Lordhelmet
Active member
I'm looking to get my first controller and have looked that these two. for price they are about the same and i can't see any real stand out feature on each.
what do you guys think.
what do you guys think.
Reefkeeper 2 or AquaController Jr
- Thread starter Lordhelmet
- Start date
Lordhelmet
Active member
nobody has any opinion on this?
drummereef
Team RC
ACjr for me. The best investment I made for the reef besides a tank and water. 
I personally think that Neptune has the more mature and robust product line. RK2 is closing the gap but with the data logging functionality still quite new and more canned interface while it makes it easier to use it does create some limitations ( Such as using more complex Kalk stirring type programs )
Jr. does give you the option of adding a dc4 to use up to 12 devices. RK2 max is 8.
Jr. does give you the option of adding a dc4 to use up to 12 devices. RK2 max is 8.
Lordhelmet
Active member
with a ACJ could i control up to 5 lights with it? i'm looking to have 2 MH and 6 t5 suppliments and want them to come on at different ttimes to simulate the gradual brightening and dimming of the sun.
and what does the DC4 mean?
and what does the DC4 mean?
manderx
New member
yes, you can control up to 12 different devices with the Jr. you will need either a bunch of x-10 modules or a DCx powerstrip. with a DC8 you can do your 5 lights, heater + fans (controlled by current tank temp) and have a spare outlet for something else.
the DC4 is a 4 outlet powerstrip that can accept on/off commands directly (DC = Direct Connect) from the aquacontroller (the 2 connect via a phone-cord). otherwise you have to use x-10 modules which don't always work perfectly. there is also a DC4HD that has heavy duty relays in it for big lights/chiller. and also a DC8 (which is what most people get i believe) that has 8 ports.
i just got a AC3 and love it. being able to hop on any computer and view graphs, manually toggle outlets, and program it from the web browser is just way too cool.
the DC4 is a 4 outlet powerstrip that can accept on/off commands directly (DC = Direct Connect) from the aquacontroller (the 2 connect via a phone-cord). otherwise you have to use x-10 modules which don't always work perfectly. there is also a DC4HD that has heavy duty relays in it for big lights/chiller. and also a DC8 (which is what most people get i believe) that has 8 ports.
i just got a AC3 and love it. being able to hop on any computer and view graphs, manually toggle outlets, and program it from the web browser is just way too cool.
Lordhelmet
Active member
yeah. i want the the AC3 but it's twice the price, we'll see.
I have an old AC pro maybe the other versions of it fixed some of the issues I have with it.
Things I like:
- Being able to use the temp to turn on/off fans, heaters
- Controling the light sequence
- Monitoring on PH and ORP
- Looks cool (laymen allways notice the backlit screen)
Things I dont:
- Having to buy more DC8 controlers every time I add something
- Battery back up is sketchy. Seems like I am always replacing that 9v
- The thing should come with the software to use with a computer
- No good way to mount the thing. Used velcro until it fell off, didn't want to drill into the housing.
- Interface is clunky and requires a ton of clicking back and forth, offering the computer software would resolve this.
- Time on / Time off for lighting is frustrating. If you set up for each light like L1 on @1100 L1 off @2300 and L2 on @ 11:30 / L2 off @ 2330 it freeks out and the lights don't turn on/off correctly. You have to enter in the on/off of lights in the order of the sequence of activation L1 on @ 1100, L2 on @1130....I can't even remember which way works but get to relive it when the power goes out and I forget to replace the 9v.
- Cost to benefit ratio is not really great. Instead of spending the $500+ bucks probably could have DIY with other products for less $$$.
Things I like:
- Being able to use the temp to turn on/off fans, heaters
- Controling the light sequence
- Monitoring on PH and ORP
- Looks cool (laymen allways notice the backlit screen)
Things I dont:
- Having to buy more DC8 controlers every time I add something
- Battery back up is sketchy. Seems like I am always replacing that 9v
- The thing should come with the software to use with a computer
- No good way to mount the thing. Used velcro until it fell off, didn't want to drill into the housing.
- Interface is clunky and requires a ton of clicking back and forth, offering the computer software would resolve this.
- Time on / Time off for lighting is frustrating. If you set up for each light like L1 on @1100 L1 off @2300 and L2 on @ 11:30 / L2 off @ 2330 it freeks out and the lights don't turn on/off correctly. You have to enter in the on/off of lights in the order of the sequence of activation L1 on @ 1100, L2 on @1130....I can't even remember which way works but get to relive it when the power goes out and I forget to replace the 9v.
- Cost to benefit ratio is not really great. Instead of spending the $500+ bucks probably could have DIY with other products for less $$$.
crumbletop
New member
Yes, they must have worked out those kinks. None of those are issues with mine.
manderx
New member
they use flash memory in the new ones so it doesn't rely on a 9v to keep memory settings. there is a plug next to power for 'battery' but i have no idea what it does. (i've had mine for about a week now)
there is an aquanotes lite that is a free download. you gotta buy they real thing for some of the more advanced features, but i'm happy enough with web access for now on my 3 that i haven't even looked into either yet.
haven't bothered mounting mine yet, but some friends have the Jrs mounted with velcro without issue. maybe it now comes with a heavier velcro than before.
could not agree more. it really needs a 'back' button so you don't have to scroll around to find the 'exit' from each sub-menu you are buried in. so i pretty much do everything through the web interface.
part of what i do for a living is write PDA software, so once i get a chance i plan on writing something that runs on an old PDA that i can leave plugged in next to mine and use it's bigger pretty touch-screen for everything i need it to, plus show real-time graphs. keeping a laptop next to the tank and accessing it via a web browser is probably a little clunky and cumbersome for long term use.
that is either fixed or i have not come across it yet. you might check to see if there is a firmware update for yours to fix any bugs.
five.five-six
Well-known member
yep, requires a little programming skill, I had one of the original neptunes 8 years ago. use aquanotes, it is very ez and the logging feature graphs real nice... it is kind of cool. IIRC you can still use x-10 with it, I used to have it turn on my 220 volt window air conditioner if the temp went too high. it is incredibly flexible I just ordered a jr, the orp, 02, and conductivity would be nice but not worth the extra $$$ to me
I'll throw in one vote for the RK2 since everybody else is plugging the AC Jr. Everybody's comments above regarding the AC Jr is correct and I'm not denying the flexibility of the AC Jr. I bought the RK2 because the interface is sleeker and the display mounts well and cleanly. The display also looks cooler. 
Since this display is sitting in my living room, esthetics was very important to me.
Spleen
Since this display is sitting in my living room, esthetics was very important to me.
Spleen
manderx
New member
i am very happy with it and can't imagine running a tank without one even though i just got it and have barely sratched the surface of it's capabilities. i considered the jr of course, but really wanted the ethernet connection and am very glad i went with the 3. if i had to order it again i probably would not have gotten the ORP probe.
i lucked out and it was backordered just long enough to get a new one with the new display (purple backlight) that was released a week or so after i placed my order.
five.five-six
Well-known member
errr, I missed the Ethernet option... sounds cool! is it available on the III only, my jr is back ordered.. orp is cool because it makes for more impressive graphs to show your friends.. lol
