Apex v Profilux

[BigAl2007]

Maybe someone would be kind enough to tell me what is the Ex and how does it differ from the regular

In most simplistic terms the eX includes the EX Expansion box (roughly a $450 upgrade). This EX box allows you to expand greatly as well as allows you to locate modules etc a long distance from the main unit. This is great if you have a SUMP in the basement and need to have some items there while the base unit is upstairs. Of course I'm stating this in most simplistic terms. There are other differences but the Expansion Box is a huge plus IMHO.

The beauty of the ProfiLux is that it's so easy to upgrade later as your needs allow. If you're really tight on $$ go for a P3 beginner kit now and add components are your needs and budget allow.

The most bang for your buck would be the P3EX Mega Pack. It gives you a lot of goodies for a minimal investment.

 

[James77]

But the way yourself and others talk, its as though these computers are 100% break down proof

Is Profilux 100% exempt from having defective products? I highly doubt there have not been cases of someone needing to send a unit back in for service.

The answer is not to our knowledge and we are the distributors, I am not aware of a unit to date that was not due to drop kick shipping methods. We had a run of a few LCD screens not like being shipped where a crystal line would go down, and these screens were sent to the client meaning no down time.

:lol:

OK, well that point backfired in my face . Very impressive though if you are seeing what comes out to pretty much a zero failure rate, especially if you consider that none really have to be sent in.

ALL GHL units are bench and soak tested prior to shipping to us, each unit has a QC sticker on its bum with the date of testing and engineers initials, a unit does not leave the factory without this. Furthermore as the unit uses solid state architecture there are no wearable components to fail.
My own unit was build in 2002, it started as a Plus II, was then upgraded to a PLusII EX and now upgraded to a p3EX, the main board which is the most important component is still the original board.
Yes we have had units require repair from water damage or miss use, but even then the controller does not have to come back to us, ProfiLux is modular in component and self servicing, so if a client has the miss fortune of breaking theirs and need a controller working next day we can fast track the part to them, this is also done at 0% profit margin meaning all spares carry no up charge from manufacture,so if you have an accident we don't profit from it, why should we? we all make mistakes don't we
In regards to controllers out there, remember GHL is a Global product not restricted in territory, it also has been around since 1998 globally,the user based is massive due to this sales arena, North America forms less than 10% of the sales volume for GHL

All excellent points, thank you for chiming in. I have never argued your controller not being high quality, it is. I still the the Apex is a great controller for the average aquarist or person that needs to be more mindful of a budget. Aside from my slight interest in the reef angel and future unproven cerebrus, the Profilux and Neptune products are the only two I would even recommend to anyone.

The unfortunate part of posts like yours is I read more into the controller and convince myself to have it .

 

[BigAl2007]

Do you have a link showing what all it comes with?

To the best of my knowledge this comes with:

• ProfiLux 3
• Digital PAB 6 socket power bar
• Generic pH probe
• Temp probe
• PAB cable
• calibration fluids for included probes

That is a steal at that price and including shipping.

 

[wolfador]

While checking to see what comes in the GHL ProfiLux Starter package I came across something I never thought about but think I may have to get soon:

Coming out in/around April 2012 GHL is releasing a Flow Sensor assembly for the ProfiLux.

Flow-sensor

• Measures the flow rate of the return pump respectively of the external filter
• is connected at the level input of the ProfiLux
• reliable and low-maintenance due to measurement without dirt-sensitive moving parts
• incl. PS/2-M12-cable (2 m) to connect with ProfiLux
• available in 2 measurement ranges
• Please note: Shipment without connectors for hoses or pipes!

I don't see any pricing listed yet but what a COOL option to add to your ProfiLux inventory. I haven't seen anything like this from ANY other controller on the market. This is just one of the many reasons why GHL stands out in the controller market with a great assortment of dedicated accessories so you can truly have FULL control over your tank.

There is someone on the ReefAngel board that is getting one to work.

http://forum.reefangel.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=561&p=5185&hilit=flow+sensor#p5185

 

[Augster]

I was all set on getting an Apex when I came across a build thread and saw a Profilux in action; I've never heard of Profilux nor GHL before that.

Now my curiosity is piqued and I'm keenly interested in this controller but it doesn't seem like GHL offers an iPhone/iPad app to remotely control the P3. Googling came up with a since discontinued third-party app from MarineMad.

In addition, it sounds like the P3 computer software is only available for a Windows OS; or does it also have a built-in web server that can be used to access/control/program it? I do not want to resort to whipping out my laptop (Mac with Windows running virtually or Boot Camp) to control the controller nor having to open the doors and manually scroll and push buttons of the limited interface on the front of the controller.

Apex offers an iPhone app which would make access to the controller extremely easy for me.

I will be setting up a 100g system and am now seriously considering incorporating an automatic water change/top-off system (if I can muster up the courage to cut some holes in the walls to the exterior of the house as the tank will sit against a perimeter wall), in addition to dosing pumps, so the ballyhooed abilities of the P3 over the Apex seem to have caught my attention and steering me towards the more expensive P3; but without an iPhone/iPad app, this is the only reason that gives me pause... :hmm5:

 

[AQD_ottawa]

The ProfiLux does not need an APP as the built in webserver allows you to control the computer from any phone, you are not restricted, furthermore due to the constant (and in some case weekly) updates with further advances in technology (like the flow sensors etc etc) an APP would have to be updated at the same pace where as with the webserver, the update its done at the same time. APPS also do not have the power to control GHL there are over 8,500 switchable variables.

You can run the software on any OS cross over software from Mac.

 

[Augster]

Awww...

I wish you didn't tell me all these things. Now my wallet is going to hate me.

A Mega Pack will soon have my name on it... :bigeyes:

 

[Augster]

Oh, but one other detail regarding firmware updates:

Can firmware be updated via USB or network (through web server in eX model), or only through the RS232 port? If RS232, then Houston, we may have a problem...

 

[BigAl2007]

The RS232 option is the BEST and more reliable for sure but you "can" do it over the USB port.

For safety reasons you really should have a RS232 to USB adapter just in case there is a hiccup during an update. In that situation only the RS232 port is able to correct the problem which is why you'd want to already have the adapter on hand. There are several to pick from and if you need help I can send you model #s etc of them.

 

[Augster]

Yea, all my RS232 equipped PC's are now gone/obsolete and I don't intend to ever specifically require any future motherboard (I only build my personal PCs; not buy off-the-shelf big box manufactured ones) have RS232 ports.

I once tried an RS232-to-USB adapter with mixed results so if you have a specific brand/model that has been absolutely rock solid, I would appreciate guidance here!

 

[BigAl2007]

That link should have a couple of options listed in it. If that doesn't help I can dig up some older threads that have model #'s and such. Unfortunately I didn't keep the packaging on mine and it has no "identification" on the unit so I can't help by looking at mine.

I do know there are several different ones that have proven to work well in this use including running a Mac OS.

 

[BigAl2007]

I did some peeking and this model has been confirmed to work well including in the MAC environment

Keyspan High Speed USB Serial Adapter - Type A Male, DB-9 Male

 

[Augster]

I did some peeking and this model has been confirmed to work well including in the MAC environment

Keyspan High Speed USB Serial Adapter - Type A Male, DB-9 Male

Yes, that was the first brand that I noticed in the thread! Will have to check it out... once I get the ProfiLux in my hands of course

 

[BigAl2007]

If you ordered the MEGA pack you're going to LOVE it! That really is the best bang for your buck in regards to the controller. It gives a lot of options for the money and really gets you off to a strong start in regards to getting everything set up. Of course the beauty of the ProfiLux is you can always add more as your system and/or your needs grow. It will grow as you need it to.

 

[Augster]

Of course the beauty of the ProfiLux is you can always add more as your system and/or your needs grow. It will grow as you need it to.

Um, yea :uhoh2: That's what I'm afraid of. Draining my bank account constantly in pursuit of this insanely addictive "hobby"... :wildone:

 

[Augster]

Uh...

Do the Controller Packs include the newest ProfiLux 3.1N eX? I'm thinking not, or at a minimum the 3.1A eX (no LAN port). :hmm6:

 

[BigAl2007]

The Packs are neither... the 3.1a will probably be in specialized packs and will most likely be highly "marked" as 3.1a units.

I don't think any of the 3.1N units are even on this side of the pond as of yet (or when they will come over here....) Other than cosmetics there's no major difference in a P3 that's in the pack now and a P3.1N that is yet to arrive over here. I'd say get with your dealer and get one of the packs listed in this thread
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=20397429#post20397429
and save yourself some significant $$$.

 

[Augster]

I saw that sale, but noticed the new 3.1 models on the GHL (Europe) website.

Careful comparison I noticed the 3 eX as shown on the GHL North America website doesn't show a conductivity connector on back (even though the description indicates that it "measures and controls conductivity") versus the 3.1N/A eX, but otherwise, the 3.1N eX has the exact same specifications as the 3 eX.

But otherwise, it seems the ProfiLux 3 is no longer being advertised in Europe; they only have information on all the II models then show the 3.1 models...

EDIT: I discovered the NA website has an incorrect photo of the rear panel. I downloaded the manual from GHL's Europe website and it shows a much more robust rear panel for the 3...

 

[timry2]

Apex Is great

Apex Is great

I have used the Apex system now for about three years on a 180 gal LPS w/100 gal refugium. I am controlling two dolphin 7200's, ATO w/automatic 45 gal RDO system, CA rector w/ two PH probes, Ozone W/ 1 ORP probe, a DIY LED light (48 blue, 48 cool wht, 4 moon and 10 high noon). all independently controlled, heater and chiller. The system is very reliable and easy to program. You can also use Mozilla and Chrome as I do not use EI, hate EI. The investment is worth every cent!

The only complaint I have is with the standard PH and ORP probes, they have only lasted a 1 1/2 years. They use standard BNC connectors so you dont have to use the over priced standard grade probes from Neptune. shop around you can find standard PH probes for $20. and real LAB grade PH probes for $50.

I love my system

 

[Augster]

@Tim:

Does an Apex AquaController allow you to build complex programming algorithms?

My research of both systems indicates the ProfiLux has a much more robust instruction set and conditional handling over the Apex's rather simple conditional instruction handling. For me, this is critical for developing an automated water change and top-off system. I had originally intended for a gravity fed top-off and manual water changes and the Apex would fit my needs perfectly, but after seeing an automated water change and salinity level by Shardinio on YouTube, I've come to the conclusion that I will not be able to build an algorithm with Apex that could take into account various sensor readings and conditions to prevent certain water level/equipment failure situations.

This is the reason I'm leaning towards the P3 at this time. And the optical level sensors...