Aquacontroller Jr or ReefKeeper2

[atvdave]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12128287#post12128287 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jimwat
This is why I like having a controller that can be networked. You can mount it anywhere an access from any computer/laptop/iPhone.

But how can you make a ACjr do that without spending over $100 on stuff that may, or may not work?

This is why I'm getting the RKE.

I bought a new laptop and now I can't even use it with my ACjr unless I spend a bunch more money and then it may or may not work.

I just don't see the point, Neptune needs to update their controllers to work with todays computers with out all the add ons that drive up the price.

 

[whirley]

I'm probably going to buy the RK2, just for the simple fact that it's seems easier to use AND THE SOFTWARE seems more up-to-date.

Heck, even comparing the websites, Digial Aquatics seems so much more professional.

I downloaded the myreef software, and it looks pretty decent. ANd, the RK2 got a built in webserver (!). Plug in play?

Of course, I'm just speculating, but I'm about to make the deep dive and purchase one tomarrow.

Wish me luck!

 

[xtm]

whirl, you will LOVE the RKII.

This is how your live stats page will look like with the myREEF software.

 

[seawandrr]

Can the RK2 do nested commands? Such as control if your ATO (which runs through a kalk stirrer) is based on time of day (only active at night between 3am and 9am) and only if the PH is less then 8.3? And also cycles off/on every 90 minutes during that period to make sure the JBJ's fail-safe timer doesn't prevent the return section from being filled all the way?

I've never dug deep into the RK2's capabilities... to even see if it can handle the above situation. So please educate me if this is possible.

(I see from reading the RKE data they're headed in this direction with it, as far as nesting timers together)

 

[whirley]

I'm a .net programmer and the last thing I wanna do when I get home is program something more...

I just want something simple to use and have the ablility to view the tank data from anywhere in the world.

I really just want to enjoy my tank.

;-)

Hence why I'm going with the KISS methodlogy and going with the RK2.

 

[seawandrr]

Should I take that as a subtle "no"?

There's always a reason and a demand for different technologies and the tradeoffs on the scale between easy to use, and extremely flexible. It doesn't make one better then the other in general... but it does make a difference if someone is looking for something specific in a controller that's important to them.

I was just curious exactly where this fell.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12134609#post12134609 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by whirley
I'm a .net programmer and the last thing I wanna do when I get home is program something more...

I just want something simple to use and have the ablility to view the tank data from anywhere in the world.

I really just want to enjoy my tank.

;-)

Hence why I'm going with the KISS methodlogy and going with the RK2.

 

[xtm]

There are people who have time and energy to write and debug codes all day.... and there are people who like to "turn it on, sit back, and relax" Nothing bad with either one.

Different strokes for different folks

 

[lilchris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12062367#post12062367 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NaH2Ofreak
Ive had an ACjr since they first came out. I would NEVER buy another AC from Neptune. This thing only works about half the time. They're temperature probes dont work and the DC8 Ive got has already fried two outlets. Also, almost everytime I make a change (time, manuel control of applience, etc), the thing reboots and throws off the time. And, speaking of time, the clock doesn't keep very accurate time and needs to be reset about once a month.

Tons of problems for me. I would love to dump it for a RK2. Also, Neptune's response to all the bad temp probes has been that hobbyists are being too rough with them and breaking them. Not once have they admitted to selling faulty temp probes. They would rather just blame the hobbyists!!!!!

Buy a different controller!!!!!! Stay away from Neptune and their ACjr!!

JMO

Dennis

I second this all the way. I have to unplug my ACjr about once a week now because features stop working. I can't trust the temp setting. When the heater suppose to be on its not. When the lights suppose to come on they don't. Every time I talked to the CS rep they blame it wrong timer inputs. I will say when they do work they are great but you spend half your time trying to get to work correctly.

 

[whirley]

seawandrr,

from what I gather, the RK2 doe not have a programming language that you can program.

You can probably contact one of thier sales reps about the RK2.

I just bought a RK2, 2 seconds ago. Should be in by Monday. Either way, the main reason I bought the RK2 was

1) Software seems more up-to-date.
2) Built in webserver. Just type in the ip/domain and instant graphs
3) Seems like easy access to the access database
4) Seems easier to 'program' the reef controller.
5) Digital Aquatics SEEMS more professional. Website, software (myreef) seems a lot easier to use and again, more professional

I've become lazy with my tank and just want a hand's free approach. I've learned, the more you fiddle with something, the more chances something break. Kinda murphey's law.

I get home and with 2 kids, it's hard to find time with the tank. And, being a programmer, coming home and programming again, after writing 100's of lines of code, is the last thing I want to do.

I just want to sit down and enjoy the tank. Don't worry about it since the controller is supose to take care of everything. Well, that's the plan.

I guess I'll find out if I picked the right one. Will get it on Monday. Just seems like the trend now is with Digital Aquatics.

 

[Hal]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12134488#post12134488 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xtm
whirl, you will LOVE the RKII.

This is how your live stats page will look like with the myREEF software.

pH of 5.4? :eek2:

 

[xtm]

^ Maybe his pH probe is not connected, or it's monitoring a calcium reactor.

 

[whirley]

Is the video on? I jus see black, last night and this afternoon.

whirley

 

[whirley]

I just received my RK2. Wow! It's pretty sweet. I have no idea why I didn't buy a reef controller sooner.

My only complaint with the RK2 (which is few) is that I'm only limited to 8 plugs. :-(

I didn't realize I had so many items that I wanted to plug in.

I LOVE this CONTROLLER! Easy to use!

 

[JHAI3]

I am a little technology challenged when it comes to servers etc... So can anyone walk me through how to setup the RK2's "myReef" program so I can view it on my website or the internet so I can view it from anywhere?

Here is how I am setup:
1) I am a Mac user, but an older IBM laptop is on it's way to me. (3 years old)
2) I have a wireless network in my home

Thanks.

 

[xtm]

hey Justin!

go to http://www.swfishtank.com and look for "myReef Webserver setup" link on your left. Also check out Digital Aquatics' forum here in RC.. also look for the thread on how you can setup your RKII to send TXT messages on your phone!

xtm

 

[Gdubb]

Ok I need to bump this.

I am wanting a controller to make my life easier as far as lights and timers go, the PH and temp is a huge plus.

so I need a little help with picking one,

I will not be using a computer to program, just the display.
MUST be easy to use and set up.
Are there package deals out there?
And if you had to do it again would you purchase the same controller or pick another?
Using the net to check the staus is awesome, can you do this with either?

Thanks!!

 

[JHAI3]

I love the RK2 have heard great things about the RKE. Must admit I am disappointed with the myReef software but hey it's free!

 

[reefermike1]

been running an acjr for a while now and have had no problems or complaints at all with it. i know the programming language is superior to the rk2 thats why i went that route. never had a rk2 though so i cant really compare

 

[..wp..]

I've been running a aquacontroller jr for about 2 years now and love it...definatly one of the best purchases for my tank

 

[DaveMorris]

I have an RKE and love it. Yes, there were some issues for a couple of months, but 99% of the issues are now gone. I am excited about plans for expansion in the near future. The network module should be out fairly soon and besides being a webserver and computer interface point, it will also do RSS feeds which is nice for updating me while I am out. I am currently running the following on my system:

Head unit
(4) PC4 power strips
SL1 (ph, ORP, (2) contacts, temp)
(2) MLC moonlight controllers with 12 moonlight pods

It runs flawlessly now.