GHL ION Director - "Build thread"

[carri10]

Following. Really interesting update with great detail. Thanks.

 

[zsoltBp]

From good to excellent

I think the probe performance is bouncing, even though there is a total of 10 measurements brand new, this is the second probe (after the first 10 measurements 1 one is broken), the measured values also jump

i modified offset ca 20, mg 150, potassium 15 maybe this is the problem, now take offset everything 0 and will look it...

picture 2 measurement after 24 hours, this is not good...

I think there's a money throwing all but I'm still testing
Ca, Mg, Nitrate I knew so far without measurement)))

 

[zsoltBp]

I think the probe performance is bouncing, even though there is a total of 10 measurements brand new, this is the second probe (after the first 10 measurements 1 one is broken), the measured values also jump

i modified offset ca 20, mg 150, potassium 15 maybe this is the problem, now take offset everything 0 and will look it...

picture 2 measurement after 24 hours, this is not good...

I think there's a money throwing all but I'm still testing
Ca, Mg, Nitrate I knew so far without measurement)))

)))) now take offset 0 , i want to measure......50 minutes ago probe performance 95% , now this, nothing change only take offset 0 in the App, now wait 6.7 hours and will measure ....
I use KH keeper 2 years... no problem...measurement is good , this ion director is a

 

[zsoltBp]

This is my system...

 

[PurePleX]

)))) now take offset 0 , i want to measure......50 minutes ago probe performance 95% , now this, nothing change only take offset 0 in the App, now wait 6.7 hours and will measure ....
I use KH keeper 2 years... no problem...measurement is good , this ion director is a

Wonderful system! Mine Nano - meant to be a learning curve/incubator for my future ”real” system. Also, it will be the QT of the main system. I also have the KH Keeper - agreed very easy to maintain with good readings.

Anyhow, yes the probe is bouncy, today mine is down. Guess it doesn’t matter, but why then provide the numbers? Make me nervous…

Also, just got my ICP results! Away from town, but will compile all results when time permits.

 

[Jgoal55]

SO.....my review will be not be as technically detailed as @PurePleX or even close, but here's my feedback so far...

My IOND has been up and running for three weeks now. So far, it has worked flawlessly. The sensor is performing at 67% so at the current rate it would last a hair under three months. The reference solutions are at 70% running 1 test per day. This is NOT in high precision mode, because well, I don't feel I need that load of precision. lol

If I get a full three months out of the sensor, I'm happy with that. I am sure they will figure out how to make them last longer in due time. In terms of testing and accuracy, I have absolutely no complaints at all. No, it's not the cheapest testing method out there, but I'm not a GHL customer because it's cheap. I use it because of the build quality, the reliability, and the accuracy. Also, time isn't cheap and it has saved me a ton of time not having to test each individual component.

My only gripe is the lack of PO4. It's such an important measure and I guess the tech just isn't there for it to be reliable and accurate with this testing method. I do look forward to the day GHL figures it out, because it would be the most complete and accurate automates testing solution out there.

I hope the sensor doesn't continue to degrade as fast as it has, there is no air in the lines so I don't think that's to blame. Time will tell, but so far, I am loving it.

I haven't updated to the latest firmware yet, but plan to do so so I can change testing to every 3-4 days or so. That will hopefully increase the life span and for me and my current reef I am more than happy with that frequency.

 

[xCROv]

SO.....my review will be not be as technically detailed as @PurePleX or even close, but here's my feedback so far...

My IOND has been up and running for three weeks now. So far, it has worked flawlessly. The sensor is performing at 67% so at the current rate it would last a hair under three months. The reference solutions are at 70% running 1 test per day. This is NOT in high precision mode, because well, I don't feel I need that load of precision. lol

If I get a full three months out of the sensor, I'm happy with that. I am sure they will figure out how to make them last longer in due time. In terms of testing and accuracy, I have absolutely no complaints at all. No, it's not the cheapest testing method out there, but I'm not a GHL customer because it's cheap. I use it because of the build quality, the reliability, and the accuracy. Also, time isn't cheap and it has saved me a ton of time not having to test each individual component.

My only gripe is the lack of PO4. It's such an important measure and I guess the tech just isn't there for it to be reliable and accurate with this testing method. I do look forward to the day GHL figures it out, because it would be the most complete and accurate automates testing solution out there.

I hope the sensor doesn't continue to degrade as fast as it has, there is no air in the lines so I don't think that's to blame. Time will tell, but so far, I am loving it.

I haven't updated to the latest firmware yet, but plan to do so so I can change testing to every 3-4 days or so. That will hopefully increase the life span and for me and my current reef I am more than happy with that frequency.

Keep us updated. I really think that the probe setup is the way to go for automated testing. I've been wanting to pick up an ION director but can never find one. Hopefully GHL is able to work everything out and get them to people.

 

[zsoltBp]

SO.....my review will be not be as technically detailed as @PurePleX or even close, but here's my feedback so far...

My IOND has been up and running for three weeks now. So far, it has worked flawlessly. The sensor is performing at 67% so at the current rate it would last a hair under three months. The reference solutions are at 70% running 1 test per day. This is NOT in high precision mode, because well, I don't feel I need that load of precision. lol

If I get a full three months out of the sensor, I'm happy with that. I am sure they will figure out how to make them last longer in due time. In terms of testing and accuracy, I have absolutely no complaints at all. No, it's not the cheapest testing method out there, but I'm not a GHL customer because it's cheap. I use it because of the build quality, the reliability, and the accuracy. Also, time isn't cheap and it has saved me a ton of time not having to test each individual component.

My only gripe is the lack of PO4. It's such an important measure and I guess the tech just isn't there for it to be reliable and accurate with this testing method. I do look forward to the day GHL figures it out, because it would be the most complete and accurate automates testing solution out there.

I hope the sensor doesn't continue to degrade as fast as it has, there is no air in the lines so I don't think that's to blame. Time will tell, but so far, I am loving it.

I haven't updated to the latest firmware yet, but plan to do so so I can change testing to every 3-4 days or so. That will hopefully increase the life span and for me and my current reef I am more than happy with that frequency.

hi


upgrade latest firmware ion director.... it is better,
another think probe performance 65 % it doesn't matter , one day my probe 100% next day 40%
one measurement use 5x9ml reference fluid...., your's ion director how much use ?

 

[Jgoal55]

Keep us updated. I really think that the probe setup is the way to go for automated testing. I've been wanting to pick up an ION director but can never find one. Hopefully GHL is able to work everything out and get them to people.

I know they filled all their back orders. I think they are waiting to receive a new batch of units from Germany to begin shipping to new customers soon. Hopefully soon.

hi


upgrade latest firmware ion director.... it is better,
another think probe performance 65 % it doesn't matter , one day my probe 100% next day 40%
one measurement use 5x9ml reference fluid...., your's ion director how much use ?

I definitely need to do that. Such a hassle to upgrade the firmware though. lol.

I think I’m using about 8ml per measurement.

Interesting about the sensor performance metric. I wonder why it changes like that.

Ironically, today, my test said it failed due to poor sensor performance. I primed the measurement cell, ran another test, and it was perfect. And the sensor performance climbed to 78%

 

[zsoltBp]

I know they filled all their back orders. I think they are waiting to receive a new batch of units from Germany to begin shipping to new customers soon. Hopefully soon.



I definitely need to do that. Such a hassle to upgrade the firmware though. lol.

I think I’m using about 8ml per measurement.

Interesting about the sensor performance metric. I wonder why it changes like that.

Ironically, today, my test said it failed due to poor sensor performance. I primed the measurement cell, ran another test, and it was perfect. And the sensor performance climbed to 78%

If

 

[zsoltBp]

if probe performace changing to much it is not good sign.... what does it mean prime measurement cell button ? i never used ?

 

[Jgoal55]

if probe performace changing to much it is not good sign.... what does it mean prime measurement cell button ? i never used ?

Sorry for lack of response. I believe it’s simply a way to fill and remove potential air bubbles from the measurement cell which is likely why it “improves” sensor performance.

That said, I’ve checked all my lines for air bubbles and did not see any. The prime measurement function still improved performance temporarily.

Update overall: it looks like my first sensor failed after 3 weeks of daily testing. I’ve now just installed my second sensor that came with my IOND. Let’s see how long this one lasts, but definitely slightly concerning that it’s possible my first sensor failed so quickly.

 

[Doctorgori]

SO.....my review will be not be as technically detailed as @PurePleX or even close, but here's my feedback so far...

My IOND has been up and running for three weeks now. So far, it has worked flawlessly. The sensor is performing at 67% so at the current rate it would last a hair under three months. The reference solutions are at 70% running 1 test per day. This is NOT in high precision mode, because well, I don't feel I need that load of precision. lol

If I get a full three months out of the sensor, I'm happy with that. I am sure they will figure out how to make them last longer in due time. In terms of testing and accuracy, I have absolutely no complaints at all. No, it's not the cheapest testing method out there, but I'm not a GHL customer because it's cheap. I use it because of the build quality, the reliability, and the accuracy. Also, time isn't cheap and it has saved me a ton of time not having to test each individual component.

My only gripe is the lack of PO4. It's such an important measure and I guess the tech just isn't there for it to be reliable and accurate with this testing method. I do look forward to the day GHL figures it out, because it would be the most complete and accurate automates testing solution out there.

I hope the sensor doesn't continue to degrade as fast as it has, there is no air in the lines so I don't think that's to blame. Time will tell, but so far, I am loving it.

I haven't updated to the latest firmware yet, but plan to do so so I can change testing to every 3-4 days or so. That will hopefully increase the life span and for me and my current reef I am more than happy with that frequency.

@PurePleX & @Jgoal55
I hope you dont mind. TL;Dr warning

Im trying to conduct a experiment: Im going to try and setup 2 tanks: Little to NO nitrification area, no Fish and possibly no CUC…
A main design element is to remove as many variables as possible and see if you can grow corals strictly via dosing:
Nitrate, Phosphate, Aminos, phytoplankton and whatever else ..
Also I will need to control and monitor the usual Alk, Ca & Mg.
The plan is to ICP 1x/mo then “Moonshine” the trace to NSW levels (or whatever)

My current equipment “Universe” is Neptune Apex but the Trident NP is unreliable. I am trying to compare cost with the GHL universe but there are so many gaps and differences its almost impossible…

I have several questions ( I have been to GHL’s site, I just got a Mitras Litebar and the product description was sparse. I am going to their knowledge base, so not being lazy but direct testimony is better..

1. @Jgoal55 I count 16 dosing heads, what are you dosing? (After a few vids, I see the director itself uses dosing heads, how many are free?)
2. What do you estimate the cost per test to be and is it comparable to Hanna in cost? Trident? (How long did the probe last? Currently Looking for probe cost

Thanks in advance update, watched a few vids, and answered some of the questions

 

[Jgoal55]

@PurePleX & @Jgoal55
I hope you dont mind. TL;Dr warning

Im trying to conduct a experiment: Im going to try and setup 2 tanks: Little to NO nitrification area, no Fish and possibly no CUC…
A main design element is to remove as many variables as possible and see if you can grow corals strictly via dosing:
Nitrate, Phosphate, Aminos, phytoplankton and whatever else ..
Also I will need to control and monitor the usual Alk, Ca & Mg.
The plan is to ICP 1x/mo then “Moonshine” the trace to NSW levels (or whatever)

My current equipment “Universe” is Neptune Apex but the Trident NP is unreliable. I am trying to compare cost with the GHL universe but there are so many gaps and differences its almost impossible…

I have several questions ( I have been to GHL’s site, I just got a Mitras Litebar and the product description was sparse. I am going to their knowledge base, so not being lazy but direct testimony is better..

1. @Jgoal55 I count 16 dosing heads, what are you dosing? (After a few vids, I see the director itself uses dosing heads, how many are free?)
2. What do you estimate the cost per test to be and is it comparable to Hanna in cost? Trident? (How long did the probe last? Currently Looking for probe cost

Thanks in advance update, watched a few vids, and answered some of the questions

Hello. Incredibly interested in your results as you undertake this so please keep us posted.

As to your questions, don’t mind helping at all.

1) the KH & ION directors both use 3 dosing heads each so those two dosers have 1 spare. Then I have a third doser that is dedicated only to dosing and not at all tied to the directors. As for what I’m dosing, I have very low coral stock currently so I’m only dosing Tropic Marin AFR and I supplement a very small amount of additional ALK daily through the doser. I also dose bacto balance to aid in keeping nutrients down. So I still have three free dosing heads. Eventually I’ll begin dosing traditional 2-part and trace elements.

2) unfortunately I have not really done a real cost comparison. But, I can tell you it is probably one of the more expensive home testing methods. I’m not familiar with the cost of the trident per test, but given that, in general, GHL is more expensive than Neptune by a good margin (and also significantly higher quality), I think it’s safe to say it’s going to be more costly per test.

Unfortunately I haven’t tested consistently as I had an issue with the first probe. I started with daily and moved to every other day after updating my firmware.

That said, the 1000mL reference solutions lasted me approx 5 weeks before needing to be refilled. Those are each $30 so figure you’re spending $60, give or take, every 5 weeks.

My first probe only lasted three weeks but I am currently still dealing with support to confirm it was a faulty probe. The second probe has been in less than a week and so far it’s performing well, but I think it’s reading low on calcium. I’m hoping a few more tests stabilize it. The probes are $80 so obviously I’m truly hoping to get significantly more than 3 weeks out of it (they’re under warranty for 3mos so that should be minimum).

Now the math (which I’m terrible at ),

Testing every other day:

Let’s say probe lasts three months and the ref solutions last approx 5 weeks.

Probes - $80 x 4 = $320 per year
Ref Solutions = $60 every five weeks = $624 per year

So $944 annually for 182 tests. About $5 per tests.

Personally, the amount of time I save makes that cost worth it to me. If eventually I reduce testing to every three to four days, that’ll bring down cost slightly.

Still, unfortunately, right now I can’t fully recommend the IOND until I have more time with it. I need to see better results with this second probe and the next one too. I think for it to make sense for me, I’d be content with consistently getting at least 3mos before having to replace the probes.

That said, the KHD is an incredibly reliable and accurate piece of equipment.

I have no doubt GHL improves on this product and the pain points so far are not anything I wouldn’t expect being an early adopter. The tech is amazing. But this might not yet be the right solution for you if you’re conducting an experiment.

As an FYI, for my frag tank, I’m considering getting a Reefbot to compare that to the IOND. Vastly different technologies and the reefbot is not tied into a computer or doser, but I’d like to see how they compare strictly from a consistency in test results standpoint.

 

[Doctorgori]

Hello. Incredibly interested in your results as you undertake this so please keep us posted.

As to your questions, don’t mind helping at all.

1) the KH & ION directors both use 3 dosing heads each so those two dosers have 1 spare. Then I have a third doser that is dedicated only to dosing and not at all tied to the directors. As for what I’m dosing, I have very low coral stock currently so I’m only dosing Tropic Marin AFR and I supplement a very small amount of additional ALK daily through the doser. I also dose bacto balance to aid in keeping nutrients down. So I still have three free dosing heads. Eventually I’ll begin dosing traditional 2-part and trace elements.

2) unfortunately I have not really done a real cost comparison. But, I can tell you it is probably one of the more expensive home testing methods. I’m not familiar with the cost of the trident per test, but given that, in general, GHL is more expensive than Neptune by a good margin (and also significantly higher quality), I think it’s safe to say it’s going to be more costly per test.

Unfortunately I haven’t tested consistently as I had an issue with the first probe. I started with daily and moved to every other day after updating my firmware.

That said, the 1000mL reference solutions lasted me approx 5 weeks before needing to be refilled. Those are each $30 so figure you’re spending $60, give or take, every 5 weeks.

My first probe only lasted three weeks but I am currently still dealing with support to confirm it was a faulty probe. The second probe has been in less than a week and so far it’s performing well, but I think it’s reading low on calcium. I’m hoping a few more tests stabilize it. The probes are $80 so obviously I’m truly hoping to get significantly more than 3 weeks out of it (they’re under warranty for 3mos so that should be minimum).

Now the math (which I’m terrible at ),

Testing every other day:

Let’s say probe lasts three months and the ref solutions last approx 5 weeks.

Probes - $80 x 4 = $320 per year
Ref Solutions = $60 every five weeks = $624 per year

So $944 annually for 182 tests. About $5 per tests.

Personally, the amount of time I save makes that cost worth it to me. If eventually I reduce testing to every three to four days, that’ll bring down cost slightly.

Still, unfortunately, right now I can’t fully recommend the IOND until I have more time with it. I need to see better results with this second probe and the next one too. I think for it to make sense for me, I’d be content with consistently getting at least 3mos before having to replace the probes.

That said, the KHD is an incredibly reliable and accurate piece of equipment.

I have no doubt GHL improves on this product and the pain points so far are not anything I wouldn’t expect being an early adopter. The tech is amazing. But this might not yet be the right solution for you if you’re conducting an experiment.

As an FYI, for my frag tank, I’m considering getting a Reefbot to compare that to the IOND. Vastly different technologies and the reefbot is not tied into a computer or doser, but I’d like to see how they compare strictly from a consistency in test results standpoint.

Appreciate the time it took to reply. They (GHL) did bother to contact me for my relatively small order, and made sure I made the right purchase and got the right supporting products. The loss in margins for the support call was appreciated.
At some point in your tanks development the value of livestock might justify the cost of quality components. I want to use controlled dosing and Trident NPs lack of consistency scares me when dosing “Bio-critical” elements like phosphate and nitrate; which require accurate minimum levels.


@PurePleX again pardon, this thread has some crossover to my next build.

 

[IKD]

Hello. Incredibly interested in your results as you undertake this so please keep us posted.

As to your questions, don’t mind helping at all.

1) the KH & ION directors both use 3 dosing heads each so those two dosers have 1 spare. Then I have a third doser that is dedicated only to dosing and not at all tied to the directors. As for what I’m dosing, I have very low coral stock currently so I’m only dosing Tropic Marin AFR and I supplement a very small amount of additional ALK daily through the doser. I also dose bacto balance to aid in keeping nutrients down. So I still have three free dosing heads. Eventually I’ll begin dosing traditional 2-part and trace elements.

2) unfortunately I have not really done a real cost comparison. But, I can tell you it is probably one of the more expensive home testing methods. I’m not familiar with the cost of the trident per test, but given that, in general, GHL is more expensive than Neptune by a good margin (and also significantly higher quality), I think it’s safe to say it’s going to be more costly per test.

Unfortunately I haven’t tested consistently as I had an issue with the first probe. I started with daily and moved to every other day after updating my firmware.

That said, the 1000mL reference solutions lasted me approx 5 weeks before needing to be refilled. Those are each $30 so figure you’re spending $60, give or take, every 5 weeks.

My first probe only lasted three weeks but I am currently still dealing with support to confirm it was a faulty probe. The second probe has been in less than a week and so far it’s performing well, but I think it’s reading low on calcium. I’m hoping a few more tests stabilize it. The probes are $80 so obviously I’m truly hoping to get significantly more than 3 weeks out of it (they’re under warranty for 3mos so that should be minimum).

Now the math (which I’m terrible at ),

Testing every other day:

Let’s say probe lasts three months and the ref solutions last approx 5 weeks.

Probes - $80 x 4 = $320 per year
Ref Solutions = $60 every five weeks = $624 per year

So $944 annually for 182 tests. About $5 per tests.

Personally, the amount of time I save makes that cost worth it to me. If eventually I reduce testing to every three to four days, that’ll bring down cost slightly.

Still, unfortunately, right now I can’t fully recommend the IOND until I have more time with it. I need to see better results with this second probe and the next one too. I think for it to make sense for me, I’d be content with consistently getting at least 3mos before having to replace the probes.

That said, the KHD is an incredibly reliable and accurate piece of equipment.

I have no doubt GHL improves on this product and the pain points so far are not anything I wouldn’t expect being an early adopter. The tech is amazing. But this might not yet be the right solution for you if you’re conducting an experiment.

As an FYI, for my frag tank, I’m considering getting a Reefbot to compare that to the IOND. Vastly different technologies and the reefbot is not tied into a computer or doser, but I’d like to see how they compare strictly from a consistency in test results standpoint.

Thank you for sharing! Thought a couple of these ReefBot threads would be useful reading ahead of a purchase

My Reefbot Experience

The purpose of this thread is to explain my experience with reef kinetics, with the machine, and the type of results I received. For those who like to skip to the end and see the results, let me give you the cliff notes. Do I think the Reef Kinetics team/Hady is trying his best? Yes, but...

www.reef2reef.com

Not off to a great start

Manual test shows around 8.2 dKh (RedSea Pro) KH director shows 10.8 and Reefbot lab using the same reagent that showed 8.2 above... shows "date error" Also 60ml vials with long side out are hard to get into place but also it appears that they will interfere with the needle clearance. Short...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Jgoal55]

Appreciate the time it took to reply. They (GHL) did bother to contact me for my relatively small order, and made sure I made the right purchase and got the right supporting products. The loss in margins for the support call was appreciated.
At some point in your tanks development the value of livestock might justify the cost of quality components. I want to use controlled dosing and Trident NPs lack of consistency scares me when dosing “Bio-critical” elements like phosphate and nitrate; which require accurate minimum levels.


@PurePleX again pardon, this thread has some crossover to my next build.

I agree . You won’t be disappointed. The build quality and accuracy of GHLs dosers and the KHD is unmatched in the industry. And their support is also unmatched.

They have some areas to improve on imo (especially connectivity and UI), but overall, once you get the hang of it - it’s smooth sailing.

I still struggle with programmable logic, but they will absolutely provide support through any confusion on that front and the capabilities of it are endless compared to the others if/then logic.

Please keep us posted on your results and IOND tests!

Thank you for sharing! Thought a couple of these ReefBot threads would be useful reading ahead of a purchase

My Reefbot Experience

The purpose of this thread is to explain my experience with reef kinetics, with the machine, and the type of results I received. For those who like to skip to the end and see the results, let me give you the cliff notes. Do I think the Reef Kinetics team/Hady is trying his best? Yes, but...

www.reef2reef.com

Not off to a great start

Manual test shows around 8.2 dKh (RedSea Pro) KH director shows 10.8 and Reefbot lab using the same reagent that showed 8.2 above... shows "date error" Also 60ml vials with long side out are hard to get into place but also it appears that they will interfere with the needle clearance. Short...

www.reef2reef.com

Thank you for this. I will read through these.

My other option is to get a P4mini controller for the frag tank and connect a KHD and IOND to that, but not sure I’m ready to take either leap just yet.