Reefkeeper 2 Vs Aqua Controler Jr

fatty23

New member
hi
i was wondering what the difference between the two units i like the look of the reefkeeper 2 and how u can flush mount the unit
thanks
john
 
I have 2 x AC JR I love them, I also had RK and I didn\'t like it much. For the AC Jr, I love the programing so easy, but I haven\'t learn how to connect it to the computer.
 
connecting it to the computer opens up quite a bit of options. First and foremost, it makes programming the controller A LOT easier.
 
I just like the Reefkeeper and will be buying the RK2 for the simplicity of it. I think that the ACjr is great but veers toward inane paranoia that might appeal to those hard(er)core reefers :p
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8403215#post8403215 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PochiePooh
I just like the Reefkeeper and will be buying the RK2 for the simplicity of it. I think that the ACjr is great but veers toward inane paranoia that might appeal to those hard(er)core reefers :p

hehehe :lol: insane paranoia?

Maybe, but for me the real kicker was expandability to 12 devices, datalogging and computer control. Without these you might not be able to control all of your devices and you defiitely will NOT be able to see the history of your tanks parameters unless you log them yourself with the RK2. Best thing about datalogging with the AC Jr. is you can see if your PH is dropping to dangerous levels while you're sleeping.

Here's a list of pros/cons regarding AC Jr vs. RK2

AC Jr's advantages:
- Expandable to 12 devices. RK2 limited to 8 max.
- Datalogging on Jr. Not present on RK2
- Computer port and free windows Software for datalogging on Jr. Not present/implemented on RK2.
- Capability to connect to wireless internet and remote control your tank from anywhere in the world.
- Seasonal lighting schedule on Jr. Not present on RK2.
- Seasonal temperature variation on Jr. Not present on RK2.
- Lunar cycle simulation.
- Switch input on serial port version of Jr. Not present on RK2.
- More flexible configuration on Jr.

The RK2 advantages are:
- LCD display dimming. Not present on Jr.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8405059#post8405059 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ®eefer
hehehe :lol: insane paranoia?

Maybe, but for me the real kicker was expandability to 12 devices, datalogging and computer control. Without these you might not be able to control all of your devices and you defiitely will NOT be able to see the history of your tanks parameters unless you log them yourself with the RK2. Best thing about datalogging with the AC Jr. is you can see if your PH is dropping to dangerous levels while you're sleeping.

Here's a list of pros/cons regarding AC Jr vs. RK2

AC Jr's advantages:
- Expandable to 12 devices. RK2 limited to 8 max.
- Datalogging on Jr. Not present on RK2
- Computer port and free windows Software for datalogging on Jr. Not present/implemented on RK2.
- Capability to connect to wireless internet and remote control your tank from anywhere in the world.
- Seasonal lighting schedule on Jr. Not present on RK2.
- Seasonal temperature variation on Jr. Not present on RK2.
- Lunar cycle simulation.
- Switch input on serial port version of Jr. Not present on RK2.
- More flexible configuration on Jr.

The RK2 advantages are:
- LCD display dimming. Not present on Jr.

Ohhhhh............no lcd dimming............ :rolleyes:

For those who are looking for ascetics, go w/ the RK2.........

For those who want a real controller.............AC Jr

Besides the AC jr's are cheaper anyways..................& real cheap if ya get in on the group buy before Sunday @ noon.................PM me w/ your email address for details!!!!

Steve :D
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8405143#post8405143 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SteveOhh
Ohhhhh............no lcd dimming............ :rolleyes:

Hey!!! It was hard to find exactly what the RK2 had in advantage...dont knock the detailed findings. :lol: :lol: :lol:
 
i just got an ac jr after doing the research between the two myself. agreed that has more capability and that though its definitely programable on the unit itself, using the computer through serial cable is both easy to do and makes configuring much easier.

i think there is a groupbuy up in the sf bay area happening right now on ac jrs. with all the equipment. check out the BAR website on RC..
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8405059#post8405059 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ®eefer
hehehe :lol: insane paranoia?

Maybe, but for me the real kicker was expandability to 12 devices, datalogging and computer control. Without these you might not be able to control all of your devices and you defiitely will NOT be able to see the history of your tanks parameters unless you log them yourself with the RK2. Best thing about datalogging with the AC Jr. is you can see if your PH is dropping to dangerous levels while you're sleeping.

Here's a list of pros/cons regarding AC Jr vs. RK2

AC Jr's advantages:
- Expandable to 12 devices. RK2 limited to 8 max.
- Datalogging on Jr. Not present on RK2
- Computer port and free windows Software for datalogging on Jr. Not present/implemented on RK2.
- Capability to connect to wireless internet and remote control your tank from anywhere in the world.
- Seasonal lighting schedule on Jr. Not present on RK2.
- Seasonal temperature variation on Jr. Not present on RK2.
- Lunar cycle simulation.
- Switch input on serial port version of Jr. Not present on RK2.
- More flexible configuration on Jr.

The RK2 advantages are:
- LCD display dimming. Not present on Jr.

FYI another plus for the RK2 is the wires plugging into the DC8 and not into the unit itself. Just thought I'd throw that in.
 
thats what i like about it so you can flush mount the unit im doing a inwall room divider and i want to flush mount the rk2 in the wall
 
You can flush mount the AC Jr if ya have a little bit of carpentry skills............................although the ability to mount the controller wouldn't be the reason I chose one over the other. I've already added up all the components that I want the controller to control & I'm at 7 already w/o a calcium reactor or chiller. Add just one of these & you're already at the limit of the RK2. With an additional DC-4 on the AC Jr, I'd still have 3 outlets left after the reactor & chiller. Not to mention the data logging. I like the ability of seeing what my tank does while the lights are out.

JMO

Steve :D
 
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