Brian's 270 Starphire

So true....well IMO both Profilux and RKE does what you want it to do so it's matter of cost I guess....

Profilux = just the controller + web access add on
REK = controller, power bars, probes (might be able to sued GHL probes here), web access

Not sure on which is more cost effective but I presume going back to Profilux could be more cost effective since you have already most of the stuff??
 
The one thing I do like with my profilux is the tunze control. But one the other hand, to get web and alerts the SMS Unit is over $500.

I can't remember do you have a profilux, Ed?
 
Yes I do..... but no $$ for the web alert thingy

Waiting for the price to drop or maybe one day someone find a cheaper solution :lol:
 
I here hear you there. It's one expensive thingy, That why I'm looking into other options. ;)
 
You might want to check out the Neptune Apex that is supposed to come out this week Brian. It has the web functionality for programming of the controller, controlling the tank, and sending e-mail alerts. It can also control Tunzes without any additional addons. I believe you can purchase the head unit, 8 outlet power bar, temp probe, and PH probe for $500. I currently run the ACIII from Neptune and love it. The ACIII has all the functionality of the Apex except the ability to monitor salinity and control Tunzes (requires Aqua Surf addon). I did a price/functionality comparison between the RKE, Apex, and Profilux several months ago and I found that the Apex is the most cost effective with the Profilux being the least cost effective. If you want the exact numbers I can dig them up for you.
 
I was just reading about the Apex. Seem interesting. I would love to see the numbers if you can find them David.
 
Gondore makes some great points about the Apex. I bought and have been using the ACIII because of the web access it offers along with the ability to email me when there is a problem. Plus, the programming was very easy to do. If you happen to have an iphone, everything is controllable from an application that was created for controlling the ACIII from that as well. For the price, web access and control, along with the amount of controllable items and probes, the APEX is going to be a strong competition when it comes to price. Luckily, everyhting is backwards compatible, so I will be able to use all of my ACIII hardware with the the new APEX system, if I choose to upgrade.
 
Here are the numbers. I threw them together a month or two ago so pricing may have changed.

Apex - under $500 includes
Apex Head Unit
Module for all probes
Temp Probe
PH Probe
EB8 (8 outlets)

RKE - $580 includes
1 x ReefKeeper Elite Head Unit (RKM-GC1)
1 x RKM-SL1 (pH, ORP, temperature, 2 micro switches)
2 x RKM-PC4 (total of 8 outlets)
1 x RKM-SID (System Interface Device)
1 x pH Probe Kit
1 x Temperature Probe

Profilux - $650.00 includes
Profilux Plus II with GHL temp probe
Digital 6 socket power bar
Aqua Digital PH probe
RS232 serial cable 1.8m
PH 7 and 9 calibration fluids

Also, as I mentioned above, depending on the functionality that you need the ACIII may be a cheap way to go as a lot of people will be upgrading to the Apex when it is released (myself probably included).
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15248001#post15248001 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ed Reef
Guys, any link where I can do some reading on Apex??


Sorry Brian to take it OT
Click to expand...

No go ahead I'm looking for all input.
 
Stand looks great so far Brian! :thumbsup:

Sorry to hear about your Profilux man, that stinks, however FWIW I hated mine... as you mentioned you can fly a space shuttle with the damn thing, when personally ALL I want is temp control and the ability to monitor, and change if necessary, settings from the road - "peace of mind" if you will, when I travel. I had several problems with it, and GHL/Profilux "fix" was always to unplug it, let it sit, then plug back in. This was the advice given for THREE comlpetely different problems, from having the display show solid black, to actually having the thing displaying GERMAN. Mind you I had no power surges, I hadn't altered settings, nothing - everything happened completely randomly and I was consistantly told by GHL to unplug and let sit, or some other BS... I have plenty of links from threads I started on RC in the GHL forum... needless to say I sold it :lol:

I'm looking at the RKE and the APEX for my system, and am still undecided at the moment but the APEX is oftly tempting. For $500 I get everything I need including net abilities, while the RKE hasn't released that ability yet (even though D.A. said "a couple months" a YEAR ago) and once they do it'll cost you another $100 (~$600 total)... hmmm. I think I just answered my own question :lol:

I must say that after playing with Juniors RKE I was convinced how much my Profilux stunk. I figuired out how to work it within minutes, and had to read no instructions... you can actually see what's going on via the display as well! Another friend is in the first round of APEX shipments, so I'm excited to check that out once he receives it.
 
Last edited:
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15248899#post15248899 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by stunreefer
Stand looks great so far Brian! :thumbsup:

Sorry to hear about your Profilux man, that stinks, however FWIW I hated mine... as you mentioned you can fly a space shuttle with the damn thing, when personally ALL I want is temp control and the ability to monitor, and change if necessary, settings from the road - "peace of mind" if you will, when I travel. I had several problems with it, and GHL/Profilux "fix" was always to unplug it, let it sit, then plug back in. This was the advice given for THREE comlpetely different problems, from having the display show solid black, to actually having the thing displaying GERMAN. Mind you I had no power surges, I hadn't altered settings, nothing - everything happened completely randomly and I was consistantly told by GHL to unplug and let sit, or some other BS... I have plenty of links from threads I started on RC in the GHL forum... needless to say I sold it :lol:

I'm looking at the RKE and the APEX for my system, and am still undecided at the moment but the APEX is oftly tempting. For $500 I get everything I need including net abilities, while the RKE hasn't released that ability yet (even though D.A. said "a couple months" a YEAR ago) and once they do it'll cost you another $100 (~$600 total)... hmmm. I think I just answered my own question :lol:

I must say that after playing with Juniors RKE I was convinced how much my Profilux stunk. I figuired out how to work it within minutes, and had to read no instructions... you can actually see what's going on via the display as well! Another friend is in the first round of APEX shipments, so I'm excited to check that out once he receives it.
Click to expand...

Actually I think the RKE does have web capability. You just need to purchase this module:

http://www.digitalaquatics.com/saltwater/RKM-NET

The module sells for around $119. On the other hand this functionality is built into the Apex.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15247994#post15247994 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Gondore
Here are the numbers. I threw them together a month or two ago so pricing may have changed.

Apex - under $500 includes
Apex Head Unit
Module for all probes
Temp Probe
PH Probe
EB8 (8 outlets)

RKE - $580 includes
1 x ReefKeeper Elite Head Unit (RKM-GC1)
1 x RKM-SL1 (pH, ORP, temperature, 2 micro switches)
2 x RKM-PC4 (total of 8 outlets)
1 x RKM-SID (System Interface Device)
1 x pH Probe Kit
1 x Temperature Probe

Profilux - $650.00 includes
Profilux Plus II with GHL temp probe
Digital 6 socket power bar
Aqua Digital PH probe
RS232 serial cable 1.8m
PH 7 and 9 calibration fluids

Also, as I mentioned above, depending on the functionality that you need the ACIII may be a cheap way to go as a lot of people will be upgrading to the Apex when it is released (myself probably included).
Click to expand...

I should have mentioned that the price I included here for the RKE included the NET module.

Sorry for taking this OT Brian.
 
David, no worries I like all the talk. It keeps me thinking.

I agree Austin. While I have had pretty good customer service with GHL, the wait time for part is a little long. I was told 6 weeks for new boards to fix mine or buy a new one now.

While I have found it pretty easy to use, on the other hand I haven't done much with it. Tunze control is about the most advanced thing. One thing profilux has or must controller is 1-10v controlliblity. I believe that Apex will have it too, while the RKE will not have it.

So, I guess if I want more have more control (like tunze) I need to go with porfilux or Apex. Two thing concern me one is that profilux is going to upgrade soon. I would hate to have to pay more after just replacing it. And apex, from what I understand is go with a completely new system. I sure it will have it's bug.
 
I got my sump today, 48*24*16 made by Aquatic America. I had it drill for 1-1.5" hole for my blackfin return pump and 2- 1" hole in case I ever want to go with a different return pump (ATB? Flowstar). Here some pics. My daughter insisted in being in the pics :) .

IMG_1146.jpg


IMG_1148.jpg


IMG_1147.jpg


For the price I was impressed by the build quality. The only problem I have had is the holes were drill an 1.12" to high. I plan on using all hayward bulkhead as pictured for the 1.5" hole. I be adding baffles soon.
 
On top of getting the sump I picked up all the materials for the canopy and face of the stand. The laminate that will be used to face the canopy and face of the stand will be picked up tomorrow. I need to get moving as Miracles think the tank will be done in less than two weeks. :eek1:

Here is the "light rail" that I will be using to hang my lights. I seen the idea in Lightsluvr build. It's pocket door hanger from McMaster-Carr. It rated for 150 lb doors and comes with the wheels.

There are two 6' rails. I will be only using one and will be cutting it to 5' so I can drop the reflector and remove it out the side to the canopy.

IMG_1151.jpg


The wheels come with a door hanger bolt, which I replace with a normal bolt. There is a washer on each side of the reflector and a nut on the top side of the reflector. The nut allows space so that the reflector doesn't rub on the rail.

IMG_1153.jpg


The reflector still tilts a bit, but I think I will able to solve it. Here is the reflector on with wheels on the rail.

IMG_1154.jpg
 
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