Controllers

[NeveSSL]

Let me know what technique you use if you're successful.

Oh, and I didn't see your question earlier! Sorry about that.

Quite honestly, I'm not 100% sure just yet, but the ReefKeeper Elite is beckoning my wallet.

I'm going to do some more investigating. The hardware definitely seems to be there and on track for the RKE, BUT I'm going to check out the manual and see how programmable it is. In the past, this is what has turned me off from the RK2, so maybe they've made it more programmable.

I will definitely say this: The RKE is quite significantly cheaper than the Aquatronica as far as the hardware goes. The expansion modules have multiple functions, while the Aquatronica modules are usually just one function and cost as much or more than the RKE modules.

However, Aquatronica has been absolutely amazing at integrating user requested functions to the firmware after a few of us have requested such in the Aquatronica forum after making a case for it. Aquarium Obsessed (the North American Aquatronica distributor) also has provided me personally with absolutely awesome customer service. They also update their firmware often, usually every couple of months with new features and bug fixes and are constantly coming out with new products to add on to it. Good stuff!

Brandon

 

[poolkeeper1]

Brandon, I think I'll keep an eye on you! Someone on RC was selling a Complete Reefkeeper Elite PKG with Extras for like 630.00 Still new in the box. I'll see if I can find it again, If anyone is interested.

 

[NeveSSL]

Thats mutual, Bill.

Let me know if you find it. I'm beginning to think the selling forum is your second home!

And sorry to hijack the thread, Scott!

Brandon

 

[Raven63630]

I got the Reefkeeper Elite a couple of weeks ago and love it, this is my first controller and it only took about 15 minutes of tinkering to figure out the basic setup.I like the fact that you can daisy chain the modules in any configuration you choose so your setup is only limited by your imagination.

Brandon,
If you are seriously interested and feel like making a trip up to Bowling Green your more than welcome to come over and get some first hand experience with it (the manual is not very helpful).

Danny

 

[AcuraCl1]

No problem, I appreciate everything. I am now leaning towards the Reefkeeper Elite, now to save up enough money.

 

[poolkeeper1]

[No message]

 

[NeveSSL]

Thanks, Danny, I really appreciate that offer. I will keep that in mind.

I am leaning toward the ReefKeeper Elite, too...

Wow, Bill... that was a REALLY good deal... thanks for finding the link.

Brandon

 

[poolkeeper1]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1596749

Well I found it here you go.

 

[poolkeeper1]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1596749

Well I found it here you go. I also do not mean to steal your thread.

 

[james3370]

yeah i saw that in the selling forum as well....gave me a tingly feeling LOL

as it stands, i'd take a RKL in any level configuration

mostly for lighting & temp control, but i bought a dual-timer coralife power strip that should be adequate for the my 2 differnt t5 lights, LED moonlights & daytime "shimmer" & fans.....for the time being

 

[AcuraCl1]

No problem, that RKE is pending sale to someone right now. Not to me, just passing along. He is suppose to let me know if sale falls through.

 

[DMBillies]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14654389#post14654389 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 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.

Word. I looked into this heavily for a while. At minimum you would need the ground isolated serial connector ($45) and the full version of Aquanotes ($75), so add $125 the the Jr. price tag if you want internet functionality... and if memory serves I am pretty sure you need to either hardwire it into your network or use a wireless module. So that affects your price and/or your options for tank placement in relation to your internet router.

In my mind, if you definitely want internet functionality, you'd be better off getting a unit that comes with all of the functionality built in... especially considering the other limitations that the lowest end controllers have. I'm not trashing them, but I am saying that if I had it to do all over again I would have held off longer (I was already up and running for years without one), saved up for another 6 months (or splurged after a big swap sale), and gotten a unit that leaves me more long-term options.

 

[NeveSSL]

Yep... those are the accessories of which I spoke.

I honestly think if you're going to get one and plan on staying in the hobby for a while, invest a bit into one and you can have "one controller to rule them all", with "them all" being your tanks. And at this point, I would recommend an RKE.

Brandon