Profilux vs Apex

[StirCrazy]

I was just looking at the APEX.. for the price thats what I would buy. I like the proflux but think the prices of there products are a rip off.

Apex has internet/email warnings and embedded webpage controle out of the box. but doesn't have pump controls for dosing (the only thing I would want that it doesn't have) but there are stand alone units for stuff like that.

Steve

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

I was just looking at the APEX.. for the price thats what I would buy. I like the proflux but think the prices of there products are a rip off.

Apex has internet/email warnings and embedded webpage controle out of the box. but doesn't have pump controls for dosing (the only thing I would want that it doesn't have) but there are stand alone units for stuff like that.

Steve

Ya, I think that's my line of thinking also. And I don't need dosing, so all else being equal, the Profilux is sexier, but not something that would make me pay almost double.

[Jason McK]

Not a lot of Profilux supporters. Yes I have to admit that they are expensive (I got mine used)
I'll admit I know nothing about other controllers, but to point out some of the high lights of the Profilux unit
1) simple to use PC interface
2) Online Support Profilux Support Forum that is top notch
3) Unending expandability
4) 3rd party manufactures of lights, pumps, anything really have been integrated to be driven by Profilux

J

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Jason McK

Not a lot of Profilux supporters.

I'm not sure that's accurate. I support that it's a great product, and support has a good reputation. I would buy one today, BUT....for the basics to manage what I need comes in around $1400 after taxes. The Apex unit, which has a good reputation and good support as well, comes in at under $800 for the same functionality I require.
So far the only function the Apex apparently can't do(within my reqs) is create lightning effects...not something I desire on my setup.
Now if the Profilux was even close in price, I would buy it for sure, based on reputation, functionality and curb appeal. But for a difference of 600 bucks, I have to look at the Apex to fill my needs.

[Jason McK]

I just meant not a lot of the supports had posted in this thread. Then I noticed Tom and rjengen posts

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Jason McK

I just meant not a lot of the supports had posted in this thread. Then I noticed Tom and rjengen posts

Oh, ya. I guess it's a money thing. I have never heard a bad comment about Profilux, other than most of us can't afford one

and within the realm of what most people need, there are comparable units at a lot less money. For my needs, I would need to buy the beginner III pack and a second powerbar, which putsit out of my price range. The Apex, with identical features is $691 cheaper. That's a lot of other stuff I can buy.

[rjengen]

It's like bikes...some people are happy riding around on their honda's, while there are some of us that love to ride around on our harley's...they both get you to where you're going...only one costs a little more, and sounds better

[mr.wilson]

The Vertex Cerebra is just a CAD drawing, so I wouldn't hold my breath on that one. You will see a touch screen from the other players before that one ever makes it to market. A proprietary touch screen isn't the smart way to go, when you can buy an Ipad for $550, or an HP Slate in Stir Crazy's case

If your short term and longterm needs are limited (PH, temp, ORP, ATO, lighting), then buy a Reefkeeper. If you have a larger system with a calcium reactor, prop pumps, or any other 0-10V devices then go with Apex, and if you don't mind paying double the cost and can't do it with Apex, then Profilux is the smart choice.

All of these manufacturers have very confusing or at least vague, product lists and descriptions. Be prepared for surprise extra costs for modules, expansion boxes, power bars, level sensors, calibration solutions, software, and solenoids.

If you like tech gear, then any of these are well worth the investment. If you are not technically inclined, then buy dedicated control devices. Sometimes it is convenient to carry all of your eggs in one basket, while other times... how does the saying go again?

[kien]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Oh, ya. I guess it's a money thing. I have never heard a bad comment about Profilux, other than most of us can't afford one

I have a Profilux on my system and if it broke today I would not buy another one. Once everything is set up and I don't have to touch it, it isn't so bad. However, if I ever need to do anything with the controller, that is use the interface, I cringe. It is the worst piece of software I have ever used. Crashes at least once a session. Sometimes doesn't even connect with the controller. Very frustrating. To keep the controller up to date it is recommended that you update the firmware frequently. This exercise is like hammering nails into your foot. Painful. The iPhone app for the Profilux? Not even officially supported by GHL. It is a third party app that someone wrote that hooks into a third party website (which is also not officially supported by GHL). You have to give that website complete control of your Profilux (ie, login ID, and Password) so that the iPhone app can proxy through it. The iPhone app does not directly communicate with the Profilux head unit which is pretty lame if you ask me.

The Profilux is a very powerful controller, but comes with its own sets of issues. I would personally not buy another one.

[amoreira]

>So far the only function the Apex apparently can't do(within my reqs) is create lightning effects...not something I desire on my setup.

I've got an LED AquaIllumination system on order (Xmas present, drool, drool) and Apex has a module that will interface to the AI system. It does support weather events, clouds and lightning. Anyways, I don't think that's so important, as the moon cycles and sunrise/sunset simulations.