Looking for information regarding how many modules different controllers can actually support at once. Getting a lot of anecdotal feedback from people locally that do not have any firsthand experience and would like to be better informed before making any (potentially large) purchasing decisions.

I currently have 12 individual systems that I would like to monitor the basics (temp, salinity and pH). Likely will need to cover 20-30 systems when everything is said and done.

Thank you.

stevo01 · Mar 15, 2017

Are you talking about that many separate systems or that many tanks?

Plumb tanks together into 2-3 systems to simplify things, then your controller could have separate probes running to each sump. Controllers offer expansions. GHL's Profilux could run mutilple sets of probes, but im not sure how many sets.

My LFS has a system for marine fish where they run copper and meds if/when needed, and on a separate system they keep coral tanks. They have their fresh water system on a third and another for brackish. I dont know if all or if any of these systems/tanks operate under a controller/s though.

Bob Escher · Mar 15, 2017

Well supposedly the Apex Classic and the 2016 models can have at 240 modules this should be enough for you

stevo01 · Mar 15, 2017

@Marco@GHLUSA , How many probe sets can Profilux4 operate independently? Thanks.

Breadman03 · Mar 15, 2017

I just wanted to say that I dig the username.

Are all of these systems near each other? Are you looking to control these systems or just monitor them? Assuming an Apex with just the basics, you would need a PM1 for pH, a PM2 for salinity, and an EB8 to control power to devices. You'd also likely want something to run topoff, so you'd need to get creative with float switch management.

That puts you at 36 modules, which the Apex can handle. I would arrange the control dashboard so that the information and controls are laid out logically to minimize the risk of operator errors. That said, I would also look to consolidate systems for ease of monitoring and maintenance, unless there is a compelling reason to keep them separate such as differing system types, QT procedures, etc.

Js.Aqua.Project · Mar 15, 2017

The documentation in the Apex reference guide eludes to controlling upwards of 240 independent modules. Like stated above, I would do any possible consolidation and if you are looking to do pH, Salinity, and temp in each system you would want a PM1, PM2 and EB832 - so 3 modules per system but If two or three are close enough together you can share the EB832.

I only have experience with Apex as I have one personally and I am helping convert a store to running off the Apex 2016.

asdfjkl semicolon · Mar 16, 2017

Thanks for the feedback - apex is definitely what I need then.

I do need to keep everything separate - amongst the reasons being many systems being used for breeding uncommon fish and QT where we wouldn't want any chances of cross contamination.

Thanks again!

Breadman03 · Mar 16, 2017

How close together are these systems? @Terence could probably help you configure an Apex system that would serve you well.

n2585722 · Mar 16, 2017

The RKE or Archon would have no issue with 36 modules. If you just want temp, 2 switch inputs, salinity and pH you could use a SL2 module for each tank and a PB4 (4 outlet) or PB8(8 outlet).

stevo01 · Mar 16, 2017

Too bad the veteran GHL users arent posting here. I had to dig for information about specific controllers when I was shopping for one. 2 went in 1 came out. Like the Thunderdome.

Good luck to the OP, and I would like to see your setup when its completed.

n2585722 · Mar 16, 2017

The Archon module limit is 255 and the RKE module limit is 63. The SL2 module will monitor temp, pH, salinity and 2 switch inputs. So one of those per tank. For power bars there is a PB4 with 4 outputs and a PB8 with 8 outputs. So either 1 PB4 or PB8 with a SL2 per tank. If you dom't need salinity your u can go with a SLX module. The difference is the second probe can be either another pH or an ORP probe. The Archon would be the easiest of the 2 to use with that many tanks as you can name all input ports, output ports, timers and alarms. You can also na,e the standby's but there are only 4 of these. So if you add the tank ID into the name it will make it easy to identify which tank. The Archon is web based and has wifi built in. So no need for a wired connection. With a project of this size you may want to contact Eric at Digital Aquatics for input.

reefwiser · Mar 16, 2017

GHL has several examples of the use of Profilux systems in Aquaculture.
https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/breeding-zebra-fish-in-bar-ilan-university/

https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/me...ographic-and-limnological-research-institute/

https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/benthocosms-in-kiel/

They even make a larger Profilux for outdoor use. Which is built for harsh conditions.
https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/products/profilux-aquarium-controller/profilux-3-outdoor/

stevo01 · Mar 16, 2017

reefwiser said:
GHL has several examples of the use of Profilux systems in Aquaculture.
https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/breeding-zebra-fish-in-bar-ilan-university/

https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/me...ographic-and-limnological-research-institute/

https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/benthocosms-in-kiel/

They even make a larger Profilux for outdoor use. Which is built for harsh conditions.
https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/products/profilux-aquarium-controller/profilux-3-outdoor/

Awesome pics!

Vinny@GHLUSA · Mar 17, 2017

@stevo01

The ProfiLux 4 Controller can support any combination of up to 32 sensors. All which can be spread throughout the controller system how ever the user wishes. Right off the bat, the ProfiLux 4 includes 2 expansion card slots which can be used for adding additional probe cards. If one has multiple systems they wish to monitor, the Expansion Box 2 can be used for this very purpose. Each system can be assigned its own Expansion Box 2 which includes a variety of add-on ports and 4 additional expansion card slots. With these 4 slots, users can tailor their controller system and add-on which ever probe expansion card they need for their specific tank system.

stevo01 · Mar 17, 2017

Vinny@GHLUSA said:
@stevo01

The ProfiLux 4 Controller can support any combination of up to 32 sensors. All which can be spread throughout the controller system how ever the user wishes. Right off the bat, the ProfiLux 4 includes 2 expansion card slots which can be used for adding additional probe cards. If one has multiple systems they wish to monitor, the Expansion Box 2 can be used for this very purpose. Each system can be assigned its own Expansion Box 2 which includes a variety of add-on ports and 4 additional expansion card slots. With these 4 slots, users can tailor their controller system and add-on which ever probe expansion card they need for their specific tank system.

Awesome thanks for the explanation.