GHL clearance, should I buy?

[Schulks]

I was trying to decide between an Apex or Hydros but GHL is 40% off at BRS right now.

I've never had a controller before and just want something to track ph and turn off my UV/protein skimmer when the return is off.

Should I pickup the profilux 4e starter set for $450 or just keep deciding between apex or hydros?

Profilux mini already sold out :(

 

[TrottingReef]

BRS is getting rid of all the Apex competitors. They are doing the same with Hydros. So over BRS.

 

[Reefering1]

I was trying to decide between an Apex or Hydros but GHL is 40% off at BRS right now.

I've never had a controller before and just want something to track ph and turn off my UV/protein skimmer when the return is off.

Should I pickup the profilux 4e starter set for $450 or just keep deciding between apex or hydros?

Profilux mini already sold out :(

They are"giving away" hydros stuff too

 

[Schulks]

@Reefering1 huh.. thanks for pointing that out..

GHL or Hydros? lol

Edit: nvm hydros is mostly sold out already.

 

[Reefering1]

@Reefering1 huh.. thanks for pointing that out..

GHL or Hydros? lol

Sarcasm?
I would lean towards hydros, when was the last time you heard of anything new with profilux?

 

[TrottingReef]

Hydros hands down. Just go to one of the other great online retailers. They are worth it.

 

[Schulks]

@Reefering1 You are right but I was thinking maybe GHL just sucks at marketing lol

@cdnco2004 I don't think I have met a GHL user but I was hoping an army would appear and tell me how great this sale is. xP

 

[Reefering1]

@Reefering1 You are right but I was thinking maybe GHL just sucks at marketing lol

@cdnco2004 I don't think I have met a GHL user but I was hoping an army would appear and tell me how great this sale is. xP

What I'm saying is that if you were considering hydros, they are equally discounted right now. Practically giving them away. You know, in exchange for money

 

[TrottingReef]

Read comments from GHL users who left for Hydros. They don't have near the range of features/functions that Hydros does; they are a lot more complicated.

 

[TrottingReef]

What I'm saying is that if you were considering hydros, they are equally discounted right now. Practically giving them away. You know, in exchange for money

Except they don't have anything except the X2 still as far as the actual controllers go.

 

[braaap]

Except they don't have anything except the X2 still as far as the actual controllers go.

The wave engine LE with gyre for $180 is a great starting point. That’s all I see they have left. I added a wave engine and XS today because it was almost free lol. I just switched from Apex. I was DEEP in apex. I’m glad I did. It’s such a robust system with really nice features.

Only thing I miss is text alerts. The email and app
Push alerts aren’t enough for me.

 

[BeanAnimal]

They all have their pros and cons. I think think GHL has more established and well rounded. The biggest drawback (for me) regarding Hydros is the parent company.

 

[Schulks]

@BeanAnimal Do you use GHL? I have heard GHL is the most complicated to use but also the most versatile. I'd like something that is user friendly which is why I disregarded GHL originally.
Also, what is wrong with coralvue?

 

[BeanAnimal]

I have a Profilux 4, KH director, a maxi doser and several 4 head dosers and 6 power bars and 3 Mitras fixtures.

I don’t find it complicated at all. Other people act like it is impossible to use. I don’t get it, but I am not them. The dashboard is not great and in desperate need of a modern refresh. The pc based software for setup is old and dated but really not needed for anything but a few firmware update and all of that is being moved to the web app. The hardware is solid as is the stability and functionality.

CoralVue - not a fan of their customer service over the years. Other folks may have a far better opinion and I may be on an island.

 

[braaap]

CoralVue - not a fan of their customer service over the years. Other folks may have a far better opinion and I may be on an island.

100%. Their service sucks IME. They are smug and obnoxious. Their users are an annoying cult. Atleast Neptune users were helpful.

That said the Hydros quality is miles ahead of Apex. Atleast in my current experience.

 

[n1ng]

My recommendation would be that if your needs are basic then Hydros is probably going to suit your needs. I have a both an Apex and Profilux (last gens). Unfortunately I don't have another system to try Hydros :) I actually prefer GHL, but I like tinkering around with my gear. Honestly once things are setup it's all moot - just make sure you backup your configs.

I think the community support for Apex can't be beat, and it seems like Hydros is getting there. GHL is okay but I no where near the others.

You can also accomplish what you want with an outlet with a float/optical switch plus a cheap ph monitor. Not as pretty but possibly more economical. Or better yet look into the used controller market, old Apex controllers are solid and can be gotten cheap.

 

[KStatefan]

I added a doser and another power bar for my current GHL setup.

 

[JustAnotherNanoTank]

@Reefering1 You are right but I was thinking maybe GHL just sucks at marketing lol

@cdnco2004 I don't think I have met a GHL user but I was hoping an army would appear and tell me how great this sale is. xP

I’ll be honest. I thought hydros was made by GHL.

Am I right or wrong lol

Cuz if I’m wrong then you’re right and they SUCK at marketing. Lol

 

[BeanAnimal]

GHL and Hydros have nothing to do with each other. GHL is out of Germany and has been around for decades. The Hydros is a CoralVue product and is fairly new.

 

[ryeguyy84]

100%. Their service sucks IME. They are smug and obnoxious. Their users are an annoying cult. Atleast Neptune users were helpful.

That said the Hydros quality is miles ahead of Apex. Atleast in my current experience.

The apex was good but now they are built in China and look like preschool toys. My 12 year old apex Jr still works with zero issues. My 2023 apex a3 that I bought as an "upgrade" already has had to to be sent back to neptune for a corrupt sd card and the 24v power supply on the eb8 quit working so none of the accessories work. With the replacement sd card that I paid $54.38 for plus shipping to neptune it also erased every bit of programming I had.

Don't even get me started on the trident. A controller this expensive should be reliable but that's not the case anymore. I've only had the hydros system for a month or so but it feels well built and it's super easy to program.