if you were gonna buy controller?

[jubjub]

if you were going to get a controller would you get:

ac jr package
Neptune Systems AquaController Jr with Serial Port
Temperature Probe
DC8
----224$


or

rkl package
* 1 x Head unit (GC2)
* 1 x PC4 (total of 4 outlets)
* 1 x SL1 (pH, ORP, temp, 2 x switch inputs)
* 1 x Temp Probe
* 1 x pH Probe Kit
----210$


only downside to RKL is the 4ports vs the dc8 that the ac jr has but i do like how the RKL is usb vs the serial. the appears to have a better looking interface ....

 

[scottbeth]

I currently use a RK2 system and I don't have many complaints except that I I quickly used up all 8 outlets and it's not expandable. That being said I would definitely go with any neptune system- they are so expandable that it should do about anything you need. If you decide on RK- I will gladly sell you mine so I can get a neptune system- hope this helps-Scott

 

[evergreenreeftank]

I just got the RKL and love it. It can expand as well.

 

[Guy340]

Pay the extra $70 and get the extra 4 outlets.

 

[jubjub]

thats where im torn because realistically the rkl will expand nicely....

figure
plug 1 = both lights (since its a 8amp fuse)
plug 2 = fan for temp
plug 3 = probably ato im guessing
plug 4 = calcium reactor pump/regulator

kinda torn on what else i'd have to plug in

 

[jubjub]

imma guess the rk2 probably older system right?

 

[james3370]

my personal choice is the RKL....& the "swing vote" for me is the fact that the probes (ph, temp, etc) for it plug into the dc4 (or sl1/sl2 modules), leaving the display easier to flush-mount in any location

the acjr, the probes plug into the display, so it'd be harder to mount it say on the face of the canopy

 

[d0ughb0y]

If you would consider web enabling the controller (for which just about anything nowadays that can be web enabled is web enabled) so you can monitor and control from any browser plus get email alert or cellphone text message, then with ac jr, you have that option by using a free software. if I am not mistaken, rkl does not have that option, other than to upgrade to the higher model. I think the rk2 has the web enable option using the free myreef software, but somehow DA decided to remove that in rkl.

 

[jubjub]

^^ i was reading the RKL will be able to use the network adapter the next firmware update...anyone know if this is true or false?

 

[Guy340]

JubJub, just ask the guys in the DA forum.

 

[savethereef]

i have the reef keeper elite and have used both. i vote for Reef Keeper.

 

[IUnknown]

JubJub, just ask the guys in the DA forum.

They will only hint at it, listing competitive issues as the reason. I thought it was more like the end of the year? Its being worked on, so that is good to hear.

 

[Hal]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15430818#post15430818 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jubjub
^^ i was reading the RKL will be able to use the network adapter the next firmware update...anyone know if this is true or false?

I talked with the guys at Digital Aquatics. They said we should expect the upgrade to the Reefkeeper Lite for net-use within the next two years, and likely within the next year. They definitely plan to make the RKL usable with the network module.

I picked the RKL over the ACjr because the RKL is a new design, and I assume takes advantage of newer technology (e.g. USB vs serial ports).

 

[d0ughb0y]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15431525#post15431525 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Hal
I talked with the guys at Digital Aquatics. They said we should expect the upgrade to the Reefkeeper Lite for net-use within the next two years, and likely within the next year. They definitely plan to make the RKL usable with the network module.

I picked the RKL over the ACjr because the RKL is a new design, and I assume takes advantage of newer technology (e.g. USB vs serial ports).

IMHO, no net for rkl is a major step backwards. I think it was a mistake for them to remove it (the discontinued rk2 has it), I am guessing so they can sell more RKE. I always suggest to get a used ac jr (or rk2 for that matter) if one is available. having web capability is a major value add on IMHO, that is why it is available on all higher end models. if one were to get a new one, then the apex is the best (in terms of price / features) option available now.

 

[solitude127]

also, if you have a RKL and you want to expand to something bigger, you can always upgrade to the Elite without have to change much.
The USB for the RKL is only for updating firmware. It's not meant to make changes to programming or viewable thru the web.

 

[kyle1284]

hmmm

 

[dzhuo]

I kind of always heard about these 2 complain about the AcJr:

1. Lots of people experience bad temp probe.
2. The programming interface is not very user friendly.

How truth are these 2 complains and if so, has any improvement be made?

 

[gotfrogs]

I am a Neptune boy, I will be getting my 3rd next week. Go with the AC Jr. I have one and it works great.

 

[sjm817]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15434214#post15434214 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dzhuo
I kind of always heard about these 2 complain about the AcJr:

1. Lots of people experience bad temp probe.
2. The programming interface is not very user friendly.

How truth are these 2 complains and if so, has any improvement be made?

1) I've seen those complaints and they are likely valid. I've had the same temp and PH probe for 4 years, so YMMV
2) I guess that depends on the user. Its really not all that hard.

 

[DaveMorris]

There are no plans to make the NET module compatible with the RKL, as posted here and on the DA support site. What they are going to do is allow myReef to talk to the RKL via the USB dongle and that is what is targeted for release by the end of the year.