Lets talk controllers...

[mr.maroonsalty]

Maybe with more an eye towards the baseline models what are they capable of out of the box, and what needs to be added for realistic functioning, ie using it as a timer, pH monitor or controller, temp controller, wave maker, does it connect to a pc or mac, does it require additional software purchase... Also, how upgradable is it, what do you like, and what don't you like about them?

 

[Conesus_Kid]

I'll start!

I have an AC3, which at this point, is somewhat dated technology. I still run the original firmware, but it is rock solid and does everything I want:

-Timers for lights (actinic, MH, fuge)
-Temp controller for heaters/chiller
-Feed timer for skimmer and return pump
-CO2 controller for Calcium reactor
-Failsafes: turn off lights when temp gets too high/low; turn off Ca reactor pump and CO2 if pH gets too low; Send me a text message when temp or pH get out of whack

I'm also able to monitor and control lights, heaters, chiller, Ca reactor from any place that has an internet connection.

For my situation, (visiting the aquarium once per week in the summer), this, along with the web cam, has been the best investment I've made in equipment.

Feel free to ask any questions if I missed anything.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I have an ACjr.
Neptune has good customer support / sevice.

 

[Johnny C]

+1 on Neptune Products. What exactly are you looking to control?

 

[redrider911]

I have a neptune ac jr. and like it. It can also record history so you can chart temp ph swings!

 

[frofan]

I have a DA Reefkeeper Elite with the NET module, salinity module, and moonlights. I have been very happy with it. The support is excellent, and they are constantly working on new add ons and software features.

 

[mr.maroonsalty]

Right now I'm just familiarizing myself with them; there are many controllers on the market now with most manufactures having a few catalog pages of monitors and add ons, and a few look like their price tag can really add up simply adding a bell or two.

The acjr has been around for bit, and it seems an out of box great buy for a solid temp and pH controller that can also turn p.h.'s on and off; it doesn't look Mac friendly.

 

[daveml]

I have an AC jr and have no complaints. I have it hooked up to my netbook at home and can access it through my droid when I'm traveling. I use aquanotes to view the temp and PH but there is a program made by someone on RC to actually be able to change the controller settings through the internet.

 

[oldimpala]

Well...

I own an Aquatronica on one system, an Apex in a box (New system), and an original ReefKeeper.

I've had really a great experience with the AQT; stable, fairly intuitive, it just seems to have been left by the wayside by it's original designers. Not anything bad, just not a lot developing new for it. I wanted I could control from my Android phone.

The APEX does that, but at a cost. I think Neptune's programming language is powerful, but bulky. The ability to add aftermarket open/closed switches to generate scenarios (Like float, water sensor, etc) gives you piles of flexibility, but no framework. It has some nice features, like the web-server built in, and a beautiful display. Multiple dsiplay options will be nice, if I ever drop the coin for the second unit near my sump in the basement.

Adding modules (PM2, PM1, Breakout boxes) gets pricey quick. I'm well into the 4-figure range, and need to spend more. It's a great tool, but it's got a steep learning curve, and cost curve. With that in mind, though, Curt and the Neptune forums are top-notch, and there's piles of user advice out there for free.

My ReefKeeper (And my buddy's RKE) are great units. Bulletproof, easy to program, reliable, but limited in their scope versus a Neptune or AQT.

My first question is, what do you want/need it to do? If it's basic stuff, go Reefkeeper. If you need all the stuff in the Apex, do it, just be prepared to work with it for a while (Why mine is still in a box; once I have a free saturday to program it, it'll come online...)

Just my $.02... If I can be of help, feel free to ask...

-Andy