The Marriage of Technology and Aquatic Genius – GHL Doser 2.1 Review.

As a child, I spent countless hours fantasizing about the future. Not just what I wanted to do when adulthood rose over the landscape of life, but about THE FUTURE!

My formative years were filled with imagery of a futuristic world. I’m not talking about flying cars, although that would be amazing, but the interweaving of man and machine. From robotic workers to massive computers capable of leveraging its technology with the imagination of humans, the concept of a digital life formed the fuel responsible for my engineering career.

Now, as we push deeper into the 21st Century, my fantasies of digital life are very much a reality. The compounding of technological advancements are nothing short of amazing.

There’s no industry left unchanged by the innovative touch of digital technology, including our beloved aquarist hobby. In fact, the past several years have completely changed how we can interact with, care for and enjoy reef tanks of all scopes and sizes.

While some of the digitization of aquatic equipment may seem unnecessary, there are several products capable of not only transforming the ease of essential maintenance tasks, but more importantly, the accuracy and effectiveness.

In my opinion, few demonstrate this clearer than the GHL Doser 2.1 device. When compared to other dosers, or non-tech methods of tank dosing, this compact and powerful component is like comparing your smartphone to a rotary landline. Few devices have the power to not only change the delivery method and accuracy of a task, but elevate the prolonged health and vitality of living creatures.

If you can’t tell, I’m definitely a fan of the GHL Doser 2.1, but as someone who personally fails to make decisions based on another’s excitement, let’s take a journey into the advanced features of this device. Afterwards, I’m confident you’ll join me in my bubble of delight.

From the Minds of Innovators - GHL Company Info.

Before getting into the grit of the Doser 2.1, I want to spend a few moments introducing you to its maker, GHL. As you’ll soon uncover, the greatness of this product is a direct reflection of the ingenious minds behind the scenes.

I’ve known of GHL for quite some time, and it’s no surprise. For over 20 years, this company has remained at the forefront of technological innovation of aquarium products. While headquartered in Germany, GHL has played an essential role in the reefing community. From sponsoring reefer events, to consistently delivering amazing products, GHL is beloved by many professional and amateur hobbyists.

Personally, the difference between GHL and similar businesses isn’t simply because their products are assembled by hand from in-house equipment. Of course, that’s an impressive quality, but what really strikes a chord within in my scientist mind is their involvement within research institutions and universities.

What other aquarium manufacturer available to hobbyists can boast that their products are used by such prestigious institutions as Boston University and Google Switzerland? Let me go ahead and save you time researching this question: not very many.

Along with the a range of dosing pumps, GHL offers a myriad of masterfully crafted aquarium equipment, such as controllers and brilliant LED lighting fixtures. While this review is about the Doser 2.1, I highly recommend checking out their other products. You may have a moment like I did, which is one filled with confusion as to why I haven’t turned to their solutions sooner.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of GHL, it’s time to leap into the futuristic world of precision tank dosing. Get ready, you may fly out of your seat after reading about some of its features.

Say Hello to the Brain of Dosing - GHL Doser 2.1 Review.

In the most fundamental sense, the GHL Doser 2.1 is a computer designed explicitly for tank dosing. While this is its principle function, the real advantage of this system hides in how it accomplishes this goal.

As a fully programmable dosing system, you can customize your regimen based upon the unique characteristics of the tank environment. Everything from its connectivity options to its integration into your existing tank setup is designed for optimum flexibility.

What I found enjoyable, is its ability to grow with your tank. Designed to operate as a standalone device or as a slave unit, the GHL Doser 2.1 offers maximum versatility for both small and large setups. In my opinion, a product capable of supporting current and future (i.e., unknown) needs is definitely worth your money. In total, the system can be expanded to operate within a small army of 16 dosing pumps.

It’s important to note that if you have a slave version, you’ll need to integrate either a Profilux v3, v4 Controller or a GHL Doser 2.1 SA unit for the slave unit to work. While establishing a slave doser system is marginally more complicated than a standalone setup, the GHL Doser 2.1 Owners Manual offers straightforward instructions to streamline the process.

Included in the GHL Doser 2.1 is everything you’ll need to hit the ground running.

Contents include:

• Doser 2.1 Device.
• USB Cable (10-feet).
• 8 Tubing Adapters.
• 24V Power Unit.
  

Sidenote: If you’re purchasing a slave unit, the contents of this product include everything but the USB cable.

Connecting You and the Future - Connectivity Options.

Since the GHL Doser 2.1 is basically a compact computer, in order for it to work it must be connected to the Internet or to your mobile device. As you can imagine, a product built upon dynamic versatility extends the same commitment to customization into its connection configuration options.

Connection options include:

• Direct USB-PC Connection - Using the included 10-foot USB cable, you can directly connect the device to your PC computer.
  
  
• LAN Connectivity - Hardwiring an Internet connection to the device is quick and easy. Simply plug one end of an ethernet cable into the Doser 2.1 LAN port and the other end of the cable into your wireless router.
  
  
• Wi-Fi Connectivity - What kind of “advanced product” would the GHL Doser 2.1 be without wireless connectivity options? Establishing a wireless connection with the device is surprisingly simple, primarily because it features a built-in WiFi hotspot. Turn on the built-in WiFi hotspot, download the GHL Mobile App and BOOM! You’re connected. Instead of this method, connect the Doser 2.1 to a wireless signal just like you would any other digital device.
  
  
• myGHL Cloud - This feature is one of the coolest, in my opinion. By leveraging the power of cloud-based technology, once connected to a wireless signal, you can access the various control options of the device from any web browser. This is an amazing feature, especially if you frequently travel or simply wish to remain current on its operation at work, school or while using the restroom.

Powerfully Precise Precision - Dosing Features & Technology.

Now that we’ve covered the connectivity options of the GHL Doser 2.1 dosing pump, let’s get into the meat of this advanced tech sandwich.

Unlike other dosing systems, which typically use archaic programming to activate dosing sequences, the Doser 2.1 leverages the precision of reliable technology. The 24V stepper motor, for example, offers such an extreme level of control it can dose in 0.1 ml flow rates without mistake.

Capable of delivering a maximum of 150 individual doses in a 24 hour period, it’s possible to reach and maintain water parameter metrics unlike ever before. Of course, the real star of this show is its integrated control software.

The GHL Control Center works on a variety of GHL products, such as the ProfiLux and Mitras LX products. However, its ability to manipulate and monitor dosing on the Doser 2.1 is truly mesmerizing.

Much like other online control programs, the Doser 2.1 must be connected either to an Internet network or directly into your PC. As of publishing, the GHL Control Center is compatible only with Windows operating systems. But, if you have a Mac, simply run a Windows Parallel program and you’re good to go.

Accessing the control dashboard varies based on device connectivity. If connected to an Internet network, the dashboard may be accessed via any web browser. If connected directly to your computer, the entire GHL Control Centre may be downloaded as a program. Both methods offer the same level of control options.

Perhaps the greatest advantage of this control platform is how easy it is to master. Properly dosing tanks is a challenge, especially for novice reefers. By leveraging the computing power of this advanced program, cultivating and maintaining precise parameters is literally as easy as clicking a button.

After investigating the various control options, here are a few tips to help minimize the GHL Control Center learning curve:

• Make sure you’ve created a myGHL account and record your ID number, you’ll need this to verify the device in the control center.  

• Before programming, confirm tubing adapters are secure, each pump is calibrated and tubing lines are primed with fluid. When selecting dosing container capacity, be sure to enter a “minimum fluid level.” This ensures the device alerts you of low levels before running out. 

• If you already have a solid dosing schedule, the Auto Dosing feature is excellent. Simply input your current schedule and amounts. However, if you’re still determining optimum dosage amounts and frequencies, stick with the Manual Dosing until your tank is balanced. Essentially , Manual Dosing means you specifically specify dosing days and intervals for each session.

• Keep the GHL Doser 2.1 manual handy at all times. Trust me, there’ll be a few times when you’ll need to confirm a step or process. Remember, if in doubt, check it out.

Overall, the technology powering this system is among the most capable on the market. While switching to a digital dosing methodology may be strange, especially for those who enjoy a hands-on approach to tank care, its infrastructure and level of operation transparency is truly worth experiencing.

Simplifying for Safety - GHL Doser 2.1 Final Thoughts.

When you take a moment and objectively review the GHL Doser 2.1 dosing pump, it’s clear this device isn’t just another attempt to swindle money out of hobbyists. Unlike many “high-tech” gear swirling around the home aquarium industry, the Doser 2.1 actually improves maintenance efficiency, and more importantly, tank health.

From its LED status display to its advanced construction of chemical-resistant tubing, robust casing and stainless steel motor shafts, this compact device is as sturdy as it is smart.

One of the founding principles of Reef Hacks is investigating, testing and publishing information capable of boosting reef tank quality and efficiency. After reviewing the GHL Doser 2.1 pump, it’s safe to say this device qualifies as an ultimate hack.

What are your thoughts? Have you used the GHL Doser 2.1? Head on over to our Facebook page and let us know what you think. As always, the Reef Hacks team is standing by to help answer your questions and comments.

Lastly, and most importantly, happy reefing!

by Yuliya Ivanova for ReefHacks.