Reefkeeper (I or II) vs. Aquacontroller (JR. or III)

[hansnfrans]

I would like to hear your experiences (pros/cons) on both or either of these brands of controllers. I am almost in the market for one of these controllers and would like to hear real-life experiences instead of the opinion of the company that's trying to shove their product down my throat.

To be honest, I was going to get the RKII instead of the Aquacontroller b/c it has a sleeker user interface. Now I am tempted by the Aquacontroller's ability to text you when there's a problem.

To the owners of these controllers: Do you use your controller as much as you originally thought you would? (Was it worth the investment?)

I think a lot of people could benefit from the opinions shared here on this topic. Thank you very much.

 

[hansnfrans]

Also, can either brand of controller notify you when the power goes out?

 

[Douglas LEHMAN]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7819552#post7819552 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hansnfrans
Also, can either brand of controller notify you when the power goes out?

Hello
I have to keep an eye out for the answer to this one.

 

[hansnfrans]

"I have to keep an eye out for the answer to this one."

 

[aiko670]

I'm pretty sure we can all learn from this!

 

[masson]

I was thinking about getting one just for the temperature controller , because dual stage temp controllers are about the same price as a full controller.

 

[mbierzyc]

i have a tank setup in the works and i have an aquacontroller jr. i should have it running by monday, but i've read the instructions (they can also be found at neptune's website) and i don't recall seeing anything about power outage warnings. but the thing sure has some cool features that i look forward to using.

 

[glbtrottr]

I bought an Aquacontroller.
Since I no longer run my fan 24/7 and my thermometer only goes on as needed, I don't worry about "heater malfunction" as the ACjr shuts it off, or turns the fan off. If the fan takes a dump, the lights go off if the tank gets too hot.

Like anything else, yes - it is a single point of failure. But...I'm not traveling as much, and I have a second ACJr. on order just for grins...

Did I mention I'm in the disaster recovery business?

 

[yznhmr]

dont like putting all my eggs in one basket.. seperate controllers... for each process.

 

[MadTownMax]

I've had an octopus in the past and got rid of it due to some electrical interference - I've been looking at both the aquacontroller and the reefkeeper.

I think I'm sold on the aquacontroller Jr. as it has everything that the ReefKeeper II has plus you have more control over the programming - including the moonlight modification (for variable wattage with an incandescent bulb) and the main lighting variation according to natural sunrise/sunset times. I would use the aquacontroller w/ a direct-connect as I have had problems in the past with X-10 interference (the reefkeeper comes with this standard)

Other than that, I would definately set my heaters (and anything else) as close as I could to the setting I really wanted to have a second line of defense to controller failure.

It's true that both of these controllers are about the same price as having a dual-temperature controller and a pH probe - so the rest is just cake - as long as it doesn't malfunction - then everything is on one device - so it can be a blessing or a curse - depends on what you are willing to take your chances on

JMO

 

[hansnfrans]

Thanks for the replies guys. Anyone else?

 

[gotfish8]

I like the AC3 due to the fact that it has email notifications. I had a little kalk overdose issue and the AC3 sent a text message to my phone notifying me. it will do the same for power outages temp rises ect. Just have to have a UPS on your router. JME

 

[hansnfrans]

gotfish8- are you positive that it will notify about power outages? Also, does the AC JR. model have the email/text capabilities? What do you mean by a "UPS on your router"? Thanks.

 

[Teremei]

Reefkeeper 2. For money saving purposes. . Or heck even the reefkeeper 1 if PH probes aren't important to you.

 

[hansnfrans]

gotfish8- ignore the "UPS on the router" part of my question, just figured out whatcha meant.

 

[rickyb]

Since Doug's incident I'm been looking for a controller capable of sending alarms/messages/etc and of course all the other functions available
I came across with Aquatronica, I haven't read all the details and/or pricing, but looks good too. I sent them an email to find the USA distributor.

Here is their page. http://www.aquatronica.com/eng/products/acq001.htm

sorry of throwing this one into the mix, but maybe someone here has some experiences with it.

RickyB

 

[hansnfrans]

rickyb- funny you should mention this controller. I came across an advertisement here on RC for this and immediately entered it into my "Favorites" list so that I could look at it later. Haven't read up on it yet, but please LMK what you find out when they respond to your email.

I really think that this text/email notification thing will be my main concern w/ purchasing an appropriate controller. I am going on a cruise in November and it would really be nice to have the peace-of-mind that this function would provide.

 

[rickyb]

I received an email, they are pointing me to check http://www.aquariumobsessed.com/

You can view the authorized dealers at the bottom link.
Intresting modules available, like the ACQ240, but Doug wouldn't be able to work it.

RickyB

 

[MadTownMax]

If you really want the internet connectivity - check out Premium Aquatic's Lighthouse controller - it was designed with internet accessibility as the base feature -

not sure if this link will work - but:

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...roduct_Code=PA-LHC&Category_Code=othercontrol