Deciding on controller: What do you hate most about Apex, GHL, and HYDROS?

[Mywifeisgunnakillme]

looks good. Can you name things the way you want? "Crl 1 GR 1" would not make any sense to me. GHL has this thing about naming things in a stupid way, e.g., "fill water" or whatver, and you cannot change the name... I really dislike it.

All and all, i am with GHL for a few more years because i have two units for two systems and it was a lot of money---unless the hardware fails. When it's time to replace, either because outdated or broken, i will definitely be looking at Hydros (and all other controllers).

 

[n2585722]

looks good. Can you name things the way you want? "Crl 1 GR 1" would not make any sense to me. GHL has this thing about naming things in a stupid way, e.g., "fill water" or whatver, and you cannot change the name... I really dislike it.

All and all, i am with GHL for a few more years because i have two units for two systems and it was a lot of money---unless the hardware fails. When it's time to replace, either because outdated or broken, i will definitely be looking at Hydros (and all other controllers).

Those are my names for the control units CTL 4 GR 1 is a Control 4 and it is unit 1 in the garage. So it is my own short hand. Same with the inputs and outputs those are my names. There is a limit to the amount of characters since they go below or in the tiles otherwise it will cut off the end of the name on the screen.

 

[Mywifeisgunnakillme]

Having just bought a new GHL P4 (having not had a controller for several years) I am shocked at how bad the software is.

There are probably ways around this but here are a few things I have found.

1) Dosers that can’t set an automatic schedule between 2 times. e.g. if I want to dose overnight I have to add all of the dosing amounts in manually, I can’t set it to dose 20ml from 10pm to 8pm for example. You can do that over 24 hours, but can’t pick the start/stop time.

Dosing schedule then "individually"--this looks like it can do that there

2) It assumes that you want to control the heater with the Profilux. You can’t just go in and tell it to turn the heater off if it reaches a certain temp (I.e. a failsafe).

I have some programming from a friend that can help here. You set up "virtual" temperature probes. Insane pain in the butt, but i think it works, lol.

3) It monitors the power through the sockets but there is no programming available to do anything with that info (e.g. turn the pump off if it gets stuck).

geez, i hope you can do some programming here. I looked quick and don't see an option. Of course i have not done the usually search the internet for hours and pray for help on GHL programming...

4) The reminders section is awful. You can’t tell it to remind you to do something on a certain date. You have to tell it to remind you in X days.

5) When you set up the maintenance schedules and give it a name (e.g. water change) the front screen on the Profilux still calls it ‘Maintenance 1’ so you have to remember which program is which.

Super annoying you can't change names to things. i hate it too.

6) The power outage monitoring only give you the option to turn things on and off. You can’t set it to, for example, allow the temp to drop 5 degrees before turning on the heater, or cycling the return pump on and off every 10 minutes to save battery power.

That would make too much sense.... lol

7) The way the timers are incorporated is pretty confusing to me.

yup

8) You get different setup options (as far as I can tell) depending on whether you use GCC or GHL connect.

yes, one is like the computer screen and the other is like phone friendly. They are kind of the same... Both are kind of terrible.

I’m sure there are ways around some of this stuff but it’s not intuitive. I’m still happy with it, as the hardware is good, but I’m not impressed with the software.

If the hardware breaks, GHL's ONLY saving grace--so they say and i have no personal proof of that other than a buddy who says it won't cause his has not--i will enjoy blasting my GHL with buckshot and a 12 gauge. The profilux itself will get a slug or two... lol

 

[jrill]

Something I'm having trouble as I'm finding conflicting information.

Hydros - if your internet is down can you still control it and your power bars etc?

yes

 

[Weasel1960]

@Mywifeisgunnakillme great thread. As I am planning my build and been doing controller research as well. My big hang up is $$$$ and having to by add ons.

I have been following along the DIY threads here on R2R that use Raspberry Pi. R-Pi is open source computer software. Reef-Pi uses that base component but is software written by @Ranjib and others then they build their own system components.

However if you are like me and aren’t that handy with electronics you can buy pre assembled components much cheaper than the name brands. #Robo-Tank is one of those options. @robsworld78 is/has currently updated his software as a web app

Robo-Tank DIY Aquarium Controller Forum

The thing I find most interesting is no brand loyalty between pumps, lights, etc is required. I am seriously considering going this route and am currently following Robs web app progress.

It may be worth the time to check out some of the DIY threads and options before you make up your mind.

 

[Weasel1960]

The comparisons are all listed in the link in my signature below. Each of them has strengths and weaknesses. Pick what is important to you and the choice is a lot easier. For me Reliability is Everything.

Great link. I am looking into other controllers as well besides the big name brands and was pleasantly surprised that #Robo-Tank was on the comparison list. As an FYI @robsworld78 has been working on a new web app that makes RoboTank much easier to use.

 

[Mywifeisgunnakillme]

Here's another thing i hate about GHL, and apex has it better:

 

[robsworld78]

Great link. I am looking into other controllers as well besides the big name brands and was pleasantly surprised that #Robo-Tank was on the comparison list. As an FYI @robsworld78 has been working on a new web app that makes RoboTank much easier to use.

Very cool, @robbyg if that's something you put to together I'm honored you put me in the line up.

 

[ReefCheef]

Here's another thing i hate about GHL, and apex has it better:

Has the GHL grown on you at all given this additional month?

 

[Mywifeisgunnakillme]

Has the GHL grown on you at all given this additional month?

I hate it.

Edit: It's difficult to set up and use. It may or may not connect to your phone or computer, randomly. Nothing is intuitive. I have set up most functions and hated doing it for the simple reason of not understanding what i am doing or why and the length of time it takes.

My GHL is the one thing about this hobby that makes me tear my hair out more than anything---more than randomly dying acros, when that happens.

That said, i have had no hardware failures...

 

[ReefCheef]

I hate it.

Edit: It's difficult to set up and use. It may or may not connect to your phone or computer, randomly. Nothing is intuitive. I have set up most functions and hated doing it for the simple reason of not understanding what i am doing or why and the length of time it takes.

My GHL is the one thing about this hobby that makes me tear my hair out more than anything---more than randomly dying acros, when that happens.

That said, i have had no hardware failures...

That seems to be the universal sentiment. I bought one on Black Friday and have yet to take it out of the box yet as my tank is still cycling and I don't see the point. Hoping it is intuitive to my brain, although based on the general consensus - I doubt it will be.

There really is no good solution at the moment. Hopefully BRS really makes a "Ferrari controller" like they were joking about right after they bought Neptune. If you guys are reading this - I'll buy one.

 

[i_am_mclovin]

I’m hoping the hydros has that reliability factor. Their new xp8 is promising and I’m loving the concept of redundant “controller heads” in every device. I got wrecked once when my apex control unit died. It’s the worst.

 

[ScottB]

I think Neptune should keep an EL version with the cheap hardware, cheap componentry and price, and develop APEX 2022 with quality components.

Or, if GHL would recruit in the Fusion development team...now that would be cool.

These German companies can really produce some outstanding hardware. Look at ATI Straton sometime. The design, materials and construction have no peers. While the software can make the fixture operate like a disco ball if you want, the UI is, well, whatever Apple software is not.

 

[ReefCheef]

O

I think Neptune should keep an EL version with the cheap hardware, cheap componentry and price, and develop APEX 2022 with quality components.

Or, if GHL would recruit in the Fusion development team...now that would be cool.

These German companies can really produce some outstanding hardware. Look at ATI Straton sometime. The design, materials and construction have no peers. While the software can make the fixture operate like a disco ball if you want, the UI is, well, whatever Apple software is not.

Oh, I've seen plenty of the Straton. I have 6 over my tank.. Honestly, the build quality of the Straton and my RE gear are what drove me to choose GHL. Germany just makes better stuff than the rest of the world.. besides maybe Japan

 

[ScottB]

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Oh, I've seen plenty of the Straton. I have 6 over my tank.. Honestly, the build quality of the Straton and my RE gear are what drove me to choose GHL. Germany just makes better stuff than the rest of the world.. besides maybe Japan

If you try harder, you might be able to stuff 2 more in there, lol. Looks awesome.

 

[ReefCheef]

If you try harder, you might be able to stuff 2 more in there, lol. Looks awesome.

Looks like you squeezed yours in even better than me, nice!

Edit: If I didn't have a 5" eurobrace I would have snuck two more in there

 

[ScottB]

Looks like you squeezed yours in even better than me, nice!

Edit: If I didn't have a 5" eurobrace I would have snuck two more in there

They are cheek to cheek over a 58" tank. I am very happy with these lights.

Sorry for the derail there OP.

 

[Scotts210g]

So, after reading a ton and watching videos, i am more on fence about what controller to buy than ever before...

I have a 200 gallon display, a 20 gallon display, a 10 gallon frag, a qt system, a water change system.

I think i understand the difference between Apez, GHL, and Hydros and that isnt making me lean one way or another. None of them are perfect for what i want--that is very clear.

So, maybe, if i know what users HATE or DISLIKE about them that will help me decide one over another???

Feel free to just list what sucks about each controller--especially if it isnt obvious unless you used it for a while--i'd appreciate it!

Originally I would have said GHL - and when and IF you can get it to connect to the internet is hands down the top notch product. But that IF is actually a big one and GHL has absolutely NO solution except to blame the user.
If you want endless frustration with connecting to the internet then the GHL is for you.
If you want something that works immediately right out of the box with no hassle the Neptune.
Personally I gave up on all controllers they are just way to much potential for endless problems - I hope you have a different experience!

 

[ScottB]

As cheaply made is the APEX equipment is, when I sit back and think about it the hardware failures are not really all that crazy. I run three different APEX systems. My display, basement frag, and a client system at a local bank.

APEX DT 5 yrs: 1 X Energy Bar
APEX Frag: 4 yrs: 1 X DOS head, 1 X leak detector
APEX Bank: 1 yr: 2 X leak detector

Two of the leak detectors were covered under warranty, the rest not.

I think the COR pumps are actually pretty well built. I don't keep a spare brain but probably should. I keep spares of almost everything else.

 

[i_am_mclovin]

I got a nice hydros system for Christmas. The setup was very easy. I am super impressed with it so far. Build quality seems great too. So glad I got this over an apex so far. Can’t wait to add a wave engine to get rid of pump power bricks and also an xp8 power bar for fail safe “brain”.

I was able to also add a water level sensor as a fail safe to kill the return pump in case my drains get clogged. Can’t wait to see what else this can do as I add on.