Reefkeeper 2 vs Aquacontroller 3 Pro

[Semper Fi 1959]

I apologize but I just cannot seem to figure all of this out. Is the Reefkeeper 2 better than the Aquacontroller 3 Pro? They differ in price GREATLY and because of this I was just about to purchase the RK2. I figured I'd ask here first though. The AQ3 Pro is $500 with no probes, and it SEEMS that the RK2 comes with everything I'd need and is only $269. So is the RK2 good and worth it? Do I have to order other stuff for it or will it come with everything that the AQ3 Pro does?

Background: I'd like to control my metal halides, T5's, Ca Reactor, Kalk reactor, ATO, return pump, power heads, heater etc etc. I have a pinpoint ph controller so I don't know how all that will work...

 

[shag26272]

Im about to order the aquacontroller Jr., it seems to be better then the RK2, the AC3 definitely is better.

 

[Semper Fi 1959]

The Aquacontroller Jr. is better than the Reefkeeper 2? Right out of the box without buying extra stuff? All I want is to buy a controller without having to figure out which parts I need to order seperate that don't come with the unit. Well, that and not spending $500-$1000 helps too. lol

 

[Eklikewhoa]

The AC3 will control a lot more stuff...but looking at what you are wanting to control the RK2 should be enough and you would still have to buy the pH probe for either units.

 

[Semper Fi 1959]

I'm a reef controller dumbie so...

Why would I have to buy a ph probe? I have a ph controller for the ca reactor...is the device you're talking about different than this?

If I bought the Aquacontroller 3 (not the pro version) what are the biggest differences and what would I need to 'add on' to the AQ3? I see that the backlights are different - 2x16 Backlight for the 3 and 4x20 Backlight for the 3 pro...what the heck does that mean? and 2 digital inputs as opposed to 4...

Im so confused. I just want something to take care of the tank for me. Something to make me feel secure leaving the tank for a few days if i wanted to.

Control:

Ca reactor
kalk reactor
Top off
metal halides - moon cycles etc
tunze pumps/7095 controller
wavebox
external pump
heater

Is there anything i can control that i'm missing??

What do you all control with yours? what is possible? Also, if i buy the AQ3, can i get graphs on my pc and stuff?

 

[Semper Fi 1959]

Marine Depot says that the AQ3 will monitor and control temp? Are you saying it wont do this out of the box?

 

[shag26272]

you can hook 2 PH probes to the AC3, and yes the AC jr. is better then the RK2


http://www.aquariumcontrollers.com/files/controllers.html

 

[Semper Fi 1959]

why do i need 2 ph probes? one for ca reactor and one for tank water??

 

[shag26272]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12578357#post12578357 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Semper Fi 1959
why do i need 2 ph probes? one for ca reactor and one for tank water??

you got it, its not absoultely needed, nice to have though

 

[pex]

The Aqua Controller line has the option of getting the DC4 or DC8 which are really sweet IMO.

 

[Semper Fi 1959]

What's the big difference between AQ3 and AQ3 Pro??

 

[Eklikewhoa]

Well if you already have a controller for the reactor then you could just use the RK2 which comes with just about everything.....the pH probe will be needed so that you could have it control something else while the pH controller controls the reactor.

Just my 0.02 since you have existing equipment already and considering a budget....but if not then I would splurge on the latest and greatest!

Also consider the Reefkeeper Elite that will be coming out soon.

 

[shag26272]

well the AC jr is cheaper then the RK2 and has more features

 

[Iostream]

The differecnce between the AC Jr. AC 3 and AC Pro is detailed on This Page

 

[Semper Fi 1959]

Iostream: your information is greatly appreciated...but since I've never owned a controller, it might as well be in hyrogliphics.

I've been looking at

http://www.aquariumcontrollers.com/files/controllers.html

all day long trying to figure this out. Maybe it's my ignorance but the AQ3 and AQ3 pro look an awful lot alike. What is the big deal about the amount of 'digital inputs'? And what is the backlight 2x16 or 4x20 all about?

I'm more confused now than when I started looking. lol Maybe I'll just continue doing all of this myself. who knows.

I guess when thinking about it, I have a 7095 controller so a reef controller won't help me there...I have the PH controller by Pinpoint for the CA reactor...

What do you all use a reef controller for? Also, does the AQ JR and AQ 3 come standard with aquanotes?

 

[shag26272]

yes the software is free for all of them , at least thats what I understand

 

[nattydread]

AC jr3.

my rk2, and most made around that time were defective. instead of a recall, they had some offer where you sen dit back with a deposit etc... etc.. whose has the time for that crap.

 

[Mark426]

RK2 vs. AC III...there is no comparision. The RK2 is like a toy compared to the III

 

[Iostream]

The difference between the AC III and the AC III Pro is basically that the AC III Pro:

- will support conductivity and Dissolved Oxygen probes (which cost about as much as the Pro itself)
- supports 40 controlled devices vs 24 even with 3 light ballasts and a slew of other equipment I am nowhere near 24 devices)
- Supports twice as many digital inputs (things like float switches and such wired to these types of inputs are supported)
- Has a larger display

Basically if you don't know why you need the Pro vs. the standard AC III, then you certainly don't need it. Pro allows you to control multiple tanks easier or do some rather specialized monitoring, but you know if you need those things.

 

[pjr300]

The AquaNotes software costs $75... the Lite version is free. The full version can pull reports and provides a PC interface for programming the AC 3.

The other huge advantage is the built-in web server capability of the AC3, which allows web access and the ability to send e-mail alerts (ex: temp suddenly is too high or Ph jumps). The RK2 can do this, but it must be wired to a PC and its software must be started and running.