The truth about GHL SA dosers!

[deeznutz]

Hello and welcome to my review of the GHL SA doser. I've been in the hobby for close to 10 years now and I've had my share of ups and downs.

My GHL doser is approx 4 years old and it was one of the coolest pieces of equipment I've purchased next to my RE Vertex Alpha 250 cone.

History.

Even since I purchased my unit it had a finicky plug. I'd play around with it and it would work. It would continue to work as long as I didn't move the unit(programming etc)

After about 6-12 months worth of use, well it just sits there and does it thing. I started to notice pixels missings. I wasn't too concerned at the time, as I could still use the unit and was able to navigate through the screens.

I ended up moving and I had to shut down my system. So I cleaned and stored all of my equipment for future use.

Present

During my move I sold my tank and I set up a small frag tank in my new place. After a few months of learning the tank and parameters. I decided to pull my doser out and put her back in service as i knew my dosages from months of hand dosing.

To my surprise I found out that my screen is barely even legible. :cry: So the hunt was on for a new screen. After some research I've found out that there were a lot of people having problems with the screens crapping out.
Google it here (https://www.google.ca/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=GHL+doser+screen&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&gfe_rd=cr&ei=__DWU4LeOMaD8QedrYHIBQ&gws_rd=ssl)

So I started a thread in this GHL section here. After reading the replays, I was confident that I would be taken care of. This was not the case. Apparently GHL had a "bad batch" of screens. Not surprisingly mine did not fall into this run of "bad batch" and that I would have to pay for a new screen. Really???

Apparently GHL doser only last for 4 years and then you have to replace the screen. lol
I was also told today that I must have kept it in a high humidity area and thats the cause. I guess he must have diagnosed it over email. Damn he's good!
Even it it was the fact that it was high humidity(which it is not) GHL should have designed the unit for such environments.

For example, please raise your hand if you have a sump under your tank? If you had a doser, where would you most likely put it? Under the tank right?

In my situation, I had all of my equipment in a basement fish room. Luckly I have an understanding wife :) The humidity in that room was kept between 30-40% depending on the time of year and is consistent with the rest of the house. I guess 30-40% humidity is too much for GHL high end screen. lol. This is the blame and the diagnosis I was given. I just don't understand how my laptop and Reef keeper screens are still functioning after being put in a room with humidity in the 30-40% lol.

Come to think about it, I wonder how anything with a screen has lasted past 4 year in my house altogether. Iphone, ipads, Sony bravia, microwave, thermostat, cable box, clock on stove, alarm clock :biggrin:



So you want the truth??? Here's the proof, sorry no pudding.

GHL screen after 36ish months of use and stored for 6ish months. Is this a Joke?
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh217/danielnguyen1/file-1681.jpg


Her she is, my new replacement screen $90 bones to my door.
At first glance it looked like any other piece of electronics. Oh yeah, the new processors are made in China. So much for High end german equipment. What am I paying for???

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh217/danielnguyen1/file-1380.jpg
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh217/danielnguyen1/file-327.jpg

While I was swapping the parts, I found out that the old processors were made in Japan. Nothing wrong with japanese parts. But this is sold as a german product. OMG, what am I paying for?

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh217/danielnguyen1/file-1876.jpg

Hmmm, I was expecting to see a lot of corrosions, salt creep etc from the high humidity conditions that I exposed my doser to.

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh217/danielnguyen1/file-1857.jpg

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh217/danielnguyen1/file-1810.jpg

In this pic, it is clearly indicated that I stored my doser in a steam sauna. lol
Yes these are macro pics.
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh217/danielnguyen1/file-1439.jpg

Now to the power supply problems. Mystery solved!

It's plugged in but it no worky :(
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh217/danielnguyen1/file-699.jpg

So after I diagnosed it, I found out there were two problems. One more prevelent then the other. But both in conjunction made me pull my hair now that i look back at things.

The first problem, is that the corrosions from the high humidity conditions was the plug could not reach the inside of the plug. So it had to be modify. Simple fix, but seriously???

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh217/danielnguyen1/file-904.jpg

I really only needed to shave a 1mm off but I was upset lol. Circumcision anyone lol
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh217/danielnguyen1/file-1912.jpg

Second problem and probably the most frustration thing

I had to cut back the sheathing to check the connections to the jack. Bingo!
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh217/danielnguyen1/file-2017.jpg

Oh did I forget to mention the power supply was Made in ?????

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh217/danielnguyen1/file-415.jpg

Again, what am I paying for!!!

Conclusion

So after my screen repair and power supply repair, I'm almost ready to put this unit back into use. But I'm not just going to go back to my old ways. No sir.
I'm no fool!

I opted for the anti-humidity upgrade. I recommend it for all future purchasers and current users. Don't get hit with being accused of high humidity. Install the deeznutz anti-humidity upgrade.

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh217/danielnguyen1/file-1809.jpg

The install is pretty tough though. It's tight fit. LMFAO!
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh217/danielnguyen1/file-2214.jpg

Don't forget to specify if you need one or two holes. 1 hole is standard.
2 holes is custom.

I opted for the 1 hole kit. I'll add the second hole if i need one down the road.
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh217/danielnguyen1/file-348.jpg

So here she is, sitting pretty and ready to dose again. Hopefully it'll last longer then 4 years with the anti-humidity upgrade

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh217/danielnguyen1/file-2290.jpg

Thanks for nothing GHL. Another German product riddled with foreign parts. Atleast the motors are german. I checked lol

I hope you enjoyed my much needed GHL vent review:mrgreen:

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh217/danielnguyen1/file-833.jpg

-deez

[Ryanerickson]

My screen lasted less then 2 years you did good:)

[Scythanith]

Haahaa now you're going to overheat it with the custom humidity enclosure :)

[reeferfulton]

very very well written.
maybe you should have bought a vertex libra...... wait a minute . nvm those are junk too

[WarDog]

I hope you enjoyed my much needed GHL vent review:mrgreen:

Excellent review, thanks for that!

very very well written.
maybe you should have bought a vertex libra...... wait a minute . nvm those are junk too

Hmmm, Libras no good neither? I was considering one of those. Can anyone recommend a good stand-alone-all-in-one doser then?

[mark]

Great review, makes one wonder if should just go with something cheap from Fish-Street (http://www.fish-street.com/fs_nt-01dosing_pump), that way when it fails, doesn't hurt as much.

[xenon]

We switched out our GHL/Fauna dosers for Vertex Libra steppers and the difference is night and day.

[deeznutz]

My screen lasted less then 2 years you did good:)

Lol, thanks for the re-assurance. :mrgreen:

Haahaa now you're going to overheat it with the custom humidity enclosure :)

Oh no, it's made of a special material that keeps moisture out, while still being breathable :)

very very well written.
maybe you should have bought a vertex libra...... wait a minute . nvm those are junk too

Thanks man, I was very diappointed after contacting our GHL support. Aka sponsor here! Just stand by your product and replace it. It's not about the money, its principle. Don't give me the run around and accuse me of not treating the product properly. It was very insulting.

I'm very technical and my background lends me to investigate and diagnose. I work on $100k+ german cars, so this little doser causes no problems to diagnose.:biggrin:

[deeznutz]

Excellent review, thanks for that!



Hmmm, Libras no good neither? I was considering one of those. Can anyone recommend a good stand-alone-all-in-one doser then?

Get a FUANA MARINE LMFAO!!!

Great review, makes one wonder if should just go with something cheap from Fish-Street (http://www.fish-street.com/fs_nt-01dosing_pump), that way when it fails, doesn't hurt as much.

Thanks man, it's a matrter of budget. the GHL drews dosers and Litermeters were the only ones available at the time. I'd say do your research. The GHL was a good unit. But the screen thing ****es me off. $500 + tax and you can't pony up a screen.

We switched out our GHL/Fauna dosers for Vertex Libra steppers and the difference is night and day.

Thats great to know :)

[Ryanerickson]

The GHL was a good unit. But the screen thing ****es me off. $500 + tax and you can't pony up a screen.

Exactly what I thought I used mine for 6-8 months put in in storage another 8 months or so packed up nice. When I unpacked and plugged in screen was so brutal could not make out anything it said. And some how this was my fault I was ****ed.

[deeznutz]

The GHL was a good unit. But the screen thing ****es me off. $500 + tax and you can't pony up a screen.

Exactly what I thought I used mine for 6-8 months put in in storage another 8 months or so packed up nice. When I unpacked and plugged in screen was so brutal could not make out anything it said. And some how this was my fault I was ****ed.


Hahaha, you must have stored it in a high humidity area. I guess you must have dealt with Digital Aquatics. What a _________(add your description here)

[sphelps]

Any electronic device regardless where it's made will have parts from China in it, that's just how the world works. Open up a Libra and you'll find the same. The product is still designed and assembled in Germany and ultimately despite your issues the GHL brand is a good line of high quality products.

I do agree about the service though, there's a high level of arrogance involved with claims made regarding the best support in the industry yet when you have an issue it's instantly turned against you in a defensive manner and yes it can be very insulting. It's not until you make your concerns more public on forums like this do you get any real attention or credibility. Getting parts is also a complete joke, you use to be able to order parts direct which worked fine but now you're forced to order through a dealer which really don't exist, nobody stocks parts and nobody wants to order just one part for you either. I've been attempting to order a new temp probe for over a year but it's completely hopeless, no response from the recommended dealers from GHL and even some of the local dealers in town came back to say the part is back-ordered and they can't order it.

[straightrazorguy]

Humidity? Imagine that: a product designed for the aquarium trade is working in a humid environment! What a shock!

I've had some similar dealings with Digital Aquatics; not this bad, but still a pain! I do hope more people share their experiences on forums like this one, because this is the only recourse we have, in spite of shelling out hundreds of dollars on defective or poorly designed products.

[mikepclo]

I do agree about the service though, there's a high level of arrogance involved with claims made regarding the best support in the industry yet when you have an issue it's instantly turned against you in a defensive manner and yes it can be very insulting.

Same experience here! :(

[deeznutz]

Any electronic device regardless where it's made will have parts from China in it, that's just how the world works. Open up a Libra and you'll find the same. The product is still designed and assembled in Germany and ultimately despite your issues the GHL brand is a good line of high quality products.

I do agree about the service though, there's a high level of arrogance involved with claims made regarding the best support in the industry yet when you have an issue it's instantly turned against you in a defensive manner and yes it can be very insulting. It's not until you make your concerns more public on forums like this do you get any real attention or credibility. Getting parts is also a complete joke, you use to be able to order parts direct which worked fine but now you're forced to order through a dealer which really don't exist, nobody stocks parts and nobody wants to order just one part for you either. I've been attempting to order a new temp probe for over a year but it's completely hopeless, no response from the recommended dealers from GHL and even some of the local dealers in town came back to say the part is back-ordered and they can't order it.

This is all true and for that matter all electronics are pretty much the same inside nowadays. All using foreign parts from all around the world. The power supply should have been at least german made.

It just bugs me when people, post about the GHL being so much better then the eastern counter parts. etc etc. You know the post I'm talking about. People pay the premium and for what?

Heres the ad I speak of(buy once lol) (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=101568)

If this was true, why am I paying again?

As for the product itself. It's a decent product. Not the worse I've seen, but the units and screens do not scream quality. I'll have to order another set of tubes though. I just found out that one tube has collapsed again :(
These are wear and tear issues and I can't blame the product. Just saying though.



Humidity? Imagine that: a product designed for the aquarium trade is working in a humid environment! What a shock!



I've had some similar dealings with Digital Aquatics; not this bad, but still a pain! I do hope more people share their experiences on forums like this one, because this is the only recourse we have, in spite of shelling out hundreds of dollars on defective or poorly designed products.


That's what I'm trying to say! They do make you feel like you're stupid and that's what brought this tread into existance. I'm no hater. Just give the consumer what they deserve.

[sphelps]

I would think the power supply issue relates more to international sales, a European power supply would not likely work here since the supply voltage and frequency would be different. Even if it could work here the certification would also probably be different so ultimately not really feasible. I wouldn't be surprised if GHL has nothing to do with the power supply here in NA and leaves that to the distributor to supply. At any rate I think pretty much every power supply I have is from China and some are much better than others so being that it's from China doesn't necessarily mean it's bad. They are also very easy and cheap to replace, not that you should have to but it is what it is.

[deeznutz]

Yeah you are right. Let it be known. By no means am I saying product made in China are bad. It's economy and I get it. Just had to vent and document my findings.

Quality is quality, just be cause it made in a certain area doesnt mean its not quality.

For what I paid for this unit, it should have be perfect from the begining and I should not have to replaced the screen ever. Other than smashing it and/or getting it wet.

I hope everyone found this thread entertaining, humours and informative. That's the main goal here. At the end of the day, it's just a hobby.

-deez

[sphelps]

Yeah I know what you mean but it happens, my new BMW has been in the shop all summer, haven't seen it since June and still have no idea when it will be done. Disappointing for sure considering I haven't even had it a year yet and it was the furthest thing from cheap. But that said my last one was completely flawless, pretty much bulletproof and cost nothing to maintain so I can't say they are all bad.

[Ryanerickson]

Last time I talked about this issue on this forum I found this in my user cp area not sure what it means maybe brad can tell me but I got 10 points pretty sure it was to do with me speaking my opinion.
http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab208/ryan_erickson/C9655BE6-585D-43C8-8BA7-9DF05D856B98_zpsqb029dlc.png

[Wheelman76]

Yep , apparantly you can't voice your opinion here on Canreef when it comes to Michael or aqua digital. The last time I did my post was removed.

[Aquattro]

Yep , apparantly you can't voice your opinion here on Canreef when it comes to Michael or aqua digital. The last time I did my post was removed.

Jesse, if you post in his forum, he can do whatever he wants. If you post outside, it doesn't get removed. Canreef itself is fairly forgiving when it comes to expressing opinions.

[deeznutz]

10 points is good! I really don't know what it means lol.
Its ok to speak your opinions on public forums. It's basically what forums are for ;)

[Taipan]

Oh no, it's made of a special material that keeps moisture out, while still being breathable :)


.....I have some Gore-Tex Pro Shell fabric from a beat up jacket kicking around if you want it. ;)

[deeznutz]

Do you ship? lol

[reef]

To my surprise I found out that my screen is barely even legible.
I fully agree re the screens, mine are starting to also fade.
I control my profilux via the PC so dont use the screen as i can't almost see anything.

Surly this needs to be improved,