Summary #

The ION Director (IOND) is an automated measurement and control system designed to monitor essential water parameters in saltwater aquaria. By using a specialized Multi-Ion (MUI) sensor, it provides lab-grade data and enables automated regulation of essential elements without the need for manual titration or liquid reagents.

Applies to #

• ION Director

Overview #

The ION Director uses a specialized MUI sensor to measure the electrical potential of specific ions directly in the water. This allows for real-time monitoring and precise control of dosing schedules, ensuring that your water chemistry remains stable at all times.

Measured Parameters

The IOND provides high-precision data for the following five parameters:

• Calcium (Ca)
• Magnesium (Mg)
• Potassium (K)
• Sodium (Na)
• Nitrate (NO3)

Note: For comprehensive monitoring of all foundation elements, the ION Director (covering Ca, Mg, K, Na, NO3) can be perfectly combined with the KH Director, which specifically monitors and controls Alkalinity (KH).

How it works #

The ION Director does not perform a simple “dip and read” measurement. To ensure lab-grade precision and compensate for environmental factors, it follows a multi-step automated process during every measurement cycle:

• Automatic Calibration: During the measurement process, the system flushes the cell with Reference A and Reference B. This allows the MUI sensor to calibrate itself against known standards immediately before calculating the final results, compensating for factors like sensor age or temperature.
• Ion-Selective Measurement: The MUI sensor measures the electrical potential of the specific ions in the aquarium sample. The internal logic of the controller then calculates the precise concentration of all five parameters based on the freshly obtained calibration data.
• Safe Disposal & Protection: After the measurement, all fluids are pumped out into a waste container. The measurement cell is left in a state that protects the sensor membrane, ensuring it stays moist and ready for the next scheduled test.

Measurement Time & Reference Consumption

• Duration: Each measurement cycle takes approximately 50 minutes.
• Reference A: 44–46 ml consumed per measurement
• Reference B: 44–46 ml consumed per measurement
• Sample: 44–46 ml consumed per measurement

At one measurement per day, a 1,000 ml reference bottle lasts approximately 10–11 days. Plan your reference fluid supply accordingly and set up low-level alarms in the software to avoid missed measurements.

System Requirements #

The ION Director operates as part of the GHL ecosystem and requires specific hardware to manage the measurement logic and fluid movement.

• Required Controller: You need a GHL device with PAB-Master capabilities, such as a ProfiLux 4 or a GHL Doser Standalone.
  Note: GHL offers various Starter-Sets that already include a Doser and the ION Director.
• Required Dosing Pumps: Three dedicated pump heads on a GHL Doser are necessary (Sample water, Reference A & B).
  Important: Only standard GHL Dosers can be used. The ION Director is not compatible with GHL Doser Maxi pumps.
• Included Components: The ION Director is shipped with a MUI Sensor and the required Flex-PVC tubing. It is critical to use the provided Flex-PVC lines for all connections to prevent air diffusion.
• Communication: All devices are linked via the ProfiLux Aquatic Bus (PAB) system for secure, interference-free data exchange.

Core Use Cases #

Automated Monitoring & Alarming

The IOND replaces the need for subjective manual testing by performing measurements at user-defined intervals (e.g., daily). If values deviate from your desired setpoint, the system can trigger alarms or send push notifications via the GHL Connect app.

Dynamic Dosing Control

The system can actively stabilize your water chemistry by adjusting your dosing schedule in real-time. It offers two primary modes to control connected dosing pumps:

• Add-on Mode: The IOND calculates the deficiency and adds an extra dose on top of your existing schedule to return the value to the setpoint.
• Adaptive Mode: The system automatically scales your entire dosing schedule (e.g., your Balling or Triton base doses) up or down by a percentage to match the current consumption of your reef.

Data Logging & Trend Analysis

All measurement data is logged and can be viewed in the GHL Control Center or via GHL Connect. This allows you to track how your aquarium reacts to changes in livestock, salt brands, or lighting over long periods.