Controller Questions for you guys...

[NeveSSL]

So, if I sell one of my amps, I'll have a decision to make... what do you think?

I'm trying to decide between the Jr. and the ACIII.

The AquaController Jr. is cheaper, but only by about $150 if you want internet alarms and a web server because you have to buy AquaNotes and, for me, I will also have to buy either 100ft serial cable and run it all through our apt. (which isn't horrible, just kinda weird to see that cable strung everywhere) to reach the computer in the second room, which will also have to be left on 24/7 (and my desktop is not so energy efficient) OR I would have to try to upgrade the ancient laptop my father-in-law gave us with a new processor and more memory to run aquanotes, and then stick it near the tank and leave it on instead, but have to buy also a network card for it as well as a wireless transmitter so it can transmit to my wireless network and be on the web (not to mention troubleshoot all that stuff when it doesn't work ).

OR... I can just spend $150 more on the ACIII, have more options overall, and just be able to plug a wireless unit straight into the ACIII without aquanotes and have messaging without all of the trouble of the complicated setup above. And my desktop wouldn't have to be roaring 24/7.

Or last but not least, just get a ACJr. and forget messaging and web access. But I don't really think I want to do that because so far I'm investing quite a bit of money into this thing, and this is one more extra measure I should probably take.

 

[crumbletop]

I get by fine with the non-serial port version of the AC Jr. There is a group buy on the non serial version right now for $199, and I think $28 more for the serial port. I have 12 controlled outlets (DC8 and DC4-HD). That said, the additional functionality of the serial port version or the ACIII would be nice to have if I could afford it. If you can swing it, I would get the ACIII for the reasons you mentioned, plus it can take temp and pH expansion modules and more power outlets should you want to control more than one tank in the future.

One thing about the cost difference. I price out the AC Jr. + DC8 and pH probe at ~265 (less with the group buy), and the ACIII + DC8 and pH probe comes to $587. That is about $300 of difference.

Link to group buy:
http://www.thereefhut.com/product_info.php?products_id=418

 

[NeveSSL]

Thanks for the reply, crumbletop!

As far as cost goes, I was including the serial port and aquanotes with the AC Jr. because I would need those to do the messaging. So its still around $200.

Brandon