Ghl Profilux vs Neptune Apex

[Joel_155]

In the planning stages of a build and I'm curious about everyones opinions over these two controllers. I've used the Neptune apex before and it had alot of features that I really didn't use.

Along with the other features of the controller I eventually would like to have the corresponding doser and have that perform AWC from the main tank to the QT tank and then to a collection reservoir. This way anything in QT will slowly be adjusted to the water quality and parameters of the DT.

Thoughts on th two controllers and their corresponding dosers? Thanks in advance.

 

[minus9]

I have an apex and a GHL Doser 2, best of both worlds.

 

[ca1ore]

You need to hear from folks who have owned BOTH. Otherwise, it's just a tedious stream of folks extolling the virtues of what they happen to use. Don't just consider what's best, but also what's likely to be around and in business for the long run.

 

[Joel_155]

I've owned the classic apex and I liked it however it had alot of features that I didn't use. I had all my pumps set up on different feed timers and honestly I would rather just flip a switch to turn them off or on. I was always worried it would get distracted during a WC and burn out the pump. I usually have someone at my house due to my son so if anything goes wrong I can get alerted. Also a big believer in designing the system correctly to avoid problems in the future. Obviously things come up here and there though.

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[Joel_155]

What I want out of a controller is to have an option to run equipment based on temperature and PH (heaters, fans, dosing equipment etc). Having a controller for the pumos and the lighting is also nice but I'm either going to go with radions or kessil. I found that the apex programing on AIs was a bit clunky and I found it extremely annoying. Eventually I just bought a controller

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[reefwiser]

I do Programmable controllers for a living in the industrial field so I was an early user of aquarium controllers I have Apex and GHL systems. There are a lot of people who use the Apex units in the US and while that can be a good thing in that there is a lot of used equipment around for sale all the time. When Apex did the fusion upgrade it really helped users with their programing. As for advanced function you need to know how to code the Apex.
GHL is way easier to get into on advance functions as many of the functions are just a drop down dialog box away to set up. The GHL has great customer support and really easy helping out with issues. I love how the equipment is expandable with the addition of cards like a computer and almost everything is in one box not multiple boxes.
If you like doing a AWC and ATO you can use the doser 2 can be set up in a few minutes to preform that task>plus you can daisy chain up to 18 dosing pumps to a doser 2 or Profilux.

 

[ReefRockerLive]

Just my two cents.

I've used both the Apex and Profilux throughout the years and without a shadow of a doubt the Profilux came on top.

I have trusted in the Profilux for over 8 years now and not once did the system ever fail. I started with the P2 Plus, then later upgraded to a P3.1, and will eventually get the new Profilux 4 when it comes out. The system is rock solid and easy to setup. As Reefwiser mentioned, the Profilux involves using drop down boxes, no coding is needed to get up and running.

Aside from the reliability it provides, the build quality is top notch. Just holding the unit in your hands goes to show the level of detail and work that went into designing the product. It certainly doesn't look like a kids toy.

Another reason why I chose the Profilux is simply because I don't have to deal with little boxes and wires. Everything is nicely contained in one box and even includes additional slots to expand the controller even further. If there ever comes a time when I need to add another pH probe, I just buy the expansion card, pop it into the controller, connect the probe, and calibrate. No need for me to go out an buy an additional module, then find a spot to mount it. The design of the unit as a whole just saves me lots of space.

Do some searching around and see what kinds of problems people have had with the GHL controller, you'll have a hard time finding anything that doesn't stem from user error. Take a look at the problems Apex users have had with the new version and well...the results speak for themselves. Their classic version was good, but their latest release has people running into issues left and right. A good friend of mine who owns an aquarium service company just had the new Apex fail for the 4th time, I wish I were kidding, but it's true, everything ended up dying this time around.

Of course, some are user related errors, but there are also hardware issues too. IMO, it's kind of scary to think about when we put thousands of dollars into our tanks.

Support from both companies have a good reputation. Speaking from GHL's support, they've come a long way. They've made getting support easier than ever. I've heard of people getting support on the weekends and even holidays!

 

[Joel_155]

Thank for the input guys. This is the info that I was looking for. With my apex I had issues programming it. I'm a pretty strong computer nerd (I've built several computers in the past) but I'm not a programmer. I eventually figured it out however it was pain to get to work. This is why I'm leaning towards the Profilux.

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[Joel_155]

Also apex is branching out into powerheads and pumps and it wouldn't surprise me if they started making lights in the near future. I want a controller where the main focus of the company is to make a rock solid easy to use controller with options for expandability.

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[ReefRockerLive]

Also apex is branching out into powerheads and pumps and it wouldn't surprise me if they started making lights in the near future. I want a controller where the main focus of the company is to make a rock solid easy to use controller with options for expandability.

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GHL has 3 core products: Controllers, LED Lighting, and Dosing Pumps. With controllers being their main focus, they've branched out and produced other products with the same level of reliability. The great thing about them is that they do not produce Dosing pumps and LED lights that forces you to own their own controller to make it work.

Take their Doser 2.1 and Mitras LX LED for example, you can pick up the Standalone doser and LED and use it with or without the Profilux controller. That's always a nice option to have.

 

[GoVols]

I have the Apex and Fusion is very nice.

But... If I ever upgrade it will be the Profilux.

This is 2017 and Apex is way behind in still having to type CODE

 

[Joel_155]

Don't get me wrong. I liked my apex however if I was to get one again it would be the smaller version. But I like the idea of the Profilux. It is a bit more expensive though.

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