Profilux or Neptune ?

[toxai]

Hello.

After checking all the parameters periodically (almost daily) and do everything manually, I've been thinking about adding a complete aquarium controller for ALL possible. This way I'd be able to save time and have my parameters stable. For now I have anything of this kind, not even an ATO, but if I get it, I'll get an all in all.

This said, I was just next to order a Neptune system but I've been told that this is a very complicated system and knoledge on informatics and programming is required. As an alternative, in my local fish store, they've recommended profilux. They said it's easier to use.

You must have in mind that I am a beginner, and I have not knoledge on informatics and electronics at all. So, I'm basically asking for your advice.
Thanks,
Regards.

 

[FTW-Reef]

It will almost certainly be another year until I can pull the trigger as well (was close to it last summer and then life happened), but one of the big draws for the GHL I saw from research last year was the Ion Director (with no reagents needed).

I recall seeing there might be something in the works to also gauge phosphate, but not sure where that is in development. From what I’ve read though, there a ton of happy users of both systems…

ION DIRECTOR – Automated Ca, Mg, K, Na and NO3 testing made easy! – GHL (International)

www.aquariumcomputer.com

 

[n2585722]

I know this controller you did not mention but I use the Hydros system and it controls my Heaters, cooling fans, skimmer, return pump, lighting, ATO, AWC, All For Reef dosing, KH buffer dosing, RODI. It will automatically refill my DI reservoir when it goes low from the RODI. It will transfer the water from mix tank to fresh saltwater reservoir if the mix tank water is ready to use. Once it is transferred it will refill the mix tank from the RODi. All I have to do is add the salt mix and press a button when it is ready to use. It also imports alkalinity data from my KH Carer to use with dynamic dosing of the All For Reef and KH Buffer. They are coming out with a new controller with 4 dosing pumps and a pH and salinity probe port. They will also have a vessel you can use for testing the alkalinity and salinity in. It has two probe holders and a stirrer and is a good companion to the X10. The X10 will also have 4 sense ports. The sense ports is where temp, water level, leak detectors, flow sensors, TDS meters and various other sensors are connected and they do get used quickly on larger systems. I currently have all 18 of the ones I have in use. I have a build thread here on R2R that has a lot of information on how I use the Hydros starting on page 7 if interested. I am very happy with the Hydros system. Click on my build thread contributor badge to get to my build thread.

 

[saltyfins]

I have GHL, and I love it!!! Unfortunately, I'm not really smart enough to figure it out. it's easy I guess, if your "techy"...me? no Not even close. then again, fish food confuses me...so there's that. But I really love my system.

 

[Lps_lover12]

I have a Neptune system and don’t have any complaints. It’s truly amazing what you can program them to do, I can’t say anything about the other controllers as I’ve never used them. As far as programming works you learn it pretty quickly and it seems a lot more daunting then it actually is. There’s also a Facebook group for Neptune users and it’s super helpful for any questions. Customer service for me with Neptune has been top notch. In the end it is up to you and what fits your needs, you will get a different answer from everyone but do your googling and watching videos to see which one works best for you. I haven’t heard much bad about hydros so check them out too, they all have their benefits and flaws so you just have to pick the best one for you

 

[areefer01]

Hello.

After checking all the parameters periodically (almost daily) and do everything manually, I've been thinking about adding a complete aquarium controller for ALL possible. This way I'd be able to save time and have my parameters stable. For now I have anything of this kind, not even an ATO, but if I get it, I'll get an all in all.

This said, I was just next to order a Neptune system but I've been told that this is a very complicated system and knoledge on informatics and programming is required. As an alternative, in my local fish store, they've recommended profilux. They said it's easier to use.

You must have in mind that I am a beginner, and I have not knoledge on informatics and electronics at all. So, I'm basically asking for your advice.
Thanks,
Regards.

• First set a budget
• Second build a requirement list
• Third from the requirement list above make a must have list
• Fourth start comparing across Neptune, GHL, CoralVu (ruling out DIY/Pi/Arduino open source solutions as you said beginner)

Hobbyist will give you an opinion but it may not help you. Rather set your budget, requirements, and must haves then review the over the counter solutions. Then come back and ask specific questions so we can help better. Otherwise we are going to give you our biased opinions (I do not mean that disrespectful) as to what we use and/or like.

 

[bushdoc]

I've had Apex Aquacontroller for several years, few models. Newer models are easier to use and don't need direct connection to computer, wifi and smartphone app is more than enough.
Few weeks ago bought GHL Profile mini-it is a solid piece of equipment, but you need PC to upload new firmware for full functionality. I might be biased after many years with Apex, but GHL reminds me of old times with MS-DOS programming or Windows XP. For ease functionality I would go with Apex, if you are IT specialist-go with Profilux.

 

[Kato]

I had all GHL stuff for 3 years (except ION). Reliable for sure. Switched to Neptune A3 for new tank. Like it much better. More sensors, better UI, more usable powerbar and much much more reliable connectivity. In the EU.
Neptune side I have pretty much all sensors and modules as well including trident. Can’t comment on long time reliability yet. Also much easier to program and set up IMO. My 2C.