GHL ProfiLux4 owners

[BZOFIQ]

I have an 18" tablet that I'd like to use as display for Profilux, can it be used if on the same network as the Profilux 4?

 

[Gareth elliott]

I have an 18" tablet that I'd like to use as display for Profilux, can it be used if on the same network as the Profilux 4?

You can download the GHL connect app and do just about everything from here. What you can not do from the tablet will be(i might miss somethings i am not an expert lol)
1.) firmware update need a windows pc for this
2.) calibrate sensors, this is done from the actual keys on the p4.

There might be more i have only had it for a week [emoji23]

But control an outlet, setup timers, change lighting, view sensor data, view alarms. Its on that tablet.

Example of outlet control from the connect app. Bad example as its barely more than a ph monitor and temperature controller till i make some adjustments.

 

[BZOFIQ]

What about some dashboard equivalent showing current sensor readings and outlet statuses?

 

[Gareth elliott]

I am sure someone’s like @Ditto is more setup than mine. But for sensor charts just tap the sensor and then the chart button.

 

[BZOFIQ]

@Ditto - Do you have a sample of yours?

 

[ReefAtlas]

Thanks for peeking in. Please let me know your opinion on your ProfiLux4 including probes, bower bars, app and such.

I have had mine for about 18 months. So far reliability has been perfect. The PC software has improved significantly since late 2017 but even then it was usable. The only reason I gave it a 9 is the cost does seem a little high for addons, cables, probes, etc. The web interface is very good in my opinion and it is great to be able to check in / control from anywhere. The email alerts are nice.

 

[Ditto]

Does this help :)

 

[Gareth elliott]

Does this help :)

Can you pretty much control any 0-10 pump via breakout box and cutting the control wire? Of course you want to make sure it is 0-10 before doing this [emoji23]

 

[Ditto]

Can you pretty much control any 0-10 pump via breakout box and cutting the control wire? Of course you want to make sure it is 0-10 before doing this [emoji23]

100% for sure, and not just pumps lights also, or anything you can control normally on a 1-10V controlled connection.

Currently I am controlling on the 1-10V connections
Tunze Pumps
Royal Exclusive Pump
Kessil Lights
GHL Breeze

Here a a video of the breakout box in action being used for a Kessil light.


What I am testing now:
T5 Dimming ballast

 

[Ditto]

And forgot to post screen shots using the web interface also :)

I am documenting the effect of Oxygen and ORP and AWC changes and once a week changes.

Dosers

Doser Details (This one is set to dose 24 times a day, starting at 12:30am)

LogBooks

Advance Program Logic

 

[AZMSGT]

I’m considering the GHL and have been trying to figure out what items are needed.

The Profilux 4 mega set is what I was thinking would be a good start.
https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/usa/product/profilux-4-mega-set-6e-black-usa-cnd/

A 4 pump doser is the next thing I would consider.
https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/usa/product/ghl-doser-2-1-sa-4-pumps-black-usacnd/

Also looking at the pump breakout box, I will be using Ecotech pumps in my build.
https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/usa/product/vortech-controller/

What else should I get? My tank is new and so I am to reefing.
Thanks

 

[Ditto]

The Vortech Controller is for EchotecH Power Heads, MP10, mP40 and Mp60, just wanted to make sure you mean to say those :)

How big is your tank?
Will 6 Outlets be enough?
What are you doing for AWC, or ATO?
Are you running a Sump?
What equipment do you have so far.

 

[AZMSGT]

The Vortech Controller is for EchotecH Power Heads, MP10, mP40 and Mp60, just wanted to make sure you mean to say those :)

How big is your tank?
Will 6 Outlets be enough?
What are you doing for AWC, or ATO?
Are you running a Sump?
What equipment do you have so far.

Yes, I’m looking at MP40s to control. Tank is a Red Sea 625, it has a Sump. ATO is undecided other than the stock system at the moment but leaning toward something else. Will probably need a second set of outlets.
Equipment is EcoTech Radion 30 Pro G4 3ea, MP-40s 2ea, M2 Return Pump, skimmer.. all I have at the moment. Starting assembly this coming weekend.

 

[cmcoker]

Can you pretty much control any 0-10 pump via breakout box and cutting the control wire? Of course you want to make sure it is 0-10 before doing this [emoji23]

I control 0-5v powerheads, a pair of Jebao rw8, the volts can be changed in GCC. The newer Jebao, they moved the electronics out of the motor into the controller so you cant hack the Jebao controller like I did on the rw8s.
I'm using a profilux 3.1 Ex, but assume this is still an option on the 4

 

[Ditto]

@AZMSGT - Great tank selection!!

Some idea’s, but what you selected is a great start, below is just just some other things you can do :)

You may want a float switch added to the sump to turn off the skimmer when the return pump is off.

You could add a flow monitor if you want to know the return flow of your return pump I like to put these when first building and. Or you can afterwards :)

Leak detector, well because you never know when it could happen.

You will get 6 outlets to start, that can easily Control your skimmer (on/off for example during feeding) your Heater or heaters, your return pump so that you can for example power it down through a button for maintenance.

That leaves 3 open outlets, or 2 if you plan to run multiple heaters. You could place a power strip off one outlet and leave it as always on for things like your MP40 if you want to monitor power utilization of if you wish add another powerbar.

 

[Ditto]

@cmcoker - 100% can control the max power out on the port and set the max voltage to 5.

I do this on one of my older Tunze where the max is 8.2 and not 10.

 

[Gareth elliott]

100% for sure, and not just pumps lights also, or anything you can control normally on a 1-10V controlled connection.

Currently I am controlling on the 1-10V connections
Tunze Pumps
Royal Exclusive Pump
Kessil Lights
GHL Breeze

Here a a video of the breakout box in action being used for a Kessil light.


What I am testing now:
T5 Dimming ballast

Thank you,
Will look into this more later my pumps work atm , need to get other stuff like the CaRX up and running first since still sitting dry lol.

And upgrading the lights on my planted.

 

[AZMSGT]

@AZMSGT
You may want a float switch added to the sump to turn off the skimmer when the return pump is off.

Never thought of something like this, great idea!

@AZMSGT
You could add a flow monitor if you want to know the return flow of your return pump I like to put these when first building and. Or afterwards :)
Leak detector, well because you never know when may happen.

I thought about these but I read about flow monitors that kill flow more than they help.. so I am kinda on the edge on these. Leak detection is a must and just didn't list it in the items above, good call none the less.

@AZMSGT
You will get 6 outlets to start, that can easily Control your skimmer (on/off for example during feeding) your Heater or heaters, your return pump so that you can for example power it down through a button for maintenance.
That leaves 3 open outlets, or 2 if you plan to run multiple heaters. You could place a power strip off one outlet and leave it as always on for things like your MP40 if you want to monitor power utilization of if you wish add another powerbar.

Great thoughts here, I will be running two heaters, one main and one redundant.
Thanks very much for taking the time to answer my questions.

 

[turfster26]

One thing that disappoints me is that you can hookup a old tablet directly to Apex as a console but GHL you have to purchase one @ 300?

I don't know what you're referring too? I have an old iPad I use as a monitor and simply via content via their app and wifi. No issues whatsoever. It sits directly adjacent to my P4

FWIW

 

[Leadfooted]

Anyone using GHL to monitor their Vortec Pumps? I'd like to see how GHL shows Vortec Data and if it can control the pumps as well. Also can GHL display or connect to Ecotech Back up battery? I'd like to monitory the battery power making sure it's ready to go at all times.