Controllers worth it for 75 reef no reactor?
- Thread starter malawinovice
- Start date
Psychographic
New member
I recently got an AC Jr. I love all of the functions of it and would never run a tank without one now.
The AC Jr is available with or without the serial port connection, also the DC8 is optional, it does not come with the base unit, but is usually offered as a pckage at a discounted price, the same with the pH probe. You can also buy add ons for wavemakers and a Luner simulater that tracks the rise and set of the moon along with the intensity of it.
It can control12 outlets and up to 40 commands. The list of commands it is capable is too many to list here.
The AC Jr is available with or without the serial port connection, also the DC8 is optional, it does not come with the base unit, but is usually offered as a pckage at a discounted price, the same with the pH probe. You can also buy add ons for wavemakers and a Luner simulater that tracks the rise and set of the moon along with the intensity of it.
It can control12 outlets and up to 40 commands. The list of commands it is capable is too many to list here.
saltwater4life1
Member
Oh, I guess the one i was looking at came with it.
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...uct_Code=NEP-ACJR-SERUP&Category_Code=Neptune
I know you guys are talking about the AC JR but is the ACIII worth the extra money? I mean does it have features you'll want later on?
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...uct_Code=NEP-ACJR-SERUP&Category_Code=Neptune
I know you guys are talking about the AC JR but is the ACIII worth the extra money? I mean does it have features you'll want later on?
Reefer08
New member
RKL is the best investment you'll ever make on your tank. It will grow with your tank. You can also even upgrade it from a level 3 to an rk elite one day if you wanted.
RKL vs ACJr:
The RKL can address up to 16 channels/outlet. (Jr only 12)
The RKL can monitor multiple temp probes AND multiple pH probes (Jr can't)
The RKL can be set with audible and visual alarms (Not with the Jr)
The RKL has only one wire coming from the head unit allowing you to mount it in a much more convenient location. (Jr has all wires hanging from the bottom of the unit.)
The RKL is less expensive to expand then other units! (DC4 and DC8s are over $100)
The RKL has a much more convenient 5 button interface. (Jr - 3 button)
The RKL has a clear menu system (Jr uses a programming language)
The RKL can interface with multiple switch inputs for an ATO system
The RKL can monitor/control ORP (Jr can’t)
The RKL can monitor Amps on each PC4 (Jr can’t)
The RKL PC4s have manual overrides at the power strip! (Not so with the competitor)
RKL vs ACJr:
The RKL can address up to 16 channels/outlet. (Jr only 12)
The RKL can monitor multiple temp probes AND multiple pH probes (Jr can't)
The RKL can be set with audible and visual alarms (Not with the Jr)
The RKL has only one wire coming from the head unit allowing you to mount it in a much more convenient location. (Jr has all wires hanging from the bottom of the unit.)
The RKL is less expensive to expand then other units! (DC4 and DC8s are over $100)
The RKL has a much more convenient 5 button interface. (Jr - 3 button)
The RKL has a clear menu system (Jr uses a programming language)
The RKL can interface with multiple switch inputs for an ATO system
The RKL can monitor/control ORP (Jr can’t)
The RKL can monitor Amps on each PC4 (Jr can’t)
The RKL PC4s have manual overrides at the power strip! (Not so with the competitor)
saltwater4life1
Member
Idk about the Topic starter but the only thing i don't like about the RKL is it can't access the internet and thats one thing i would like having... I'm thinking of getting the AC3 does so much for like 50 bucks more
malawinovice
Member
The problem with the RKL is that if you have temp and pH probe, you can only have 12 outlets --- same as Aquacontroler Jr.
If you moniter two tanks temp and pH , you can only have 8 outlets.
yes you can have 16 outlets max, but then you can not moniter pH or control ATO.
If you moniter two tanks temp and pH , you can only have 8 outlets.
yes you can have 16 outlets max, but then you can not moniter pH or control ATO.
Reefer08
New member
Its 299 just for the aquacontroller 3 headunit. You still need temp. probe, ph probe, and the DC8 outlets. After you piece together a AC3 your at about 500 bucks. Same price category as the Reef Keeper Elite package. Reef Keeper Elite is only 250 dollars just for the headunit also.
saltwater4life1
Member
Oh didn't realise i was looking at just the head unit...
The RKL doesn't have web connection right? only the RKE?
The RKL doesn't have web connection right? only the RKE?
Just do it.
Just do it.
Hi all,
I have a nano, and while it might seem counter intuitive, a good controller was the best investment I every made. Because of it's small size, (small thermal mass, small molecular capacitance) keeping 12 gallons in good shape can be a real pita, particularly if you travel like I do.
I'm setting up a new tank, and I've got a RK elite, +net package etc. showing up tomorrow to replace my current controller. I'll report back after I've got it set up and running.
Calibrating the controllers in really no big deal, and having everything automated, and online access, email alarms etc, makes keeping my critters healthy much easier.
One word of warning. My current controller is a lighthouse from MCU research. I've been super happy with it, and he uses quotes from a mail of mine in his marketing materials.
When the ac power strip went out I called about a replacement, and was told sorry we don't make that model anymore. I was very politely informed that I was SOL.
Really? hundreds of dollars tied up, the controller head is fine, and my only option it to buy a whole new controller for 599.00? When what I need is a replacement power strip?
Uhm, that would be a no.
I like supporting the little guy, but sometimes it can bite you in the backside. I'd strongly recommend you go with a vendor that has an established record of supporting their products over the long term.
Once you have one you'll wonder why you waited so long to get one, and you're tank will be very stable.
Steve
Just do it.
Hi all,
I have a nano, and while it might seem counter intuitive, a good controller was the best investment I every made. Because of it's small size, (small thermal mass, small molecular capacitance) keeping 12 gallons in good shape can be a real pita, particularly if you travel like I do.
I'm setting up a new tank, and I've got a RK elite, +net package etc. showing up tomorrow to replace my current controller. I'll report back after I've got it set up and running.
Calibrating the controllers in really no big deal, and having everything automated, and online access, email alarms etc, makes keeping my critters healthy much easier.
One word of warning. My current controller is a lighthouse from MCU research. I've been super happy with it, and he uses quotes from a mail of mine in his marketing materials.
When the ac power strip went out I called about a replacement, and was told sorry we don't make that model anymore. I was very politely informed that I was SOL.
Really? hundreds of dollars tied up, the controller head is fine, and my only option it to buy a whole new controller for 599.00? When what I need is a replacement power strip?
Uhm, that would be a no.
I like supporting the little guy, but sometimes it can bite you in the backside. I'd strongly recommend you go with a vendor that has an established record of supporting their products over the long term.
Once you have one you'll wonder why you waited so long to get one, and you're tank will be very stable.
Steve
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I would look very close at the RKL. You will get more bang for your buck and it is expandable to the RKE if your needs increase beyond that of the RKL. It is also a cleaner looking head unit then the ACjr. Setting it up is much easier too. I have both an ELite and a RKL and they are both rock solid.
02WRXGT30R
New member
If you have the money I would definitely consider one I have a Profilux which I love it is a awesome controller with a bunch of cutting edge features and it gives me piece of mind especially when im away plus its always fun to have fancy toys :rollface:
02WRXGT30R
New member
GHL is working on the Profilux 3 there aint a firm release date yet but maybe toward the end of the year and one of the big design factors for the PIII is multi system control and with there new bus system you will be able to run pretty much as many upgrade cards as you want or need! If you buy a PII now when the PIII rolls out you can have the II upgraded to the III
GHL is a sponsor of RC so if you go down to the sponsor section there is alot more info then I can provide I have only had mine for about a month and a half but its great so far
GHL is a sponsor of RC so if you go down to the sponsor section there is alot more info then I can provide I have only had mine for about a month and a half but its great so far
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