Controllers

[AcuraCl1]

What do you use for controllers.

I am looking at getting a controller for my new aquarium, and trying to decide which one to get. I would like to keep it below $300. I have been looking at the ACJr and the Reefkeeper 2 or lite.

Any opinions on these controllers or others around $300.

 

[DMBillies]

My only opinion is that the the Jr., at least, is pretty limited on the total number of controllable outlets (12). I don't know anything about the Reefkeeper really. 12 outlets may sound like a lot, but consider everything you might like to control and you suddenly use up a huge number (2-3 for lights, return pump control for feeding settings, heaters, chiller, hood/sump fans, sump light, maybe powerheads). I am happy with my Jr., but I topped out on outlets and had I realized how quickly that would happen I might have saved my pennys for a little bit longer and gone for a higher end model and gotten all of the internet controlled/monitored goodness that comes with it.

 

[fallinapart]

I am with Brian, I have the Jr. and love it, but if I had to do it again, I also would have saved a little more and went with a better unit...that is to say more options to the controller. The Jr. has done all it should do without a hitch (except when I dumped a big batch of salt water into the gfi plug it was plugged into)... but even then it recovered and is still humming along, the Jr. is an excellent controller, just that I want more options, especially Internet control.

 

[AcuraCl1]

Thanks, what would you recommend for a step up.

 

[poolkeeper1]

Reef keeper has a new line out that is expandable all the way up to the Elite pkg. You can start with the Reef keeper Lite for around 150.00 and go up to 600.00+ for the Elite pkg. Digital Aquatics is the company that makes them, I've had a reef keeper 2 for years and love it.

 

[AcuraCl1]

Thanks Bill, I see the Reef Keeper 2 is discountinued but some places still have it for sale. Is it expandable for more than 12 outlets.

 

[fallinapart]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14652047#post14652047 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AcuraCl1
Thanks Bill, I see the Reef Keeper 2 is discountinued but some places still have it for sale. Is it expandable for more than 12 outlets.

I'm sending you a spreadsheet from July 08 listing about 20 controllers(e-mail) and all the options on each one. give you a good comparison of what each will do and hopefully help you decide. Remember that any controller is a good one if it does what you want. depends on your own wishes.

 

[NeveSSL]

The ReefKeeper 2 is kind of outdated at this point.

Personally, I think probably the best bang for your buck is going to be either the AquaController 3 (around $450 I think) or the ReefKeeper Elite (around $490) with maybe a slight advantage to the RK Elite.

These controllers can do multiple tanks, have some cool and useful add ons (moon lights, Tunze controllers, etc.), and are reasonably priced.

If you're interested in all out features and modules, Profilux and Aquatronica seem to be some on the top. They have Koralia controllers, Tunze controllers, dosing pumps, internet options, SMS options (will send you a text if your power goes out), light dimmer options, etc. However, they're European companies and are expensive. I run an Aquatronica, but the only reason is because I got it for a really good deal from another guy in the club. I do love it, though, and support on the unit has been fantastic, even though the parent company is in Italy. In fact, I've got a brand new system I just upgraded to coming to me some time this week, and I'm pumped!

But anyway, check out www.aquariumcontrollers.com. There is an awesome Excel spreadsheet there that shows all known controllers (except maybe the ReefKeeper Lite, which I think may have the same feature set as the RK2) that you can actually checkbox and compare controller features side by side.

Hope this helps!

Brandon

 

[AcuraCl1]

Thanks, I will check it out. What are you upgrading to Brandon.

 

[NeveSSL]

I am upgrading to the latest Aquatronica controller. They just came out with a new head unit that is a little different looking than the older unit, but they're also backwards compatible (for now). I do anticipate that they will eventually stop supporting the older one, though.

I got a new power bar because mine went crazy on me. The cool thing, though is that they are replacing it for free (as long as it shows no water damage or too much amperage through it) even though I am long ago out of warranty. GREAT customer service! At the same time, in all honesty, this is the second time that unit died on me. Third time's the charm, and I'm thinking with an entirely new (and upgraded) unit I will be golden. If not, ReefKeeper Elite or AC3 here I come! :lol:

But I'm confident they have worked all of the bugs out of the system now. There was a weird thing where the controllers would just freeze up for no apparent reason. Supposedly the new head unit fixes this issue completely. I really want to stick with Aquatronica because of the expandability once I finally get out of college and can afford some of their accessories, including dosing pumps and the 10v T5HO dimmer module.

Brandon

 

[AcuraCl1]

Thats cool, thanks

 

[poolkeeper1]

Brandon, Are you saying my Controller is outdated? It might not have all the functions that more expensive models do! but it works fine at doing all the functions that I need it to do, Actually does all that my tank needs it to do! In the future I would be in the market for a Reefkeeper Elite, As i like all the new features it has but mine works fine even if It's outdated. In my opinion the extra money that these new controllers cost are not quite justified unless you can not do what you want without one. That being said, Alls good and I'm just bustin your %^&**.

 

[NeveSSL]

Not only is your controller outdated, you may be as well.



Yeah, controllers are definitely a personal choice. I bought mine because I got it for $100 more than an AC Jr. and for future use on a larger and multiple tanks. Other people may not want or need multiple tanks or dosing pumps (really and truly with some simple calculations you can turn a standard peristaltic pump and an AC Jr. into a dosing pump for that matter... just ask crumbletop ) and other fancy things. I'm just the type that also likes to have everything in one place. Yeah, its kinda like having all of my eggs in one basket, but its easier to carry that way.

Brandon

 

[AcuraCl1]

Ok guys, here is what I will have. What controller do you think fits best.

167G Aquarium
40G Sump
2 MH Lights with ICE CAP Ballasts
2 T5 2 bulb retro kits (one 2 bulb in the front and one 2 bulb in the back)
4 fans
carbon reactor
phosphate reactor
BubbleMaster 250 Skimmer (2 pumps)
Reeflo Dart
2 Heaters
Korolia 4

I believe thats all. I would like to be to control the lights on different timers, would like to be able to monitor from the internet (wireless would be nice), control fans, monitor ph, monitor temp.

Here is what I have been looking at.
ACJr
AC 3
Reefkeeper 2
Reefkeeper Elite
Reefkeeper Lite

I would like to keep the cost down to the minimal. That is why I have been looking at the ACJr, RKL, and RK2 since it is discontinued for $270. But if those will not work, which is better for my setup the RKE or AC 3. Looks like they are both around the same price. If I go with one of these, I will have to wait to buy unless I find a used one.

 

[NeveSSL]

The only think I see on there that will take out out of the entry level stuff is the internet function. It actually can be done with an AC Jr., but its a rather complicated adventure and, quite honestly, gets expensive because you have to buy a lot of accessories to make it happen.

I would say an AquaController III or a ReefKeeper Elite would be your best bet.

On a side note, the ReefKeeper Elite is looking really good. Should I have another problem with my Aquatronica, I very well may go that route.

Brandon

 

[MVlk]

Brandon, I am hoping to get the ReefKeeper Elite within the year... what would you say is the advantage of the Aquatronica over it? The ReefKeeper Elite seems on first glance to be comparable, but less expensive.

I am not casting doubt on your judgment, just trying to learn from your experience as I have none.

 

[poolkeeper1]

There's no Question that I'm Outdated, Just ask my wife. HaHaHa

 

[MVlk]

Not Outdated, just 'Classic' While technically young, I feel outdated sometimes. I keep yellin' at them darn kids to get off my lawn!

 

[NeveSSL]

Ok, after further investigating, I have to say that I am TRULY impressed with the ReefKeeper Elite. There are TONS of very useful options (salinity probes, RSS feeds, up to 2 email accounts, graphing, LED lighting, dimmable ballast outputs, etc., etc., etc.) and reasonably priced (at least cheaper than my Aquatronica stuff ).

I'm going to keep an eye on them.

Brandon

 

[MVlk]

The ReefKeeper Elite seems pretty sweet... Now I just need to convince my wife that it would be a great birthday present.