Reefkeeper 2 vs Aquacontroller 3 Pro

I must thank you all for taking the time to try to explain this stuff to me. Iostream, I just noticed that you are a computer whiz...no wonder you know about this stuff! And your explanation was what I've been looking for. I don't NEED the 3 pro...and it sounds like everyone agrees the 3 is better than the rk2.

Let me ask one more question then, whats the deal with the ACJR? Could I get away with using that??

And Mark...I know all too well where Beaufort SC is. ;) Parris Island was the hottest place I've ever been...and I've been everywhere.
 
What is the word on Biotope? It seems to have more features than similarly priced controllers.

Thanks,
Michael
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12581780#post12581780 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Semper Fi 1959
I must thank you all for taking the time to try to explain this stuff to me. I

Let me ask one more question then, whats the deal with the ACJR? Could I get away with using that??
Click to expand...

Glad to help. The ACJR is a very capable device for many setups. There are a few limitations to keep in mind:

1) a maximum of 12 controllable devices. While this is a fairly high number for the average setup, it is still a hard limit. If you are planning to do things like control pumps for a wavemaker, or control several lighting ballasts (I have 3 + the lunar module). Basically count the devices you want to control (lighting ballasts, heater, pumps, chiller, etc.) Some devices can be combined, like I run my return and skimmer pump on one control because they are either both off for feeding or maintenance, or I have to unplug a pump for maintenance anyway.

2) PC control and monitoring: For the AC JR to have a web server and or email alerts, you must use Aquanotes or similar and keep it constantly connected to a computer via serial cable/USB, not network.

3) The ACJR uses a serial connection for computer instead of network which is a bit less flexible.

Other than the device limit, the AC 2 had similar limitations and my AC 2 is still going (6 years old). It still runs my RSM, the AC 3 was only purchased for an additional tank.
 
Ok well I just went to the neptune site to order AQ3. its $650 before shipping??? am i doing something wrong? the 'base unit' is $300 and then it suggested i 'add on' the following:

Select Probe(s): Lab pH & ORP Probe (+ $142.95)
Select Accessories: DC8 (+ $142.95)
Select Version: AquaNotes 3 (+ $71.25)

so my questions are:

whats the difference between standard and lab grade probes? do i need lab ph and orp probe? I dont even run ozone...and thats only cus i dont know what it does or how to do it. lol do i need an upgrade to DC8? I dont even know what the heck dc8 is, and why are they charging me for notes, doesnt notes come with the unit??

Also, in order to see my tank on my pc, I have to have my desktop set up RIGHT NEXT to the tank??? thats not possible...and I really dont want to run a network cable through my house...

???
 
almost forgot...if i get a controller like the aq3, will i then not need the cool DJ type outlet strips that I saw people using on here?? it would be cool to just turn one thing on or off without having to unplug it.
 
i really do apologize for all of the annoying questions...
but does the darn thing COME WITH probes??? i cant figure this out.

basically if i order the aq3, what ELSE do i have to order to make it run right off the bat?

their site says: The AquaController III base unit contains all the necessary capabilities to monitor and control even the most demanding aquarium setup. All of the features described are present in the base unit; there are no additional software upgrades to buy.

Why do i have a feeling thats not true??
 
whats the difference between notes lite and notes? and now when i go to the link you gave me (premium aquatics) theres ANOTHER option, lol aquanotes 3 & serial cable & isolator. what the heck??

and does the pc have to be RIGHT NEXT to the tank? or else i would have to run network cable through the house right?
 
PLUS, if i wanna see the ph of the water coming out of the CA reactor AND the water in the tank, i need to buy TWO ph probes right off the bat right? NONE are included?
 
ReefKeeper2 is all I needed...

ReefKeeper2 is all I needed...

I had the ReefKeeper2 up and running and fully set up for my nano within 30 minutes.
I liked the ease of setup.
I like taking a quick look at the display and seeing which channels are on and which channels are off.
Reefers with complicated setups may require more functions and programmability but for me no.

Look at a controller the same as you would a computer.
Buy what you need today, and maybe into next week but no further.
The next generation controllers will be half the price with twice the features.


Andreas
 
the good thing about the AC jr. is you can plug it to your computer and program it like that instead of doing it on the controller
 
Okay guys well I JUST bought a RK2 from MarineDepot. I havent even recieved it yet. Should I send it back and get the AC3?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12589488#post12589488 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Semper Fi 1959
i really do apologize for all of the annoying questions...
but does the darn thing COME WITH probes??? i cant figure this out.

basically if i order the aq3, what ELSE do i have to order to make it run right off the bat?

their site says: The AquaController III base unit contains all the necessary capabilities to monitor and control even the most demanding aquarium setup. All of the features described are present in the base unit; there are no additional software upgrades to buy.

Why do i have a feeling thats not true??
Click to expand...

The AC 3 only comes with a temp probe. You would need to purchase the PH probes (and ORP if you care) as well as the DC8 power module to finish it out... Places like Premium Aquatics have a little kit builder that let you choose. Regarding what their site says, the base unit does have all of the capabilities, and there is little advantage to purchasing Aquanotes with the AC 3 or Pro (it can be very useful for the AC Jr or AC2). So there is no additional software to buy. Hardware is a different beast. I would consider a basic setup the AC 3 + DC8 + PH probe. You can expand from there if you want or need. For my AC 3 I run the base unit + PH and ORP probes + DC8 + AquaSurf and the Lunar module, as well as some legacy X-10.
 
iostream says: "For my AC 3 I run the base unit + PH and ORP probes + DC8 + AquaSurf and the Lunar module, as well as some legacy X-10."

Thank you...since i dont know what legacy x-10 is, i guess i dont need it. since i dont truely know what orp is, and dont test for it, i dont need that either. i have no clue what the aquasurf and lunar module are...lol you see where im going. that is all stuff i can add on later i suppose.

i will go with aq3, dc8, notes lite(free) 2 ph probes, temp probe(free) and add on from there.

what is a lunar module and legacy x-10?
 
Aquasurf Controls Tunze controllable pumps (wavemaker)
The lunar module is moonlight LEDs that the AC III will use to simulate a proper lunar cycle. Of course it can use power control on any moonlight LEDs, the only advantage to their lunar module is the ability to dim to simulate moon phase.
Legacy X-10 is a power control protocol. It is less reliable than direct connect, but I have a good bit of it that I had before the AC3 and DC8 were available. Basically X-10 is not used with new aquacontrollers because the DC4 and DC8 are much more reliable.

I think you are starting at the right place:
ac3, dc8, notes lite(free) 2 ph probes, temp probe(free)

That will give you everything you really need, and you can see what you want (if anything) from there.
 
For your needs I would get the RK2. It is much easier to set up and figure out. You will be spending money for features you won't use on your setup if you go with the other brands.
 
I just got a AC jr from www.reefgeek.com, best prices on AC's ive seen yet. Im using it now for temp control, light and pump timing and timing for my dosing pumps. Might add on a Ph probe for a calc reactor later on though.

From what your saying the AC3 is what you want, and you will want to get the following

AC3 base unit
Temp probe(should come with it)
Ph probe( for tank)
Ph phobe(for CA reactor)
DC-8(the controlled outlets)

The X-10 stuff is a wireless way of controlling outlets, but not a very good one. And for the price the DC-8 or DC-4's are a better option. So if you need to control more then 8 outlets just get another DC-8 or DC-4(there is also a high amp version of this for big stuff like chillers and large lights)

The aquanotes is something your giong to have to decide if you want/need. I actually found the unit not that hard to program so I dont think its needed to use a PC. BUT if your going to do some cool stuff like varying the temp/light times based on seasons or the like then it might be easier to program it on a PC first, because thats alot of code to enter manually.
 
if aquasurf controls the tunze streams and i already have a 7095 multicontroller, then i wouldnt need the aquasurf right?

and this lunar thing...i WANT to duplicate seasons/moon cycles etc...and already have 24 led's (12 white, 12 blue) over my tank, will the aq3 not controll these for seasons etc as your lunar module does?

thanks!
 
I have an AC3. I'm guessing that there are not many people who have owned both the AC and RK to get a really good comparison. Anyway, here is how I use mine:

- Controls lights
- Controls pumps and power heads
- Controls fans and heater (based on temp)
- Controls kalk drip (based on pH)
- Controls Ozone (based Orp)
I recently got the break-out box for the AC3 I/O port, and I'm looking at monitor a float switch and maybe a flood detector.

I have my controller connected to a wireless bridge, so I can access it from anywhere. I also have Aquanotes, which is the nicest interface for the AC3 (the built-in web interface is decent). Aquanotes will let you chart all of your readings and devices (not sure if this available in the lite version). This is surprisingly handy when troubleshooting/diagnosing a tank issue.

I have the DC8 and use x10 modules (X10 setup is a little more flexible, but less reliable). Currently neither my orp and pH probes are from neptune. I purchased my pH probe from a lab supply company on Randy's recommendation (gel tip Cole-Parmer) and it's been solid for over a couple of years now. I just purchased a new ORP probe and decided to try a Pinpoint (so far so good).

BTW, my controller has evolved from a simple setup to what it is now and I'm still finding new things that I can add/tweak to keep my tank healthy and/or easier to maintain.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

K
Radion time help. (Long post)
Replies
2
Views
167
kj swans
K
newsalt
Aqua Illumination SOL Blue problem
Replies
2
Views
177
oreo57
oreo57
M
Bulkhead leaking, need advice
Replies
6
Views
1K
wvned
wvned
T
I'm confused...
Replies
12
Views
615
wvned
wvned
FishMann
Heating a 240
Replies
3
Views
105
FishMann
FishMann
Back
Top