Profilux vs. RKE

[rz1a]

Hey guys, I was just wondering what you guys thought about the RKE vs. the Profilux?

I've got a 75g tank that needs the following to be controlled either by on/off or by timers, etc:

-2 Vortech MP40Ws
-1 Skimmer pump
-1 return pump
-1 refugium light
-1 peristaltic dosing pump for vodka
-2 peristaltic pumps for water changes
-1 peristaltic pump for ALK
-1 connection for: 2x54w T5HO
-1 connection for: 4x54w T5HO

I would like to measure Salinity, Temp., pH, use the ATO feature, have the option to connect to the internet in the future by upgrading, have the ability to automatically change out 1 gallon of water per day and while those pumps run, trigger the return and ATO to go into stand by until the water changing pumps are done.

Controlling more than 1 tank is a plus and it must be able to do the above as well. Distance is also important.. i'd like to know if distance of each tank limits the Profilux?

Can the Profilux do this? If so, which one?

[wesheltonj]

Just in case Todd does not answer as he is no longer a Profilux dealer, but he still has some stock to sell.

The II will do what you want with either Salinity card or eX card. It will not control the Vortechs (nobodys does, although it's Vortech ready, if Eco-tech will approve, for 2 years they have not). For network you will need a network card or wait until the III comes out later this year. IF you chnage out your ballest to DALI you will be able to dim your T5's. I looked at both of those units and went with the GHL as its light control is way beyond RKE

[rz1a]

wesheltonj, so it will be able to do everything I need it to as listed in my post? and if i needed to, i could control another tank? ive been throwing around the idea of either getting the ACIII because the language is easy and its better to program things the way i want it without having to get stuck following all the logic like the RKE, or getting something thats simple like the GHL profilux. I like the profilux quality and some of the products they've got, but it's really hard to justify the large price tag on it

[wesheltonj]

You will need at least the Starter pack and expansions cards and at least 1 additional digital power strips. Vortech does not need digital plugs, yet.

[DrMark]

You didnt mention the Lighthouse Pro XLS. It can do all of the things you want. Between 3 people in Corpus we have 4 of them. It is a fantastic unit and you should consider it.
mark

[LoneStar]

-2 Vortech MP40Ws (no direct connection, yet. Rumors are they will in the future, so 2 outlets used on the digital power bar)
-1 Skimmer pump (1 outlet in the digital power bar)
-1 return pump (1 outlet in the digital power bar)
-1 refugium light (1 outlet in the digital power bar)
-1 peristaltic dosing pump for vodka (They make up to a 4 pump dosing station that does not take away from your outlets on the power bar)
-2 peristaltic pumps for water changes (see above)
-1 peristaltic pump for ALK (see above)
-1 connection for: 2x54w T5HO (I think they have their own t5 fixture now that is dimmable and will also run independant of the the digital power bar. You can also get a t5 ballast with 1-10v dimmable capablity and accomplish the same thing)
-1 connection for: 4x54w T5HO (see above)

So you can get away with 1 digital power bar (6 outlets), get the 4 pump GHL dosing station (either stand alone or that the controller can command), and get the associated expansion cards for the t5 lights (which would work great for the morning/evening dimming of the lights, cloud feature, and thunderstorm feature.) Thats a quick answer, but I'll have to go back and research more on whats currently on the market for the Profilux.

[wesheltonj]

My answer was based that you already own the peristaltic pumps, if not then the GHL 4 pump unit would do it. If you are buying the controller, I would save your money and not get the stand alone unit.

That Vortech rumor is just that, no details if it would be wired or wireless