The parallel behavior of aquariums and gardens are surprisingly similar. From regular maintenance to treating and preventing diseases, aquarists and horticulturists are more alike than many assume. In my experience, the greatest kinship shared by these hobbyists is growth.
What began as a quaint garden soon transforms into a sprawling Eden. Even though aquarium growth is limited by tank size, it’s only a matter of time before that small tank isn’t enough. Before you know it, you’re gazing at a tank with hundreds of gallons and a blossoming ecosystem.
Author:
As a lifelong aquarist, Yuliya has an endless curiosity about our underwater universe. After graduating with a bachelor’s in Environmental Engineering, she transformed her passion into a successful career. While working at the Institute of Environmental Protection in Moscow, her passion for saltwater and reef aquariums only increased. Moving to the United States in 2013, Yuliya embarked on another impactful journey by sharing her unprecedented experience for all aquarium hobbyists ... Read More.
Much like the wild, if your hobby harnesses the power of nature, your space will adapt with age. Adaptability, in my opinion, is a hallmark quality of successful reefers. The constant shifting of water parameters and ecosystem needs within an aquarium only intensify as it, and you, matures.
As it happens, our REEFER 250 tank was due for a tech upgrade. The actual tank is amazing, as always, but we felt it was time to see other brands in action. Until now, we’ve relied on ATI Essentials dosing. If you’re unfamiliar with this brand or product, it’s absolutely worth check out (read: ATI Essentials - Everything You Need to Know).
Since the aquarium marketplace changes faster than a vending machine, we decided to explore one of the coolest and oldest pieces of aquatic tech: calcium reactors, specifically, the Vertex Calcium Reactor. This switch has nothing to do with ATI Essentials performance or quality. They continue to be a potent dosing option. Simply put, with so many incredible options, we couldn’t resist the chance to experience the latest options. Stay tuned for future content about calcium reactors, brands and hacks.
GHL ProfiLux 4 Mega-Set Controller - Made by a Trusted Brand, Designed for Next-Gen Aquarists.
There’s several brands I follow with fangirl obsession. Each offers something unique beyond a cool name or fancy, but useless, features. If you’ve read some of our previous articles, then you already know GHL is one of these select brands.
As a proud advocate for the GHL Doser 2.1 (read my review here), I was elated to dive into what’s become a mainstay in our current and future tanks. This brand is among a handful that clearly demonstrate an above-average understanding and dedication to the art of reefing. Recently, I described GHL as being a brilliant combination of digital tech and biological science.
Far too many brands focus on the latest gadget and technology. While cool, fish and coral don’t really care if a vital piece of equipment is bluetooth enabled or has a chrome finish. They care about water health, and ultimately, that’s the only feature worth spending money on. Wireless connectivity isn’t as cool for a graveyard aquarium.
It’s without shock that the GHL ProfiLux 4 Mega-Set Controller met (dare I say, exceeded) their reputation for quality, convenience and customization. Let’s take a deeper look into what I feel is one of the few great aquarium controllers on the marketplace.
Brilliantly Bold: Our ProfiLux 4 Setup/Version.
The success of GHL directly relates to their product options and versatility. As I said earlier, adaptability is the cornerstone of success. This doesn’t just mean you should be easily adaptable, but also your equipment. When reviewing the marketplace, keep an eye on whether a product offers flexible functionality. Not as common as you’d think, unfortunately.
What is fortunate, in my opinion, is the effortless versatility built into the ProfiLux 4 Mega-Set. Upgrading our REEFER 250 was relatively painless. The controller comes with almost everything needed to get started right away, including all the probes you need to monitor your pH, Temperature, ORP and Salinity levels. My advice here is to know how many power outlets your setup needs. The ProfiLux 4 has five controlled outlets, but because we have a more complex setup we’ve purchased an additional PowerBar 5.1.
But 5 outlets is enough for most of the systems, for example:
- Heater, for additional safety reasons and stability.
- Skimmer, for maintenance purposes.
- Lighting fixture, if doesn’t have internal controller or a cooling fan.
- Return Pump or reactor pump.
- Reactor light cycle, like Pax-Bellum or your refugium light.
ProfiLux Touch is a popular control pad for tech-minded reefers. Even though our system doesn’t use this external graphic display, it’s compatible with the ProfiLux 4 Mega-Set Controller. While it’s a fancy device, I turn green with envy over the GHL PropellerBreeze fans.
I know, a fan isn’t something most find exhilarating, but I’ve been dreaming about this fan for more than a few nights. In short, there’s three to six different models, which produce airflow rates that are out of this world. They’re quiet, durable and (pardon me) dang sexy.
Alas, the time hasn’t come for my dream to be realized.
In the meantime, a standard (i.e., basic) fan currently cools our tank - the Vornado 133 Compact Air Circulator Fan. Don’t get me wrong, it works great. Connected easily with the ProfiLux 4 and uses temperature readouts to find the perfect setting. It’s just not as attractive, which is why it’s remained a delightful fantasy.
Lastly, our system has a device we’ve never used. The KH Director our first alkalinity measurement and control system. I won’t get too detailed, but this is one helpful tank addition. Be sure to keep a lookout to learn more about this exciting product.
Until then, you don’t want to miss the latest addition to the Reef Hacks team, Shaun Lombard. In his Journal, you’ll learn unique tips and lifesaving hacks derived from his wealth of knowledge. Plus, you get to see a host of GHL products in action (including the KH Director).
Now that we’ve covered the basics of this new setup, how did the ProfiLux 4 Mega-Set Controller perform? Let’s see…
Adaptable for Tomorrow’s Aquarist: Favorite Features.
Let’s just say, this thing rocks! From day one, it’s accomplished what I wanted, and then some. Installation and integration with our established aquarium was a breeze. While there’s many reasons why it was so easy, it boils down to advanced construction and development.
Perhaps the most notable quality of the ProfiLux 4 Controller is its expandability. More specifically, how it offers room for growth without taking up more physical room. Its compact design isn’t too large for most spaces, which is impressive considering how much this device supports.
Here’s a brief rundown of my favorite features:
No Coding Experience Needed.
Fun fact: a lot of controllers require a coding language for setting selections. Thankfully, GHL took pity upon us and developed their own operating system. Instead of operating on a code-based command system, every function and setting is set with a much-friendlier (and easier) manner. With the GHL Control Center, which is available as the GHL Connect app, myGHL and as PC software, refined setting manipulation is only a click or tap away.
Future-Proof Connectivity.
Digital life transforms faster than ever before, which is why advanced connectivity options are paramount nowadays. You don’t want to replace a device simply because it’s connection ports/systems become outdated. The ProfiLux 4 solves that problem, at least for a while, thank to its hardwired and wireless points of connectivity.
Compelling Operational Options.
When you consider the number of options the ProfiLux 4 Mega-Set offers, it’s almost unbelievable. Because GHL crafted a unique digital environment, and outfitted it with precision functionality, this one device can oversee a myriad of tasks without a wince.
Specifically, I’m impressed with its lighting control options. Support for 32 independent channels is pretty great, but what makes this device shine is its flexibility. Preprogramed modes, such as sunrise, sunset and true calendar moon phases, elevate your reefing game to the next level. Of course, this quality isn’t limited to lighting control.
With a total of 64 switchable dosing pump sockets, the ProfiLux 4 delivers a kind of control rarely seen in consumer equipment. In addition, there’s 32 timer/program options for precise dosing when set in combo with the GHL Doser 2.1 it’s just magic!
Simplifying the Complex: My Favorite “Buddy” Features.
If you think about the number of probes, sensors, doses and filtering equipment used in modern reef tanks, it can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s always important to have a buddy. Someone who can help keep you on track and, most importantly, simplify the multitude of tasks the everyday reefer faces.
Finding an actual person for this role is almost impossible, but don’t worry, there’s an app for that. The GHL ProfiLux 4 simplifies communication between you and it via its software and online cloud app. From this handy control panel, you can adjust settings and set timers, but that’s not my favorite buddy feature.
That award goes to its real-time monitoring and alert features. Never worry about forgetting to check water readouts again, because this controller will literally send a text or email about it. This heightened awareness of current water parameters is paramount for a healthy tank.
Connecting to these features is just as flexible as the controller itself. Not only can you connect to the online control panel via wireless or hardwired cable, but specific features also offer multiple connectivity options. The Power-Failure-Monitor and GHL Control Pad, for example, both offer several connection paths. Yet again, this demonstrates the versatility found in this brilliant device.
Complete Control Without Complication - Final Thoughts.
Essentially, the GHL ProfiLux 4 Mega-Set Controller is an upgrade to your aquarium’s brain. This powerful device takes what many reefers consider the hardest part of this hobby, and breaks it down into digestible bits. While it automates many features, what I truly appreciate isn’t the level of automation it provides, but how it removes the complexity of tank care.
Through its user-friendly online/software control panel, programmable notification alerts and visual display of tank metrics, you’ll finally come one step closer to understanding the unique world of reefs. Or, at the very least, how to provide greater care for these majestic ecosystems.
Overall, I’m beyond pleased with this device. If you’re looking for something capable of changing the way you interact and learn from your aquarium, definitely give the GHL ProfiLux 4 Controller a once-over. On behalf of the entire Reef Hacks team, happy reefing!
by Yuliya Ivanova for ReefHacks.