Looking for a tank controller. Talk me into the ProfiLux.

[Reg the reefer]

I am finally building my dream tank. I have a been out to the hobby for 10 years and boy howthings have changed. I am looking for a tank controller to control a 280 gallon display tank. I travel a lot for business and I would like to automate the tank (ato, water changes, ph monitoring, ORP control, pump control, dosing,feeding, lighting, and what I call DR monitoring and prevention). I am IT guy by trade so I am not afraid of programming the controller; I am really looking for a controller that is robust enough for future expansion,remote monitoring and control thru my iPhone or iPad, and most importantly a Windows based interface that has robust programming capabilies.

I am leaning towards a neptune apex aquacontroller because it looks like the system is readily available in the US at most online aquarium stores. It also has a bigger number users so the knowledge base seems larger than the ProfiLux user base. Another point for the Neptune Apex is price seem a lot lower than the ProfiLux system.

I like the ProfiLux software interface and the customer service support, however I am concerned about the availability of replacement parts and upgrade modules. The ProfiLux looks like a more polished system also.

Please let me know what you think are the pros and cons of your chosen controller. I would like to know that you have automated with your controller.

Thanks!

[BigAl2007]

I've had many other brands of controllers and my only regret to going ProfiLux is that I didn't do it sooner. They may "appear" to cost more up front but usually when you compare all aspects, quality and features it's really not the case.

Try reading this thread and see if it helps any . . .

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1590302

[BigAl2007]

Here's another APEX user who switched to GHL ProfiLux and why he did (and his after the switch thoughts)

http://profiluxsupport.com/showthrea...for-the-switch!

[Reg the reefer]

Originally Posted by BigAl2007

Here's another APEX user who switched to GHL ProfiLux and why he did (and his after the switch thoughts)

http://profiluxsupport.com/showthrea...for-the-switch!

Thanks Big Al for your input. My biggest concern is avalibility. I am concerned that not too many U.S. Retailer are carrying the ProfiLux. question does the ProfiLux have any software that I can install on my iPhone to control the tank?

[BigAl2007]

The unit is able to be remotely accessed via any web browser so yes from an iPhone, smartphone or any web connected device you can have access to your ProfiLux. Also there are a couple of people working on specific apps for ProfiLux that should be released very soon outside of the GHL company.

There are several US ProfiLux Dealers and Customer Support is great with GHL. I'm not exactly sure what you're looking for but I love my ProfiLux and wouldn't go back to any other controller period.

[Reg the reefer]

Originally Posted by BigAl2007

The unit is able to be remotely accessed via any web browser so yes from an iPhone, smartphone or any web connected device you can have access to your ProfiLux. Also there are a couple of people working on specific apps for ProfiLux that should be released very soon outside of the GHL company.

There are several US ProfiLux Dealers and Customer Support is great with GHL. I'm not exactly sure what you're looking for but I love my ProfiLux and wouldn't go back to any other controller period.

Thanks again Big Al for your input!

[jjk_reef00]

I agree with Big Al. Do it right the first time and get the Profilux. I didn't and bought a different controller. After hardware failures they were no help and I bought the the Profilux. Would have saved me money and a lot of headache if I would of just bought Profilux in the first place. I've had my controller almost 4 years and it amazes me how reliable it is.

[rcmania]

I just picked up my Profilux a few days ago and I love it. Im still learning it as i go but with a little help from the folks here and a few searches i am overcoming it. I was in your shoes not to long ago, however I started to look at the big picture, like down the road in a few years or more. Unlike the other units that you have mentioned, I have not seen or heard of those brands giving you an option to upgrade for just a fraction of the price of a whole new unit. What i mean is for those who had a profilux II could buy an upgrade kit and now they are up to speed and have a profilux III. So this will keep up with the ever changing technology.

my only regret with my profilux is not buying a 2nd powerbar on the first purchase!

[farmer]

I had a apex and sold it. After only 3 months of use the main contoll unit went out. I wasn't impressed with customer service at all. If i were to do it again i would for sure look into the profilux. I dont have any expierence with profilux but i will never buy neptune systems again.

[AQD_ottawa]

We have a very dedicated netork of ProfiLux specialists across the USA, no you will nt find it on every street corner like other products, but thats due to its speciality nature and our requirement that all dealers not only sell the units but understand what they are selling so the client has easy access to support and service. But you will never not find what you want.

its a bit like my experience of buying my Audi in Ottawa, I had a Hyundai where there are 6-7 large dealers, when i upgraded to Audi, there was one single Audi dealer in the whole of the capital of Canada

But back to the ProfiLux - I truly believe after so many years of distributing GHL products both here in North America and also in the UK, you wont find a more reliable and feature rich controller.

I got my ProfiLux 7 years ago and its still going strong - been upgraded to keep it up to date but same main board and power bar, temp probe.

[Rotknee]

Reliability is what you are after. Your background is similar to mine with respect to travel. Like you, I am away from home a lot. While I can't speak to Apex's reliability, I know you would be hard pressed to find a "my Profilux died" thread.

Availability isn't an issue. You will be able to get what you want from reliable sources.

Sounds like you are familiar with the customer service. Beyond expectations!

The same holds true now as it did 10 years ago...every comprise you make will more than likely come back to bite you in the backside sooner or later.

[d2mini]

I'm in the middle of setting mine up (getting into more advanced stuff now like auto water changes) and I'm really liking it vs the ReefKeeper I had before.

So far, availability and customer service has been tops.

This is another thread that helped me decide.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2138163

[rcmania]

Originally Posted by d2mini

I'm in the middle of setting mine up (getting into more advanced stuff now like auto water changes) and I'm really liking it vs the ReefKeeper I had before.

So far, availability and customer service has been tops.

This is another thread that helped me decide.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2138163

Lol, thats my thread. I started that a while back when I was looking into it. I was sold on the profilux due to all the comments about this unit. i started that in feb and I just now recently purchased my profilux. Sure i could have gone with a cheaper brand back then but i held out and saved for the unit that would last a lot longer and grow with my and my tank needs.

[KevinJ]

Being inexperienced with aquarium controllers I did a lot of shopping and comparisons. I also read all the forums on each controller. For a while the Aquatronica unit was in a dead heat with The profilux, but then after looking at everything on the Aquatronica needing a interface well it is easy to see why a Profilux is in my cabinet. I am just now getting to the point where it is going to take care of ATO and water changes. As well as I am going to have it control my rodi system as well. The programing has a learning curve but in the long, it really was the only choice.

KevinJ

[bmwaaron]

I have to say I have had my profilux for a long time now, before GHL was involved.
The negatives for the Profilux are

1. Parts avaliblity and shipping cost.
The parts are usually avalible but not fast enough when your in a pinch and shipping for even small parts is expensive. Consider everything comes from Canada.

2. Apps dont exist and probably never will.
GHL is not making any Iphone or Android apps and rely on 3rd partys to make them.
I belive this is a big mistake by GHL. These controllers are high dollar and it would be nice for them to put one together that works. There has been 3 or so people make apps for it but nothing is avable right now because people give up and dont support it.

3. Wifi using a adaptor is sketchy at best.
I have 3 friends all using the profilux over diffrent brand wifi addaptors and none of them stay connected very long. I belive its software related but its very frustrating. If you connect over the webserver to read a value it works fine but if you try and change things through profliux control software over wifi it drops connection all the time. This has been an issue for years. Dont belive me, look at the profilux support forums. If you hook up directly over USB or serial it works great, just wifi is not friendly.

Like I said I have had this controller since 2006 and its pretty stable by itself but the connectivity issues grow old and the lack of a offical app is sad.

Having said all this I can not say anything about any other controllers that are on the market but didnt want you to go into this one thinking it was all sunshine and lollipops. It may very well be the best on the market but its far from perfect.

[Reg the reefer]

Originally Posted by bmwaaron

I have to say I have had my profilux for a long time now, before GHL was involved.
The negatives for the Profilux are

1. Parts avaliblity and shipping cost.
The parts are usually avalible but not fast enough when your in a pinch and shipping for even small parts is expensive. Consider everything comes from Canada.

2. Apps dont exist and probably never will.
GHL is not making any Iphone or Android apps and rely on 3rd partys to make them.
I belive this is a big mistake by GHL. These controllers are high dollar and it would be nice for them to put one together that works. There has been 3 or so people make apps for it but nothing is avable right now because people give up and dont support it.

3. Wifi using a adaptor is sketchy at best.
I have 3 friends all using the profilux over diffrent brand wifi addaptors and none of them stay connected very long. I belive its software related but its very frustrating. If you connect over the webserver to read a value it works fine but if you try and change things through profliux control software over wifi it drops connection all the time. This has been an issue for years. Dont belive me, look at the profilux support forums. If you hook up directly over USB or serial it works great, just wifi is not friendly.

Like I said I have had this controller since 2006 and its pretty stable by itself but the connectivity issues grow old and the lack of a offical app is sad.

Having said all this I can not say anything about any other controllers that are on the market but didnt want you to go into this one thinking it was all sunshine and lollipops. It may very well be the best on the market but its far from perfect.

Thanks for your input Aaron.

[BigAl2007]

I have to say that my ProfiLux connection to my WiFi is rock solid. Last time I checked the logs the only dropped connection was from a circuit breaker that tripped on that side of the house. I'm using a standard "Gaming Adapter" and it's been rock solid since day one (about 18 months ago). Here's a link and short detail description of the unit I'm using and how it's set up. http://www.reefbytes.com/downloads/P...elessSetup.pdf
Remember this isn't a special GHL WiFi adapter but one you can buy any day of the week and literally thousands are in use around the world connecting everything from Webcams to Satellite boxes to home networks (mine is also connecting my satellite receiver to my WiFi).

In regards to Apps.... I have to say that's been a HUGE problem in the past... HUGE!! But I have a hunch that's about to change very soon.

I completely agree it's not perfect... far from it in many ways but there is no single controller that's perfect for everyone. For many of us the ProfiLux is head and shoulders above the rest. Hopefully as more users come on board the community as a whole will benefit and as a collective we'll all grow and advance.

[Reg the reefer]

Originally Posted by BigAl2007

I have to say that my ProfiLux connection to my WiFi is rock solid. Last time I checked the logs the only dropped connection was from a circuit breaker that tripped on that side of the house. I'm using a standard "Gaming Adapter" and it's been rock solid since day one (about 18 months ago). Here's a link and short detail description of the unit I'm using and how it's set up. http://www.reefbytes.com/downloads/P...elessSetup.pdf
Remember this isn't a special GHL WiFi adapter but one you can buy any day of the week and literally thousands are in use around the world connecting everything from Webcams to Satellite boxes to home networks (mine is also connecting my satellite receiver to my WiFi).

In regards to Apps.... I have to say that's been a HUGE problem in the past... HUGE!! But I have a hunch that's about to change very soon.

I completely agree it's not perfect... far from it in many ways but there is no single controller that's perfect for everyone. For many of us the ProfiLux is head and shoulders above the rest. Hopefully as more users come on board the community as a whole will benefit and as a collective we'll all grow and advance.

Al,
I would like to know why you and the others think that the Profilux is "head and shoulders above the rest". I understand that customer service is excellent for the Profilux and the build quality is good, I am more interested in the functionality of the unit compared to the Apex. I spent hours reading other reviews and the owners manuals and I must say the Apex is a very capable unit and it has the iPhone and iPad apps which is a big plus. Price and US availability is also another plus for the Apex. So what can your Profilux do that the Apex cannot?

[BigAl2007]

I admit the "Aps" are great for the Apex and something I can only HOPE that GHL is working towards.

In regards to APEX vs ProfiLux it would take hours to cover and only turn into one of the many "My brand is better than your brand" debate and completely dilute the original point.

After learning the ProfiLux way things work you learn that there is very little you can't do with a ProfiLux. Here are some examples from a good friend who just upgraded from his Apex to a ProfiLux controller:

I thought I'd start another Review thread.

I am upgrading from a Neptune Apex to a GHL Profilux 3.1NEX.

Before making the decision I was searching for what makes the GHL better? I had trouble finding the answer to that. I kept getting answers which told me what the GHL did, but I already knew the Apex would do whatever was said. I saw a few videos, and got some feedback and decided to make the switch.

What I found from my research and has been confirmed sonce I got the GHL yesterday, is they both do all the same stuff, but the GHL does everything IMO better.

and

When programming for heater and chillers, with my old controller I needed to do each programming, whereas with the Profilux I set the target temp and a variance (hysteresis) and tell it which outlet is a heater and which is a chiller and it knows what to do from there. I have a canopy fan which I like to come on before the chiller, for that I created a virtual probe so I can vary the temp for the fan Vs the heater and chiller. The profilux is easier, but I don't have to give up the flexibility.

and

I moved the Vortechs from the Apex to the Profilux. They both do a great job. Where the Profilux is better, is mostly in the programming. On the Profilux, it's all done via drop down menu rather than the "If Then" statements that need to be written on the Apex. Also the Profilux is "one stop" where the Apex you need to write profiles and then insert the profile into the "If then" statements on a separate step. In the Profilux the intensity is done in RPM's of the pump, instead of a percentage, it takes a little getting used to, but it is more precise. The Profilux allows 12 different changes throughout the day IE: you can change from Lagoon mode to Nutrient Transport mode (or any modes you want) and change the max intensity up to 12 times. I don't think the apex is limited at all, but I can't imagine ever needing more than 12, I switch them quite a bit and I'm using 8.

If you like the thunderstorm option the Profilux allows you to select the Vortechs to take part in the storm very easily...It's just checking a box. I think (I'm not positive) it can be done on the Apex but it's far more complicated.

Those are just some examples of what a very experienced user of 3 different controllers had to say about ProfiLux. I just don't want it to turn into a Apex vs ProfiLux thread because there are so many of those already and this is the GHL forum after all so of course you're going to get more GHL biased answers here (of course these are the RIGHT answers LOL).

[AQD_ottawa]

1. Parts avaliblity and shipping cost.
I am sorry but this statement is so wrong and far from the truth.

Online in USA full parts stores (in alphabetical order)
Fish Store Florida
Imagine an Ocean PA
ReefBytes NC

These are just online stores

So yes we have 3 huge parts stores in the USA and a fourth on the way, not one part you have to source from Canada, its been like this now since 2011, please check the threads on this forum. There are also 56 registered brick and mortar stores in the USA alone.

2. Apps dont exist and probably never will.
Again this is incorrect also sorry.

There will be an announcement about APPS coming. But there is also a good reason why an APP up until now has not come from GHL. Have a look at the software development, have a close look at the massive amount of control options. Firstly no APP could ever handle this and secondly even with cut down control to a level an APP could handle the software has had to change so many times this past two years to keep up with the massive onward dvelopment of GHL an APP would have to be re-written every few weeks. The key is stability, and due to some very high product releases this has taken president.

The GHL is an Aquarium computer, its a professional device used for keeping your tank alive. An APP is fun but it does not save your tank. its a gadget. The P3 has a webserver built in where you can access all the main important feature sets should something go wrong while out and away, you dont need an APP to run this.

3. Wifi using a adaptor is sketchy at best.
This goes with any device, its part of the terrotory, I see the same issues on forums for XBox, Wii, and other aquarium controllers, the issue is protocol there is no standard set, manufacturers are left having to develop a work around at best for their system. I have to say though how many Wifi issues do you see reported for ProfiLux? and the one that may show up, how many remain unresolved?

I only post this to make sure there is accurate info on such threads it would not be fare to the product to leave such statements officially un-addressed.

[bmwaaron]

Originally Posted by AQD_ottawa

[B]

2. Apps dont exist and probably never will.
Again this is incorrect also sorry.

There will be an announcement about APPS coming. But there is also a good reason why an APP up until now has not come from GHL. Have a look at the software development, have a close look at the massive amount of control options. Firstly no APP could ever handle this and secondly even with cut down control to a level an APP could handle the software has had to change so many times this past two years to keep up with the massive onward dvelopment of GHL an APP would have to be re-written every few weeks. The key is stability, and due to some very high product releases this has taken president.

The GHL is an Aquarium computer, its a professional device used for keeping your tank alive. An APP is fun but it does not save your tank. its a gadget. The P3 has a webserver built in where you can access all the main important feature sets should something go wrong while out and away, you dont need an APP to run this.

I would like to readdress this.

Apps have been out now for years, Other controllers that have been on the market for a much shorter time already have offical apps. The fact that GHL is sleeping on this is very disapointing at best.
I will belive that they will have an app when I see it in the app store, GHL talking about software is just that.

Im not trying to badmouth the product Micheal but it is what it is. Ive had great support from you in the past. But if I were in the market for a aquarium computer the app would be very tops on the list of must haves.

On a side note, I would like to see your dealers add the power transformers onto the sites. Its a pretty important piece especially in places that have lighting storms. Its actually the only failure I have had other than probes due to age.

[loup]

I love this controller. From II ex to III ex, never an issue. Some bit of learning curve as it is different say from an APEX (which i still own and sitting in my closet somewhere). It does do thing so much easier in setting up equipement and setup conditions.

I am going to agree with bmwaaron though, the non existing app is the only disappoint thing but I just get around that by having the ability to remote into my server from any remote location and control the Profilux from the Window software. But I would like to see an iphone app with just the ability to turn socket on/off and see tank status. That would be all I need from an app.

Now I wish my 3 mitras would ship ASAP =)

[AQD_ottawa]

The answer to this is very simple and addressed in my first reply.

Other controllers do not have anywhere near the functionality or control suite that the GHL does neither do they have the amount of add on accessories, they also do not get updated with new features as often a GHL do. When was the last time you saw other controllers bring out new bits of hard war for example dedicated flow sensors? All these things you are going to want access to from your APP I am quite sure. They are also items that will save your tank from a crash, an APP wont. You already can get email alerts and turn things on and off through any browser enabled phone.

In regards to just wanting an APP to turn on and off sockets, as mentioned above, you do not need any APP for this, the P3 has a built in webserver it can be run from any browser enabled phone, so you already have access to this.

Having said all that, an APP will come, that is a 100% fact, but lets get the Mitras launched and the extras level inputs launched so you can have as many flow option as you like.

[AQD_ottawa]

Originally Posted by bmwaaron

On a side note, I would like to see your dealers add the power transformers onto the sites. Its a pretty important piece especially in places that have lighting storms. Its actually the only failure I have had other than probes due to age.

These are a service accessory sold through us at cost price, we do not charge any mark up on these parts, its all part of the GHL NA service care plan we run. Same goes with any PCB's

[Matthias Gross]

The official GHL statement:
we are developing apps for Android and iPhone at this very moment

the development of the Mitras firmware took many ressources, so the app dev. has been delayed

I am quite sure we have something to show in about 6 weeks