GHL ION Director - "Build thread"

[PurePleX]

Did they send you a second sensor?

I issued the ticket yesterday and they've returned to me for some more details. Nothing decided yet. Unfortunately I now have to leave, but hopefully I can give the needed info tomorrow. Unfortunately again I'll then be leaving for two weeks - that was the whole idea of automation...

 

[wyster]

You have any update on the probe? I have logged a ticket as I need to buy a replacment in Europe but the site will not allow me to add to my cart, More interested to see if they are able to supply under warranty which would explain a little why I cannot purchase one.

 

[PurePleX]

Sorry for no response or update. I've been traveling and had a lot of non-negotiable musts and deadlines (just like I described in the first post of this thread).

Anyhow, I've now updated the ticket with by GHL requested info (voltages from the sensor and general setup/picture). I'll keep you posted/updated as I find the time. Again, that's why I bought the ION Director in the first place...

On the good note is that my tank is doing great! Finally got a hold of the phosphates and my dream inhabitant (an Entacmaea quadricolor) is doing great!

 

[PurePleX]

OK! Obviously an update long time overdue!

First, and as I said in my first post from 2024-09-20 (and I quote): "But, realize that my reason to get automatic testing is that my calendar is very aggressive, and so I can't make any promise how or at what rate this build thread will progress!". Well, I kept that promise (that is, I kept the no promise...)!

Here is a recap (dates in ISO 8601 standard so only North Korea, Palau, Tuvalu, South Sudan and some other small island nations should not understand; I do my best and my part to unify the planet...!) - please see original posts above for details:

2024-09-10 Delivery of my GHL ION Director
2024-09-20 Installation (and first post) - basically no problem and easy, BUT requiring multiple tightening of the sensor attachment the following days to avoid leaks
2024-09-21 Immediately obvious that the unit is drinking reference fluid like an elephant on the savanna
2024-09-22 First hard facts (compared to Hanna):
* Low accuracy, but very high precision.
* Reference fluid consumption extremely high (in average per measurement as of the first 10 measurements 42.0 ml Ref A and 40.2 ml Ref B)
* Graphs in app highly misleading
2024-09-23 Recalibration and new confirming Hanna tests: same result
2024-09-25 I offset the values according to Hanna - then good values (consistent with a state of low accuracy, high precision). BUT rapidly degrading sensor (after 4 days and 10 measurements down to 72%). This despite troubleshooting according to manual
2024-09-26 Sensor suddenly went good (96%)
2024-09-28 Sensor again dropping (83%) (and reference fluid consumption remaining ridiculously high)
2024-10-06 Ordered a new sensor from GHL (estimated delivery "approx. 6-8 weeks"). Figured that even if the current sensor was replaced, I would soon need a new - judging from other users input...
2024-10-09 The sensor died completely (0%) - thus some three weeks and with whooping reference consumption, low accuracy, but high precision. Ordered more reference fluid, and also had received some IOND Multi-Reference -thus true reference fluid to measure on - but had no functioning sensor...
2024-10-26 Filed a ticket with GHL regarding the dead sensor.
2024-10-26 Immediate response from GHL requesting further information
2024-11-23 A very delayed response from me giving the additional information (including pictures)
---------------- New Updates ----------------
2024-12-04 No response so I wrote a reminder to GHL
2024-12-29 No response so I wrote a reminder to GHL
Gave up...
2025-01-20 Suddenly and without warning the sensor I ordered 2024-10-06 was delivered! Instead of the stated 6-8 weeks, it took 106 days (or some 15 weeks).
2025-02-11 (today) Got a mail from GHL apologizing for the late reply and asking for my shipping address to replace the erroneous sensor. Great! But a little late...

So, here are my conclusions:

IOD-wise:
1. Very high reference consumption - some 40 ml of each reference fluid per measurement
2. Questionable accuracy - significant and consistent difference to Hanna and ICP-OES (Reef Factory) (sorry, have no ICP-MS)
3. High precision with very consistent values between measurements
4. Extremely short sensor life time

GHL-wise:
1. Extremely slow resolution of my ticket despite reminders - yes, definitely also delay from me
2. Extremely slow delivery of newly ordered sensor - given even normal and anticipated sensor life time this would be a time-limiting factor

Personal-wise:
1. I've come to realize that the time I spent (even on a well functioning system) is well beyond the time I spend with my Hannas.
2. Even if everything is working like a charm, I still want to confirm with Hannas and ICP, just to make sure/confirm that everything is indeed working like a charm. So what is then the use of automated testing?

Conclusion:
1. I've given up the idea of automated testing. It costs (moneywize, timewize, energywize, everythingwize) more than it gives and more compared to Hannas and ICP (even ME) once a week.
2. My tank doesn't need it! During this time something has happened to my tank - it's matured! Everything is thriving and growing, all parameters good and stable no matter what I throw on them - so (I'm sorry to say) scrap this forever and constant testing - I haven't graduated to SPS anyhow... And the day I do graduate to SPS I understand I will have the time doing Hannas as I'm going/have to stay with my tank constantly anyhow...

Conclusion of the conclusion:
Anybody want a GHL IOD with two brand new sensors (if the replacement is shipped as promised, otherwise just one), 1000 ml IOND Multi-Reference fluid and 4000 ml each of Reference A and B? Yours for free, but two terms:
1. You pay tracked shipping (from Sweden, to where ever you live)
2. You continue the evaluation and post the results here

 

[BeanAnimal]

Thank you for the update and the generous offer. I am sure somebody will take you up on it, but not me :)

I have no desire to head down that path, whatsoever.

 

[PurePleX]

Thank you for the update and the generous offer. I am sure somebody will take you up on it, but not me :)

I have no desire to head down that path, whatsoever.

Point taken... And obviously understood I should add.

 

[IKD]

OK! Obviously an update long time overdue!

First, and as I said in my first post from 2024-09-20 (and I quote): "But, realize that my reason to get automatic testing is that my calendar is very aggressive, and so I can't make any promise how or at what rate this build thread will progress!". Well, I kept that promise (that is, I kept the no promise...)!

Here is a recap (dates in ISO 8601 standard so only North Korea, Palau, Tuvalu, South Sudan and some other small island nations should not understand; I do my best and my part to unify the planet...!) - please see original posts above for details:

2024-09-10 Delivery of my GHL ION Director
2024-09-20 Installation (and first post) - basically no problem and easy, BUT requiring multiple tightening of the sensor attachment the following days to avoid leaks
2024-09-21 Immediately obvious that the unit is drinking reference fluid like an elephant on the savanna
2024-09-22 First hard facts (compared to Hanna):
* Low accuracy, but very high precision.
* Reference fluid consumption extremely high (in average per measurement as of the first 10 measurements 42.0 ml Ref A and 40.2 ml Ref B)
* Graphs in app highly misleading
2024-09-23 Recalibration and new confirming Hanna tests: same result
2024-09-25 I offset the values according to Hanna - then good values (consistent with a state of low accuracy, high precision). BUT rapidly degrading sensor (after 4 days and 10 measurements down to 72%). This despite troubleshooting according to manual
2024-09-26 Sensor suddenly went good (96%)
2024-09-28 Sensor again dropping (83%) (and reference fluid consumption remaining ridiculously high)
2024-10-06 Ordered a new sensor from GHL (estimated delivery "approx. 6-8 weeks"). Figured that even if the current sensor was replaced, I would soon need a new - judging from other users input...
2024-10-09 The sensor died completely (0%) - thus some three weeks and with whooping reference consumption, low accuracy, but high precision. Ordered more reference fluid, and also had received some IOND Multi-Reference -thus true reference fluid to measure on - but had no functioning sensor...
2024-10-26 Filed a ticket with GHL regarding the dead sensor.
2024-10-26 Immediate response from GHL requesting further information
2024-11-23 A very delayed response from me giving the additional information (including pictures)
---------------- New Updates ----------------
2024-12-04 No response so I wrote a reminder to GHL
2024-12-29 No response so I wrote a reminder to GHL
Gave up...
2025-01-20 Suddenly and without warning the sensor I ordered 2024-10-06 was delivered! Instead of the stated 6-8 weeks, it took 106 days (or some 15 weeks).
2025-02-11 (today) Got a mail from GHL apologizing for the late reply and asking for my shipping address to replace the erroneous sensor. Great! But a little late...

So, here are my conclusions:

IOD-wise:
1. Very high reference consumption - some 40 ml of each reference fluid per measurement
2. Questionable accuracy - significant and consistent difference to Hanna and ICP-OES (Reef Factory) (sorry, have no ICP-MS)
3. High precision with very consistent values between measurements
4. Extremely short sensor life time

GHL-wise:
1. Extremely slow resolution of my ticket despite reminders - yes, definitely also delay from me
2. Extremely slow delivery of newly ordered sensor - given even normal and anticipated sensor life time this would be a time-limiting factor

Personal-wise:
1. I've come to realize that the time I spent (even on a well functioning system) is well beyond the time I spend with my Hannas.
2. Even if everything is working like a charm, I still want to confirm with Hannas and ICP, just to make sure/confirm that everything is indeed working like a charm. So what is then the use of automated testing?

Conclusion:
1. I've given up the idea of automated testing. It costs (moneywize, timewize, energywize, everythingwize) more than it gives and more compared to Hannas and ICP (even ME) once a week.
2. My tank doesn't need it! During this time something has happened to my tank - it's matured! Everything is thriving and growing, all parameters good and stable no matter what I throw on them - so (I'm sorry to say) scrap this forever and constant testing - I haven't graduated to SPS anyhow... And the day I do graduate to SPS I understand I will have the time doing Hannas as I'm going/have to stay with my tank constantly anyhow...

Conclusion of the conclusion:
Anybody want a GHL IOD with two brand new sensors (if the replacement is shipped as promised, otherwise just one), 1000 ml IOND Multi-Reference fluid and 4000 ml each of Reference A and B? Yours for free, but two terms:
1. You pay tracked shipping (from Sweden, to where ever you live)
2. You continue the evaluation and post the results here

Thank you for an honest and thorough assessment. For the amount of these that have supposedly shipped, there are very few write-ups in the IOND.

 

[nickm]

Point taken... And obviously understood I should add.

I just purchased one brand new from another member. I would take this offer up, but I would not be able to keep up with the write up as accurately as you have. I have 2 systems, and I think 1 headache is enough. I love my GHL kit lights to controllers, but this one does not meet the QC standards of German engineering.

 

[PurePleX]

I just purchased one brand new from another member. I would take this offer up, but I would not be able to keep up with the write up as accurately as you have. I have 2 systems, and I think 1 headache is enough. I love my GHL kit lights to controllers, but this one does not meet the QC standards of German engineering.

Yes, agree completely on the general excellence of GHL/Profilux, but the IOD in my hands just doesn't cut the deal. And, to that note, I wonder why the other member sells a brand new IOD? Hmmmm... :thinking-face:

A quote from my first post (regarding the pro for GHL/Profilux):

* Have yet to experience an error or crash in the system itself. It doses always as programmed. The ATO works like a solid rock. The AWC continues flawlessly as programmed. The lightning (Mitras LX7) does it thing. The pumps, skimmer, RODI-tank-fill, heater, levelsensors, what-ever, do their on/off thing without error or tweaks.
* The customizability (is that a word?) is endless with programmable logic. When taking samples for my ReefFactory SmartTester or KH Keeper (yes, I have in parallell some Reef Factory for some independent testing) the ATO fills with saltwater instead of RODI - endless ways to customize and tweak the response. Again, without every finding a flaw or crash (except occationally my own defuncted cerebral logic...)

 

[nickm]

Yes, agree completely on the general excellence of GHL/Profilux, but the IOD in my hands just doesn't cut the deal. And, to that note, I wonder why the other member sells a brand new IOD? Hmmmm... :thinking-face:

A quote from my first post (regarding the pro for GHL/Profilux):

I'm a Techy and had to have the unicorn. In hopes that one day they get it sorted out. My fingers are crossed in hopes that it can be great also.

 

[BeanAnimal]

Even if the probes lasted 2x their stated lifespan and consumables depletion was exactly as expected, the operating cost would still be astronomical.

At the consumables rates and leave lifespan reported by a few folks, coupled with failed tests and other expected issues with any device, let alone the amortized cost of the unit itself…. I just don’t see how this is ever even becomes a “maybe its is a good idea” device.

Like the rest of you, I do like my other GHL stuff.

 

[robbyg]

I am blown away that this is even on the market anymore.
Must have been 4 years ago that I cancelled my Pre Order.

 

[areefer01]

I am blown away that this is even on the market anymore.
Must have been 4 years ago that I cancelled my Pre Order.

Use search engine of choice and the question is more or less answered.

Hope your day is well.

 

[Pod_01]

Yours for free, but two terms:
1. You pay tracked shipping (from Sweden, to where ever you live)
2. You continue the evaluation and post the results here

I am almost tempted, just to play with the unit. But realistically I have no space for it and second I am not seeing value in what it measures.

I use Kh Director and I use it to dose 3part TM Original Balling. My Calcium, Mg, K and Na are always on point. As for NO3, well that is always below 1ppm… As confirmed by ICP lab, again…

After many years agonizing over many test kits I am at a point where the most important test is Alk and Salinity… the rest falls in place …

 

[teaktoc]

Tx! Will give that a try. Still a bit of a leak with a wet tissue paper under the fitting... Don't dare to give it an other 1/8 with the wrench. I'll let it run until tomorrow and then do the silicone thing. As for the values, they seem to stabilize. Still generally low except nitrate - I'll do an other Hanna tomorrow to reconfirm the golden standard. But, honestly, it's not the actual numbers with decimals that matter - it's the trend.

The reference fluids are disappearing fast...

This is an extremely valuable thread of reporting. With today's announcement of the ION Director being available again, I am looking closely as this was on my wish list a year ago.

 

[Rob3D2018]

This is an extremely valuable thread of reporting. With today's announcement of the ION Director being available again, I am looking closely as this was on my wish list a year ago.

go for it! you will not be sorry. I kept tabs with Vinny and he hooked me up.

 

[Hair Algae Wizard]

I'm on the fence. I have both the Trident and Trident NP, but the ION Director has intrigued me for some time.

 

[robbyg]

Use search engine of choice and the question is more or less answered.

Hope your day is well.

I am not sure what that means since all the well known retailers keep showing it as being "Out of Stock".

 

[areefer01]

I am not sure what that means since all the well known retailers keep showing it as being "Out of Stock".

My reply to yours was more or less in agreement. I just suggested using whatever search engine to look for hobbyist reviews. There isn't anything current. Good, bad, or neutral that is concerning. Then again I'm not in the GHL ecosystem so it is of little importance to me.

Having said that they had a post a few days back noting that it was in stock with a 10% discount. /shrug

 

[PurePleX]

OK! Obviously an update long time overdue!

First, and as I said in my first post from 2024-09-20 (and I quote): "But, realize that my reason to get automatic testing is that my calendar is very aggressive, and so I can't make any promise how or at what rate this build thread will progress!". Well, I kept that promise (that is, I kept the no promise...)!

Here is a recap (dates in ISO 8601 standard so only North Korea, Palau, Tuvalu, South Sudan and some other small island nations should not understand; I do my best and my part to unify the planet...!) - please see original posts above for details:

2024-09-10 Delivery of my GHL ION Director
2024-09-20 Installation (and first post) - basically no problem and easy, BUT requiring multiple tightening of the sensor attachment the following days to avoid leaks
2024-09-21 Immediately obvious that the unit is drinking reference fluid like an elephant on the savanna
2024-09-22 First hard facts (compared to Hanna):
* Low accuracy, but very high precision.
* Reference fluid consumption extremely high (in average per measurement as of the first 10 measurements 42.0 ml Ref A and 40.2 ml Ref B)
* Graphs in app highly misleading
2024-09-23 Recalibration and new confirming Hanna tests: same result
2024-09-25 I offset the values according to Hanna - then good values (consistent with a state of low accuracy, high precision). BUT rapidly degrading sensor (after 4 days and 10 measurements down to 72%). This despite troubleshooting according to manual
2024-09-26 Sensor suddenly went good (96%)
2024-09-28 Sensor again dropping (83%) (and reference fluid consumption remaining ridiculously high)
2024-10-06 Ordered a new sensor from GHL (estimated delivery "approx. 6-8 weeks"). Figured that even if the current sensor was replaced, I would soon need a new - judging from other users input...
2024-10-09 The sensor died completely (0%) - thus some three weeks and with whooping reference consumption, low accuracy, but high precision. Ordered more reference fluid, and also had received some IOND Multi-Reference -thus true reference fluid to measure on - but had no functioning sensor...
2024-10-26 Filed a ticket with GHL regarding the dead sensor.
2024-10-26 Immediate response from GHL requesting further information
2024-11-23 A very delayed response from me giving the additional information (including pictures)
---------------- New Updates ----------------
2024-12-04 No response so I wrote a reminder to GHL
2024-12-29 No response so I wrote a reminder to GHL
Gave up...
2025-01-20 Suddenly and without warning the sensor I ordered 2024-10-06 was delivered! Instead of the stated 6-8 weeks, it took 106 days (or some 15 weeks).
2025-02-11 (today) Got a mail from GHL apologizing for the late reply and asking for my shipping address to replace the erroneous sensor. Great! But a little late...

So, here are my conclusions:

IOD-wise:
1. Very high reference consumption - some 40 ml of each reference fluid per measurement
2. Questionable accuracy - significant and consistent difference to Hanna and ICP-OES (Reef Factory) (sorry, have no ICP-MS)
3. High precision with very consistent values between measurements
4. Extremely short sensor life time

GHL-wise:
1. Extremely slow resolution of my ticket despite reminders - yes, definitely also delay from me
2. Extremely slow delivery of newly ordered sensor - given even normal and anticipated sensor life time this would be a time-limiting factor

Personal-wise:
1. I've come to realize that the time I spent (even on a well functioning system) is well beyond the time I spend with my Hannas.
2. Even if everything is working like a charm, I still want to confirm with Hannas and ICP, just to make sure/confirm that everything is indeed working like a charm. So what is then the use of automated testing?

Conclusion:
1. I've given up the idea of automated testing. It costs (moneywize, timewize, energywize, everythingwize) more than it gives and more compared to Hannas and ICP (even ME) once a week.
2. My tank doesn't need it! During this time something has happened to my tank - it's matured! Everything is thriving and growing, all parameters good and stable no matter what I throw on them - so (I'm sorry to say) scrap this forever and constant testing - I haven't graduated to SPS anyhow... And the day I do graduate to SPS I understand I will have the time doing Hannas as I'm going/have to stay with my tank constantly anyhow...

Conclusion of the conclusion:
Anybody want a GHL IOD with two brand new sensors (if the replacement is shipped as promised, otherwise just one), 1000 ml IOND Multi-Reference fluid and 4000 ml each of Reference A and B? Yours for free, but two terms:
1. You pay tracked shipping (from Sweden, to where ever you live)
2. You continue the evaluation and post the results here

Update: I got my new sensor March 20. My conclusion of the conclusion is still valid...