ION Director - measuring Ca + Mg

[ReefyB]

Yup... from quality it's the same quality as khg. Price is bit higher..it was really hard for me not to buy it. I just love my kh guardian..

Thanks for this. I’ve been wanting GHL for awhile now, it definitely seems like the best, but it’s also the most expensive and I was having a hard time justifying $900 just for alkalinity, especially when it sounds like I’m going to really want an ION director too once it releases. I’ve been blessed with good income but I’m still having trouble with the all-in $2500+ price tag, though I understand it’s never going to be cheap. From the conversation so far, I’m not sure how likely it is GHL will be able to put out a complete bundle (P4, KHD, ION, 2 slave units, power bar, etc) for under $2K. I hadn’t really considered mixing tech, but saving $400 is a great start so I think I may try the khg while I wait for the ion director.

 

[Matthias Gross]

I believe comparing prices of the KHD with similar products is a bit off topic, anyway it needs some more clarification in my opinion:

The KHD Standalone costs $849, the slave version $799. KHG $599.
So you save $250 or $200 (if you connect the KHD slave set to a ProfiLux), not $400. And this does not consider:
- KHD sets (both versions) have one extra dosing pump, e.g. for controlling the KH
- much more options to control your KH using the KHD, e.g.
1. adjust up to 5 dosing pumps depending on the readings - so can also be used for Triton or Balling
2. Calcium reactor control
3. Kalkwasser control
4. manifold options, like alarms, thresholds where control shuts off, etc.

Not to mention you have all in one interface (cloud, app, software, whatever you want) when using the ProfiLux with the KHD and dosing pumps.

I don't think that you can compare the KHD and KHG at all.

Maybe it is worth to read a bit more about the KHD details:
https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/products/kh-director

 

[road_runner]

I believe comparing prices of the KHD with similar products is a bit off topic, anyway it needs some more clarification in my opinion:

The KHD Standalone costs $849, the slave version $799. KHG $599.
So you save $250 or $200 (if you connect the KHD slave set to a ProfiLux), not $400. And this does not consider:
- KHD sets (both versions) have one extra dosing pump, e.g. for controlling the KH
- much more options to control your KH using the KHD, e.g.
1. adjust up to 5 dosing pumps depending on the readings - so can also be used for Triton or Balling
2. Calcium reactor control
3. Kalkwasser control
4. manifold options, like alarms, thresholds where control shuts off, etc.

Not to mention you have all in one interface (cloud, app, software, whatever you want) when using the ProfiLux with the KHD and dosing pumps.

I don't think that you can compare the KHD and KHG at all.

Maybe it is worth to read a bit more about the KHD details:
https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/products/kh-director

Super useful Matthias. Thank you!

 

[road_runner]

I believe comparing prices of the KHD with similar products is a bit off topic, anyway it needs some more clarification in my opinion:

The KHD Standalone costs $849, the slave version $799. KHG $599.
So you save $250 or $200 (if you connect the KHD slave set to a ProfiLux), not $400. And this does not consider:
- KHD sets (both versions) have one extra dosing pump, e.g. for controlling the KH
- much more options to control your KH using the KHD, e.g.
1. adjust up to 5 dosing pumps depending on the readings - so can also be used for Triton or Balling
2. Calcium reactor control
3. Kalkwasser control
4. manifold options, like alarms, thresholds where control shuts off, etc.

Not to mention you have all in one interface (cloud, app, software, whatever you want) when using the ProfiLux with the KHD and dosing pumps.

I don't think that you can compare the KHD and KHG at all.

Maybe it is worth to read a bit more about the KHD details:
https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/products/kh-director

Sorry one question, I did not know khd can controll CArx. Can you confirm that please..
Would we need special module to do so? This is actually big deal for me...

 

[Matthias Gross]

Double post

 

[Matthias Gross]

For the Ca reactor control you would need a P4 (KHD in Slave mode) because you need at controllable outlet, the advanced control version also requires a ph probe.

The advanced version
The KHD can change the set point of a chosen pH based on the difference of measured and desired KH. This pH probe controls the socket where your CO2 solenoid is connected to. This way you can influence your reactor.
Of course you need a ph probe with the relating pH port for that. If no ports are free plug in a pH card, e.g. PLM-pH

The simple version
Here the KHD does not influence a pH control loop like above, it simple switches a socket on and off depending on KH.
I believe this simple control can also be found in the KHG.

All control options are explained in detail in the KHD manual, see download area of our web page https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/downloads/

 

[Matthias Gross]

And maybe the most import reason of all not to mix different systems:

It looks much better when everything has the same design!

Here are a few customer photos from our FB group https://www.facebook.com/groups/GHLOwners/

 

[Billldg]

@Matthias Gross , will I need a total of 5 or 6 pumps, depending on what the ION uses, to run a KH director and a ION director?

 

[siggy]

Gents aqua buss use a std e-net cable? installing tank today and need to run cable for AWC plus ??? in basement

 

[Tristren]

Gents aqua buss use a std e-net cable? installing tank today and need to run cable for AWC plus ??? in basement

Yes. Just remember not to plug it into a router! PAB devices only.

And you can daisy chain devices but the last one needs to be the end of the line (meaning don't form a loop by connecting the last one back to the first).

 

[Tristren]

No reagent but calibration fluid.
If I understand correctly it requires a calibration before each test, that's why they must design a device and not just put probes alone. So there will be consumption of calibration fluid at each measurement.

Ah, that makes sense, thanks.

 

[ReefyB]

I believe comparing prices of the KHD with similar products is a bit off topic, anyway it needs some more clarification in my opinion:

The KHD Standalone costs $849, the slave version $799. KHG $599.
So you save $250 or $200 (if you connect the KHD slave set to a ProfiLux), not $400. And this does not consider:
- KHD sets (both versions) have one extra dosing pump, e.g. for controlling the KH
- much more options to control your KH using the KHD, e.g.
1. adjust up to 5 dosing pumps depending on the readings - so can also be used for Triton or Balling
2. Calcium reactor control
3. Kalkwasser control
4. manifold options, like alarms, thresholds where control shuts off, etc.

Not to mention you have all in one interface (cloud, app, software, whatever you want) when using the ProfiLux with the KHD and dosing pumps.

I don't think that you can compare the KHD and KHG at all.

Maybe it is worth to read a bit more about the KHD details:
https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/products/kh-director

Actually Coralvue has the KHG for $499.

And while I may not fully agree with (or understand) all of your points, I do definitely see the KHD as being the better product, while the KHG is still a sufficient product. The KHG already monitors and controls alkalinity, so your point about the additional dosing head on the KHD seems moot, as of course we were already assuming the KHD wasn’t being used to just monitor. For the CaRx control you said you would also need a P4, just as the KHG claims to work with reactors when connected to a 3rd party controller, so again seems like a moot point to me. I definitely prefer the aesthetics of GHL and the software/wifi included with the KHD, but, all I really NEED is something to reliably monitor and control my alkalinity. If I want to be able to justify buying your ION director for the additional parameter (Ca/N/P) control later, saving almost $400 bucks today on just the Kh doesn’t sound like a bad idea.

It’s just an expensive hobby and we all gotta do what works for us, nothing against the amazing products you guys make! I really do like your products a lot. BRS has been having their all month preferred reefer giveaway and literally the ONLY thing that has been in my cart the entire time is the KHD + stand-alone doser... I just hoped they could chip in some so I could have an excuse to justify paying whatever the difference was.

 

[siggy]

Actually Coralvue has the KHG for $499.

referb? this morn its 599
edit: Ok I see it now, interface module is 100 KHG is 499

 

[porter_painter]

And maybe the most import reason of all not to mix different systems:

It looks much better when everything has the same design!

Here are a few customer photos from our FB group https://www.facebook.com/groups/GHLOwners/

While I do like a bit of GHL ****, I don’t think those set ups are practical.

I’ve had too many experiences of the 2.1 doser popping off it’s tubes to ever wish to place the doser anywhere but immediately above the sump to prevent leakages from such events.

Of course the maxi doser has nice fitting to prevent such issues. It would be great if GHL could offer some improved nozzle fixings for the 2.1 doser, something like the vertex libra dosers had/have...just a suggestion as an optional extra perhaps :)

 

[porter_painter]

For clarity, the **** word was the alternative spelling of pawn ;)

 

[pigmo]

late to this, but me and @jzw vote ca, mg, no3 and po4...

po4 separately at a later date is ok too... maybe in a separate box like the khd?

strontium and iodine would be gratuitous, but we'd buy that too.

michelle ;Cat

 

[smartwater101]

Is there any reason this couldn't do Alk as well? I'd love to be able to choose what to test. (Ideally I'd choose alk/nitrate/phosphate. Those are my "big 3")

The intakes on the units seem very similar. I could see it being frustrating for people who have already invested in the KHd... but that said: technically the ION shoiuld be capable of testing Kh as well right? Or am I misunderstanding how the ION does its tests?

EDIT: Reading through the other comments I'm starting to understand. Ignore me :)

 

[kodo28]

I added a few things that raised the price a little that I wanted, hate the fact that the power bar only has 6 outlets, had to get 2, but that may be enough, in order to monitor and adjust alk you have to have the KH director and 3 pumps, depending on whether or not the ION director needs an additional 3 pumps may be the deal breaker, the fact that I only dose alk and cal may sway me to still keep an interest in switching, we will see.

You know now how Europeen feels when they do get only 6 outlets from Neptune when 8 available in the US. At least GHL sell the same for all ;Smuggrin
Not to talk about the E832 not being available at all for those non US plugs and selling their old powerbar with new 2016 controller ;Dead

KH Director does not have its own power supply and use the same 24vdc power supply from Doser 2.1 with a provided splitter-cable, so allowing to save one outlet on powerbar.
Not sure how will the Ion be powered but if we can expect to be the same as the Kh Director then only 2 outlets for both sets will be needed.

 

[Kyl]

Facebook just had an update: Ca / Mg / K seem to be the three currently working well. More to follow.

 

[vangvace]

That teaser photo of the board and not the inputs was a nice touch.