Controllers

[platax88]

if anyone is interested in purchasing an AC JR. i just picked one up ...

Check out this awesome deal!

Remember, price is canadian, so it came out $198 US. The confirmed that it is the new backlit, black model ... and its shipped direct from neptune. I almost bought a used one with X-10 but for about $25 more, i went with this new one and DC8

crumbletop -- might have pick your brain sometime...

 

[NeveSSL]

Did you get the ACJr and the DC8 for $198?

If not, how much did you get the $198 for?

Thanks!

Brandon

 

[platax88]

yup, the ACJr and the DC8 ... i did not have to buy a PH probe as i already had one. That you have to buy extra... i think like $40

 

[platax88]

atvdave -- If you find that you are having interferance from the ballasts or anything else ... YOU CAN TRY THIS FILTER

I have been researching for the past week... and i have read some horror stories about X10 not responding. I am buying the controller for piece of mind and reliability. if you can swing it, then i recommend you go the DC route

 

[NeveSSL]

I know this thread is a bit old, but I thought I would share this with you, Brian...

If you want email and online checking and what not, it can be done on the AC Jr. Only thing you have to do is purchase the full version of AquaNotes and get the serial option, but this is still cheaper than the ACIII.

I also noticed that the AquaNotes comparison pages notes that the full version of AquaNotes is capable of doing multiple aquariums... so I'm thinking that could simplify things quite a bit with an ACIII as far as configuration goes.

I know the ACIII has more features, but I just thought I'd bring this up as it is a really valid point for me personally. It makes me feel a lot better about getting the AC Jr. instead of dishing out so much for the ACIII.

Also, the AC Jr. and DC8 combo is no longer $198 at that site, unfortunately. Its now $224, which is still $10 cheaper than direct.

Brandon

 

[DMBillies]

Thanks for the heads up Brandon. I think I have decided on the ACJr. as well. I'm figuring I'll get one for my SPS tank (which is really the one that needs it above the rest) and try it out. If I like it, I can always just get another one for the 92 and still come out cheaper than the ACIII. What I'd really like to do is set-up my tanks to go into one sump (therefore needing only 1 unit), but that is definitely going to have to wait until we move.

...Now I just need to stop buying corals and start saving for that baby.

 

[platax88]

I have been running mine for a few weeks and i love it... no more timers, ph meters, thermometers or worrying about my heaters sticking. With the ac jr. I have kept my temp stable between 79.8 - 80 degrees! I will never have another tank without one!

 

[NeveSSL]

Yeah, I am thinking its going to be worth it just to start with a controller and bypass buying thermometers, timers, pH test kits, and an Auto Top Off controller!

As far as I can tell, I'll be saving some money by going ahead and bypassing all of the above, but also will provide me with a peace of mind, especially with sticking heaters which seem inevitable.

Brandon

 

[DMBillies]

Had I to do it all over again and/or had I known that I would definitely stick with reefkeeping for a while, I would have definitely bought the controller at the beginning. When you figure how much the timers, thermometers, test kits, and topoff cost, you probably would actually make out cheaper with the controller (and we won't even talk about the convenience). That said, I could slowly acquire some of those pieces and parts, so it didn't seem like so much all at once.

 

[NeveSSL]

Yeah, I am having to do it all at once, so a controller just makes sense to me. Plus, I'm a gadget lover.

Not to mention, I ABSOLUTELY love the fact I will be able to tell people "My tank just emailed me to let me know my temp was high, but it turned the fans on and the heater and lights off, so it should be ok in a minute"... lol

Brandon

 

[NeveSSL]

I know this thread is old and some of you may be wishing I would let it die... lol... but I just wanted to share something I found.

The Reef Hut has a special deal where if you're ordering for the first time, you can get 5% off of your order. They also have a group buy of AC Jrs for $199. So you could ultimately get an AC Jr. with a DC8 for $189 or so. You could also apply this toward an ACIII if you wanted and get an ACIII for $550 with pH probe.

Brandon