automated controller questions

[turboex901]

hey guys, who makes a decent automated controller for say under 200 bucks? ive seen the reefkeeper and it looks nice but im sure it carries quite a price tag. im looking for something that has fan control and will shut my halides off if they reach a certain temp. ive also seen them with built in thermostats and ph probes. does anyone have any info? links would be great. also richard, if you stumble across this what is that unit on youre 90 i spied last time we were there? it looked quite impressive. anyone have an old unit laying around that they want to get rid of? thanks everyone!<~~steve

 

[Codeman00]

The two controllers that I am familiar with are the ReefKeeper and Reefkeeper2. I just replaced my RK1 with the RK2 and my RK1 is for sale. Walker is next in line for it...but if you are interested in it, let me know...its only 7 months old. Richard had the RK1 on his 90 gallon tank so thats probably the one you are talking about. The RK1 does not shut off your tank when a certain tank temp is reached...but the RK2 does...also the RK2 has a pH controller built in. Right now the RK is $219+ shipping and the RK2 is about $340. You can read up on the function of each of them at http://www.digitalaquatics.com/.

Let me try to contact Walker and see if he wants this controller and I'll get back to you if you are interested.

 

[turboex901]

i think i may be interested if he isnt. im gonna read up on it after work tommorow and let you know if thats something im looking for. it sounds like what i want though. when you get in touch with him, even if walker does still want it, pm me and let me know. if he doesnt want it throw me a price as well. thanks!<~~steve

 

[Codeman00]

By the way, the Aquacontroller Jr is the only other controller I know of thats in your price range..but I opted not to go that route....too many expensive add ons. I'll give him until the end of the week...go ahead and do your research and let me know.. If you have any questions about it, shoot them too me.

Also, I would advise you to read up on the RK and RK2 digitalaquatics forum. http://reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=329

 

[Rendos]

I have used Neptune Systems Aquacontrollers for years, but when RK1 came out I bought one. I like the interface and simplicity of the RK1 better than the AC. One of my main dislikes with AC's is they use X-10 control modules for turning things on/off. With the use of electronic ballasts this can cause problems...things turning on/off at random times during the day or night.
I recently purchased a RK2. I have not started using it yet...it is for the new 120. I bought it because of the added pH monitoring/controlling capability.
There are lots of controllers out there...like Aquatronica, Premium Aquatics - Light House, Octopus 3000, among others, but most of those are out of my price range, and the additional features they have are things that I feel I would never use anyway.

 

[Codeman00]

Richard, you are going to like the RK2...mine has been rock solid perfect so far. It was interesting to see how much my tank pH swings during the day.

 

[wjhuie]

If you get an offer sell it cody. I just cant swing it right now.

 

[Codeman00]

Okay..will do.