Profilux II Plus or Apex
- Thread starter yongpanda
- Start date
yongpanda
New member
Here is a better way to phrase my question..
I will be buying my very first controller and want to do this right the first time as I've learned many times again that it's better to buy right the first time around instead of paying more down the line.
So here are some of the options that I have:
1. I can get a really good deal on a used Porfilux II Plus with WLAN (doesn't come with a pH probe)
2. I can buy a brand new Apex system with temp and pH probes (similar price as option 1)
3. I can save another $300-$400 and buy the Profilux III
Here's a little bit about me so it's easier to help me out.. I have a nano tank that at the very least will need a controller to read temperature and pH levels. In addition, it would be a nice to be able to moniter and control my tank remotely as I expect to be away for two 1month trips yearly for the next 4-5 years. Reliability is a must (which is why I feel that maybe a used profilux may be better than a brand new apex). Ease of use is also important.. In the future, I may want to be able to control LED fixtures.
Here are some questions...
1. Am I right when I say that the only real benefit of being able to connect your vortech pumps with the profilux III (ex) is for the added profilux settings as well as the ease of use (i.e. being able to feed your tank by putting the tank into feeding mode via profilux instead of going to your ecotech controller AND the profilux II or Apex)?
2. I have noticed that the upgrade option of the Profilux II Plus to III has been stopped. Does this mean, that Profilux III users will not be able to upgrade to a possible fourth Profilux controller?
Thanks in advance to your input.
I will be buying my very first controller and want to do this right the first time as I've learned many times again that it's better to buy right the first time around instead of paying more down the line.
So here are some of the options that I have:
1. I can get a really good deal on a used Porfilux II Plus with WLAN (doesn't come with a pH probe)
2. I can buy a brand new Apex system with temp and pH probes (similar price as option 1)
3. I can save another $300-$400 and buy the Profilux III
Here's a little bit about me so it's easier to help me out.. I have a nano tank that at the very least will need a controller to read temperature and pH levels. In addition, it would be a nice to be able to moniter and control my tank remotely as I expect to be away for two 1month trips yearly for the next 4-5 years. Reliability is a must (which is why I feel that maybe a used profilux may be better than a brand new apex). Ease of use is also important.. In the future, I may want to be able to control LED fixtures.
Here are some questions...
1. Am I right when I say that the only real benefit of being able to connect your vortech pumps with the profilux III (ex) is for the added profilux settings as well as the ease of use (i.e. being able to feed your tank by putting the tank into feeding mode via profilux instead of going to your ecotech controller AND the profilux II or Apex)?
2. I have noticed that the upgrade option of the Profilux II Plus to III has been stopped. Does this mean, that Profilux III users will not be able to upgrade to a possible fourth Profilux controller?
Thanks in advance to your input.
reefdude135
New member
The Apex has web server functionality built in; the PII will require connecting the PII via serial cable or LAN to a PC with their software running. If the connection is lost (power outage, network issue) your remote monitoring capability is lost.
James77
Team RC
If reliability is 100% top of the list, the Profilux is bug free and as reliable as can be. That said, the Apex is still very reliable. In my 8-odd years of owning Apex products, I have encountered only 2 failures. One was directly related to firmware corruption froma know power surge, the second hardware related. I am dealing with a "bug" right now of false temp alarms.
IMO, if you are going to go the Profilux route.....save up for the P3. They discontinued the upgrade kit, but if I have it right they offer a discount to upgrade by trading in? It would be best to contact them on that.
Questions
1-yes in general, though you could always sync lights and pumps.
2-they offered a very reasonable upgrade kit for along time, they are not a compnay that leaves customers behind really.
James77
Team RC
To answer more generally......
If I had a choice and money was not an object, I would go Profilux of the two. Money is not a super object, but my control needs are very limited, so it is hard for me to justify Profilux...so I use Neptune products. I have been very close to pulling the triger on a Profilux a few times. Right now I am curious as to what the Cerebra will provide, although that looks to be another controller that "over-controls" for my needs.
If I had a choice and money was not an object, I would go Profilux of the two. Money is not a super object, but my control needs are very limited, so it is hard for me to justify Profilux...so I use Neptune products. I have been very close to pulling the triger on a Profilux a few times. Right now I am curious as to what the Cerebra will provide, although that looks to be another controller that "over-controls" for my needs.
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