Aquacontroller Jr or ReefKeeper2

[xtm]

I currently have the ACjr and was looking into getting a new controller system.

good decision

I'm still flipping my coin on either the RK2 or the RKE.

IMO I would save up for the RKE... also it all depends on what your system demands are. Most reefers with basic setups are happy with the RK2.

The controller chart says that the RK2 can't be programed through a computer? is this true?

This is true... unless DA has released a new firmware that allows it. The RK2 only sends data to your PC, not the other way around.

Also there web sight doesn't say much about there software "myreef" is there somewhere I can take a look at it?

You can download it from Digital Aquatics' site and install it on your PC and check it out.

 

[Roy G. Biv]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12023607#post12023607 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by will16
Yeah I've been leaning toward the aquacontroller. How do you guys mount it?

 

[drparker]

I have two of the RK2 and love them. As stated very easy to walk anyone through a change over the phone.

 

[liquidfunk]

i like the AC brand as well.

 

[Ron Popeil]

YAY!

 

[whirley]

Wow....funny, I'm in the same delima, AC Jr or RK 2.

Seems like everyone is towards RK 2 here.

The only sticking point has me from not buying a RK 2 is the fact that you can't control it from your PC.

I can VNC into my computer at home from work and would like to be able to control my tank, if anything does go wrong.

That's the only thing that is stopping me.

 

[xtm]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12061767#post12061767 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by whirley
Wow....funny, I'm in the same delima, AC Jr or RK 2.

Seems like everyone is towards RK 2 here.

The only sticking point has me from not buying a RK 2 is the fact that you can't control it from your PC.

I can VNC into my computer at home from work and would like to be able to control my tank, if anything does go wrong.

That's the only thing that is stopping me.

By the time you're done modding the AC Jr for ethernet, you would have spent the same amount of money to buy an AC III. If this is the route that you want, I suggest you just get either the AC III or RKE. Both good choices.

 

[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

 

[whirley]

Funny.

I've thought about it for a while and now think......K.I.S.S.

Keep It Simple Stupid.

I'm thinking of going with the RK2 since it seems easier and the software looks more up to date.

I did download the softawre (myreef) and the app looks nice, clean and simple.

whirley

 

[xtm]

Let's put it this way.... Less is More.
I also adhere to the KISS principle.
The more codes you deal with, the more chances of things going wrong.

With so much invested in my tank, I simply can't gamble.

JMO

 

[jimwat]

I just wanted to put in a good word for Neptune. I started with an ACII almost 4 years ago and now I have an ACIII. I've had no major problems, and Neptune has always been good at giving timely answers to my questions.

I do not know what the differences might be between brands and models, but as for the programming of the ACIII it is pretty simple stuff.

 

[NaH2Ofreak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12064901#post12064901 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jimwat
I've had no major problems,

Ya but, have ya had a bunch of "little" problems???

Dennis

 

[ReefTECK]

I loooooove my RK2, it's totally dope! I've got it framed up now, but it fits so slickly into the cabinet. AND THE SURGERY TO HAVE THE MICROCHIP INSERT IGNORE IGNOREED INTO THE BACK OF YOUR BRAIN IS SO PAINLESS ITS NO WONDER IT"S NUMBER ONE! muhahahaha! j/k

Voices....lol

I think if you want a unit that does data logging and alerts, ph controll/monitoring, temp, 3 stage wavemaker cycle, and multiple on/off, timers, the RK2 comes out to be WAYYY cheaper than any of the Neptunes systems stuff. I think it looks better too.

Good purchase either way!

 

[jimwat]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12068311#post12068311 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NaH2Ofreak
Ya but, have ya had a bunch of "little" problems???

Dennis

I had a problem with the pH probe connection on the ACII, and Neptune sent me a new unit. This was in 2005. The only other "related" problems have been with my X10 modules (I've had a couple just stop working). I am switching out some of the X10 modules (I have over a dozen), to use my new DC8 this weekend. I have no reason to believe that there will be any issues.

But like I said, I only have experience with the ACII/ACIII and Neptune support. So I can not speak to the reliability/functionality of their other products.

 

[FishTruck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12025181#post12025181 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hyperfocal
I went with the Aquacontroller junior because I wanted the Tunze control you get with the AquaSurf module. Plus, the ACjr/DC-8 kit is an incredible bargain.

ditto.

 

[FishTruck]

<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

That sounds like a lemon controller! Mine works great.

However....

Regarding the probes, I have heard people complain about bad neptune probes and poor customer service for them when it comes to bad probes. I got a bad pH probe from neptune with one of my units. I had a pinpoint pH probe lying around which works great... so I just buy the pinpoint probes and use them with my AC unit.

Also, I did blow the fuse in a DC4 HD. My fault... I programmed my 1000 w titanium heater and 1/2 hp chiller to come on at the same time on the same DC4 HD. The fuse is not really easy to remove and the replacement must be ordered from neptune. A reset breaker would be nicer. I notice that my DC8 has a reset button on it.

Overall, I am still really happy with the AC2 and AC3s that I have. The expandability to manage a complex system the way that I want is really attractive. In addition to managing variable speed pumps, I can use it to manage the air temp in my canopy, expand it to monitor the pH in both my calcium reactor and my tank, etc... etc...

Never had an RK2.... but they sure are pretty in the pictures!

 

[jimwat]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12071733#post12071733 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FishTruck
The expandability to manage a complex system the way that I want is really attractive. In addition to managing variable speed pumps, I can use it to manage the air temp in my canopy, expand it to monitor the pH in both my calcium reactor and my tank, etc... etc...

One of the things I'm doing is attach a float switch to the DIN connector to add another layer of protection. Now if my sump pump stops running, I'll be able to shut down the kalk and ozone automatically.

 

[heyfredyourhat]

I have an RK2, but am thinking about throwing it away. The damn thing wont shut off channels, and if it does it is only because i cycle it ion and off about 5 times, and it wont shut the heaters off...DA hasnt helped me at all with this....Very ticked.

Will soon invest in the good old fashioned KISS method, of timers and extensions cords!

 

[blufish]

I chose the RK2 because of its mounting possibilities...if I have to look at a damn controller, the least it can be is a little aesthetic Actually, the RK2 has worked great, and I am coming up on two years with it in June.

 

[jimwat]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12124629#post12124629 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by blufish
if I have to look at a damn controller, the least it can be is a little aesthetic

This is why I like having a controller that can be networked. You can mount it anywhere an access from any computer/laptop/iPhone. There's even a Yahoo Widget that you can use to keep your tank stats displayed on your desktop (maybe a little over-kill, but appeals to my love of all things geeky )