Vertex (1 Viewer)

[porkchop]

I am intrigued by vertex and their amazing clean packaging (looks like apple's packaging) but when I go to their website...most items say "coming soon".

Has vertex been around very long? Do they come out with products often? Or, is it like Digital Aquatics and the salinity probe? Next month....next year...never. Lol.

I was reading the dosing thread and started doing some googling....I stumbled on vertex's controller and was interested, but there is zero information on it as it has not yet been released.

 

[tektite]

They take awhile getting new products out lol. Their packaging is amazing, their products look incredible, but I've been stunned at the actual poor working quality of their items. Given the problems just with their doser alone, I would NEVER even consider trusting my entire tank to a controller from them! If only their production/manufacturing/quality control matched the look and packaging, they'd have something really great going.

 

[d2mini]

It depends on the items.
They seem to do well with their skimmer lines. And I had no problem with their Vertex Engine skimmer neck cleaner.
I also like their epoxy.
I think their 300 micron nylon socks are nice, but they clog too quickly. They need a 200 or larger hole option. But they seem to be made well.

It's their doser that seems to be having problems. And I don't think we'll ever see their controller. Even if we did, it would be years before I'd trust it.

 

[porkchop]

fair enough.

I guess i am just a sucker for pretty packaging...lol (this is why the wife wont let me choose the cereal)

 

[Loverboy19]

I'm using their magnet cleaner which look nice for me, skimmer, and filter socks. I like the filter socks because it clean easy and quick, not need washing machine anymore.

 

[steveb]

Why would you not need to wash the filter socks?

 

[d2mini]

I guess i am just a sucker for pretty packaging...lol (this is why the wife wont let me choose the cereal)

You are preaching to the choir.
I design packaging graphics for a living.
So much of what I buy is based on the packaging! I don't know a dang thing about wine but I'll buy the one with the coolest label.
I'd kill to get a client that would let us design as simple and classy as Vertex. Everyone always wants to junk up their packaging!

 

[porkchop]

Everyone always wants to junk up their packaging!

I used to work for a local Kawasaki dealer that had such gaudy advertising. You couldn't even understand what they were selling because all of their media (billboards, flyers, emails) were so over done and busy.

I pleaded for them to let me design some stuff but they were not trying hear it.

 

[Mark L.]

Well so far everything I've used from Vertex is awesome except for their dosing pump. It's been a complete failure so far.

Vertex items I'm currently using.......

Alpha 200 skimmer
Vectra Engine
Vectra Lid
RX-Z 3.0 ZEOlite Reactor
Libra Dosing Pump w/stepper motor <---- This is a complete failure. I'm working with the engineers at Vertex to figure out what is wrong with the software.
Vessel 2.5L
Refractometer
Filter Socks
Sensor Magnets
Dosing Tube Magnets
Cleaner Mag Triplex
Titanium Grounding Pole

I abolutely love everything in the list. The design of everything is so clean and modern looking. Like mentioned, even their packaging is awesome. I would be really hesitant to use their controller when it first comes out if the dosing pump software is any indication on how they program things. LOL

 

[d2mini]

Whose got the dosing tube magnets? I need. Stat.

 

[Mark L.]

Whose got the dosing tube magnets? I need. Stat.

I purchased all my Vertex items from Dennis at FJW. Shocking I know.....

 

[zeek]

I have a Vertex Reactor and I was so giggidy when It came in at how it was packaged, heck I still have the box, but the build was very nice too. Their craft work with acrylic was pretty good, so maybe its their other stuff with electronics they need to figure out lol good to know tho as I was considering a pump and I've heard mixed reviews.

 

[d2mini]

Their craft work with acrylic was pretty good

Except for my Vessel 5.0 which was leaking like a sieve from the bottom seal. And it's now taken two and a half more weeks to get another from BRS.

 

[Mark L.]

I must have lucked out with my 3 vessels. They all work perfect.

 

[Andy]

Mark,

Let me know how the Libra problem progresses. This weekend I am going to make myself set it for 10 hour dosing & put a jug under each line to test doses.

 

[Mark L.]

Will do Andy. Spoke to them again yesterday. They are still frantically working on them. They thanked me numerous times for helping them work out the problems. They hinted at a "special offer" for all my time, trouble, and work if I decide to stick it out. We'll see!

 

[Andy]

YOu dealing with Jen at Pro??

 

[Mark L.]

YOu dealing with Jen at Pro??

Yep, she's part of the crew.

 

[Andy]

From Jen


Save








Hi Andy,



The team at Vertex has identified and replicated the issue, and are currently testing a fix. Please let me know what you find out, and I will update you also.


Regards,





Jennifer Popein

Warranty Services Manager

 

[Diesel]

From Jen,
On July 10.

(Quote) Hi Ben,

Is this the same Libra as Mark’s, or different? Sorry, a bit confused about that.
Regardless, I can tell you that the issue Mark is facing is a known problem our developers are hurrying to fix. I was given an estimate of 1-2 weeks.
If your issue is the same, It is essentially a problem with the firmware/power distribution coupled with the sensitivity of the motors on the Stepper models. The programming is being re-written to both compensate and work with this.(End Quote)

So what she's saying is there are two problem's, for one the issue with the stepper giving a different amount every time and with the DC motor the same as the stepper + sometimes one of the motors keeps on running till your next cycle and in that case dumps about all the part and that can be either ALK,CAL or MAG in your setup as with Seanm He has his MAG in his tank dumped.
Mine doser did the same as in Mark's and sometimes the pump kept on running and not shutting off, even if I touch the screen.
Had to unplug the whole unit from the power supply.
Knowing what happened to Seanm I pulled the plug and went for the full refund.

From Jen.
On July 16

(Quote) Hi Ben,

I understand your frustration and do not think this should be a problem.
Please contact the retailer you purchased it from for a refund. If they have any issues, please advise them that Proline will handle things once they get it back, and they are welcome to contact me in regards to this if need be. (End Quote)


And from BRS.
On July 18.

(Quote) Ben,


If you would like to proceed with the refund we can do so. Your RMA is XXXXXXXXXXX. I have attached the form as well. Just get that boxed up and ship to us with the RMA and we will proceed when we get it

Lue
Customer Service Specialist (End Quote)


As of today I'll have running a new profilux and just hoping that will go without any issues.
But I'll monitor it closely.
I tested the Profilux for two full days on the same schedule I had as the libra and it was spot on 120 ALK, 84 CAL and 48 MAG
This is keeping my 202 gallon on ALK 9.5, CAL 450 and MAG 1375 (give and take but close)
Hoping when I'm away next week to the beach house in Destin this will continue but I have good trust in Urban Aquatics cause they will check my setup while I'm gone.