Controller help

Neoz

New member
I'm starting my journey into a new controller. Course not sure which one I want to go with yet. Either the Reef Keeper or the Aqua controller. I'm trying compare the two and make a good decision but I can honestly say I have no idea what all the gadgets mean.. :rolleyes:


Just seen this... is this a good deal?
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1789787
 
Not bad. I have a ACjr with a DC8, DC4HD and temp and PH. I love it! very easy to use and learn. I havent use the reef keeper.
 
Damn. I seen it one minute after it was posted. But I wasn't sure if it was a good deal. I have to do more reading. I have no idea what DC8 or DC4HD means or does..

I want it to be able to run my VHO's which is 1 plug, My 4 MH's 4 plugs, temp and a PH. Also thought I read somewere that one of them will control my Vortechs.

I thought awhile back I seen a post somewere on RC comparing the RK and AC but I can't seem to find it using the search function.
 
I'm not 100% certain, but I don't think the ReefKeeper can control VorTechs. That said, I'm a VorTech owner and a ReefKeeper Lite owner, and I'm very happy with both. I don't really think I've had the need to have my VorTechs to be controlled by the RKL. Then again, I have the MP40ws, you may not. I don't know if the ACjr. can control VorTechs or not.

For what you're looking to control / monitor, I would recommend the RKL Plus gets you the head unit, two 4-outlet strips (PC4), an input junction box (SL1), a temperature probe, and a pH probe for $279. I never really found the RK hard to program, but they just released their new software for the unit (I think they call it EasyFlow) that supposedly makes it easier to program.

The thing that sold me on the RKL was the fact that Digital Aquatics will allow you to upgrade to the Elite unit for basically the difference in cost between the two units. So, buy the RKL, use it for a while, and if you outgrow it or decide you need more functionality, send it back to Digital Aquatics, pay them $100 (or something close to that) and they'll send you a new Elite head unit.

In the end, I'm guessing either will probably do what you want. Which one you go with will probably come down to which you can get the better deal on, and you feel more comfortable with (i.e. maybe you know somebody that has one or the other).

As a note, in my research on the message boards I found the RK vs. ACjr. argument to be pretty polarizing. Like the Xbox360 and PS3, you have people that are very passionate about each unit on both sides. So, be sure you take some of the opinions (on both sides) with a grain of salt.

Good luck!
 
I purchased the RKL, thinking that I would only use it for temperature control. They have an introductory price of $99 for the head unit, one 4 outlet strip and a temp probe. Before long, as I was able to see what it could do, I bought another outlet. My next purchase will be the SL2 and a third outlet strip and float switch kit, so I can run an automatic top-off and a salinity probe. The point is, when you buy the Reefkeeper product, you can expand it as you wish or when you can afford to.
 
I purchased the ACJr. used from a local member at a great price (so don't hesitate buying a used unit). It came with the DC8, pH probe and temp probe. It was hands down the best money I spent. I use it to control my 2 halides (independently), actinics, moonlights, fans, heaters, skimmer and 2 Koralias. Then after using up all the slots on my DC8 I added a regular powerstrip with an X10 module, which is also working quite well. Its a cheap alternative to buying another DC8 (although I don't think I would use this method to control lights, only small pumps). The ACJr. also seems to be a bit more popular, so there always seems to be tons of addons and such for sale on the boards.

If you have any questions about the controller, just ask and I'll do my best to answer. Neptune also has there own forum on here and they are extremely quick at answering questions, great customer services!!

As far as controlling the Vortech.....I don't think EcoTech has released the code to do this (or something like that). A search of the forums will provide the exact answer, I do remember reading about it though.
 
Any choice is a good choice!!!! Most people are really passionate about their particular controller because they really do work well and most people have only tried the 1 brand and assume it's the best! The reality is that The Reefkeeper Elite and the Neptune Apex are actually quite similar. They use very similar programming language and have similar capabilities as far as timers, ph, orp, salinity, and top off.

That being said I've played with several Neptune Aquacontrollers and also with the Reefkeeper Lite's, and I'm more of a Neptune Guy. Why....... internet access and control. I'd have to give the nod to Neptune in this category. Where does the Reefkeeper win... lower price point and add on capabilities. You can get started with RK Lite for $100 and then slowly add on extra pieces as you get comfortable or can afford more, neptune is more of an initial investment.

The Vortech Module is being worked on by Neptune..... they are getting close to some initial beta testers, but that module is suspected to be expensive ($150ish) and will only work with the higher end Apex or Apex Lite and only with the wireless MP40's. Ecotech has actually opened up the programming capability to all of the controller companies but Digital Aquatics hasn't said much that I've seen about working on anything.

I'd suggest checking out both of their forums here on RC and checking out both of their websites. Try and determine your needs (#of outlets, do I need to monitor ph, orp, salinity, do I want to automate top off, and do I want to control all of this from a remote location) and see which model fits all of those needs. If you are still confused you can come over to my house and check out my AC3 and my AC Jr. that I can both control from my Iphone, or if you wait long enough my Apex Lite that I'm upgrading to in order to control both of my tanks....:cool:

Dave
 
FYI, Digital Aquatics has released their NET module for Internet access. It's been out for a couple of months. I don't have it, so I can't tell you what it can do, but I would assume it would be similar to the capabilities of the ACjr.

I should get off my butt and buy one - how can the King of Gadgets not have this thing on his tank?!?!?
 
Neptune Apex is the controller that will have the ability to interface with Vortechs, but I dont think they have the capability yet

Edit: oops, someone already answered that!
 
Thanks for all the help everyone. I'm wondering what will be the advantages will be for controlling the Vortechs? I like the way they sync and they do have there own controllers. So I'm wondering if that option alone should be a factor when thinking of just the Neptune.

Guess I have some more research to do. I do like the lower startup cost. This allows for me to learn and only add what I need when I need it. Might have to start my research with Digital Aquatics..
 
The Neptune AC Jr. doesn't tecnically connect to the internet.........
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well now there is a third party that has written a program so you can access it from the internet!

Even with that being said, if you did really want internet access I'd recommend a controller with ethetnet, much easier to deal with.
I don't really get the whole Vortech control....seems kinda redundant and expensive, I'd rather spend the $150 or so on a battery backup for the Vortechs. Now if they were going to start making Vortechs that just plug into the Apex variable speed ports and were $100 cheaper...... now that would be incredible!

Dave
 
Supposedly the benefit for the Vortech control will be that it is more precise. You can set it to 75% exactly rather than guessing with the dial. Theres also the possibility to use different waveforms, but I'm not sure how much they are adding in that respect.

I say its not worth the extra money and probably shouldnt be a deciding factor in which controller you get.
 
I decided to go with a Reef Keeper Lite plus model. That should give me everything I need to at least get going. I'm placing my order tomorrow morning. Can't wait. I hope its not to challenging to program.

Thanks for all the help..
 
The instruction booklet leaves a lot to be desired, but once you get the hang of it, it's quite logical. They have excellent customer service and a forum that answers a lot of questions. You'll love the ReefKeeper.
 
i upgraded mine to the 1.11 firmware right when i got it, and it was so easy to program, like 10 min. for 4 outlets... good luck!!
 
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