Controllers????

[TriMax]

I know that I have heard several times in club meetings that someone in the club is totally sold on using controllers. I cannot remember who it is (although I think it is Garry). Others that do not use controllers "“ why not?

If you do -- why?

I am looking at the Reefkeeper that Bulk Reef Supply sells. Does anyone know anything about them?

I guess, after reading my post, I am referring to all-in-one controllers

Thanks

 

[Shawnbeaulieu]

I ise the Aquacontroller 3 sends me emails and txt messages if anything goes wrong while away from the house also i can log in on my black berry and check up on things and controll equipment hooked to it. monitors ph temp and controlles skimmers heaters and lights.

 

[macclellan]

What ReefKeeper are you looking at? The Elite? Take a look at the AC's Neptune; same base price and includes internet ($100+ extra on RKE).

I think the only reason not to use a controller is $, or if you don't care if stuff dies. Look at the price of pH controllers, temp controllers, and getting an "All in One" is a no-brainer.

I've got the ReefKeeper 2 (older/discontinued)...controls 8 outlets, prevents TOD from heaters getting stuck on, pH probe/controllable outlets, keeps my MH off for 15 mins if the power goes out so it will actually come back after a temporary outage and not ruin the bulb, works as a wavemaker (great), sends me a text if something is out of whack. Not as fully featured as the RK Elite or Aquacontroller Neptune, but is perfect for my needs.

Oh, and there is something to the 'cool factor' of a blue LED display.
Sexay, ay (bottom of pic)?

 

[ct_vol]

I have the Reef Keeper Lite and Reef Keeper Elite... Love them, and wouldn't have an aquarium without a controller...

 

[GPhiAce]

I would never have a tank without one now. I have the ACJr like Gary. It does everything i need, but would like to have the ability to get email updates and control my tank from away from home. I just think it is cool. Controllers give you added comfort and security in your tank and it's stability, if you have it set up properly. I would highly suggest that you get one. Just leave the things that you want on 24/7 on a surge protector or gfci (is that right) and put everything else on the controller.

 

[macclellan]

Paul, the ACJr. w/Aquanotes will give email updates and is controllable remotely (that's why Gary likes it so much)... (unless you have an older version of the ACJr?)

Also, while it's fine to run 24/7 stuff without a controller, for your controller you should still have a surge protector to protect the controller against surges and a GFCI to protect yourself against shocks... best is a GFCI outlet for everything (one of the two for permanent stuff, the other for the controller and everything connected). My $.02 on life and death

 

[GPhiAce]

Sorry thought the second part of your statement was understood.

And I thought that you needed to have it hooked up to a computer constantly if you want to control it remotely. And I don't think that there is an aquanotes version for Macs-- though I have not checked. I also believe that you need the real version of aquanotes and not the lite version (free version). Tells you how much I know about my controllers.

 

[macclellan]

It may be obvious/understood, but people still electrocute themselves all the time.

Yeah, it has to be hooked up constantly. Probably not a version for Macs, but you can run Windows on Macs now...

 

[goreefer]

You can use the "Lite" version and still access it on the web.
All that I do is use the free program called 'Log me in'. I can access my computer with it from any computer, then I just open the aquanotes from there.
I do use the full program, but that is just my preference. There is not alot of difference between the two.

 

[Wildman]

Help me out. I am confused.
I am trying to decide between the RKL and Aquacontroller jr. Looking at the packages the RKL level3 is $279.00. To be able to be able to hook up to your computer will you need another module? If so this fills up all four ports.
The Jr is $260. It comes with a serial port, temp and PH probes, and a DC8. This leaves two ports open or do you need another module to use the probes? And is it included?

 

[GPhiAce]

I can comment on the ACJr. It has ports for the power, DC8 connection, serial port, temp probe and pH probe. The unit itself comes with the power cord, and that's it. You may add the DC8 (I think the price you are quoting has the DC8 included). Everything else is extra, ie you have to buy it separate or have it included in your order. This includes the cord for your computer (got mine online, but can't use it if you need one- does not work with macs I was told, and I am not going to run windows). I also have a pH probe($40-$60) and temp probe ($50) and love them both. It is relatively user friendly- once you get used to it. I have not had a problem out of mine, just wish I had another DC8.

 

[macclellan]

RKL is incompatible with the net module. period.
Intentional limitation I bet. If RKL had net, fewer people would buy RKE.