Reefkeeper II group buy anyone?

[miracles38]

Hey,
I would like to get one of these. If anyone is interested, please let me know right away. Need 5 people. Get $20 off price and free shipping. Not a ton of savings, but if anyone is interested I would like to order and receive before the next meeting. So, let me know right away, 'cause that is not long. I would probably need to order by Monday.
Kim

digitalaquatics.com

 

[funman1]

MSRP about $270 each? Ouch.. $250 after discount.
I would really like one but just can't afford that even with a discount.

 

[miracles38]

Yeah, they are pretty expensive. But, I am trying to go without my chiller and I would like the lights to automatically turn off if the temp gets to a certain point. I think in the long run it will save me lots of money.

 

[Wee-Reef Master]

I'm thinking about it. I'm trying to read more about it and have visited the Digi-Aquatics forum.

 

[funman1]

miracles38,
A cheap way to do this is get a temp controller for heaters for like 30 bucks. When the temp gets to set point it shuts off.

So just set it for like 86 or something and plug your lights in instead of setting it for 80 and connecting a heater...

~Steve~

 

[otterpop510]

hey steve, the temp control for $30 sounds like a great, cheap idea.

just tried to google 'temp controller heater' but didn't find anything for anywhere near $30 (i'm assuming you mean for room type heaters, right?). where would you find one, hd? or even better, do you have a link? also, assuming that controller would have a probe-type thing so temperature measured is the water in the tank, right? thanks.

 

[LanDoctor]

ReefKeeper 2

ReefKeeper 2

Just wanted to give my input on these since I own one of the ReefKeeper 1's and two of the ReefKeeper 2's.
They have been an amazing tool for me. I'm sure any controller could do what I do with it, so I will speak in general terms.
It has offloaded the task of manually turning on/off lights, pumps, skimmer, ATO, etc, or checking the cheap timers to make sure they are still set right. I had problems in the past with "drift" messing up my lighting schedule, and that bugged me.
They have a lot of if/then features that make them MUCH more than just a timer also. If the temp gets to XX then turn the fans on. If the temp continues to rise, at XX also bring the chiller online. If the temp still hasn't stabilized, then at XX temp turn the metal halides off, etc... It has also given me great peace of mind regarding the cheap heater controllers that seem to fail frequently. Just set the temp on the heater a degree or so warmer than desired and control the power to the heater with the temp control of the RK 2, Instant redundancy for a failure prone piece of equipment that everyone has.
I use the standby mode for feeding and can control which pumps I want on or off during that period, and when and in what order they come back on so the skimmer doesn't overflow when brought back online. The oscillation feature works great for my Kalk reactor, and the multi-timer works great for dusk/dawn control of my T5's.

I feel that a controller is one of the most useful time savers you could buy for your tank. Any controller, I just happened to choose the ReefKeeper because of the price, it comes all inclusive, and the remote display without all the probe cords, etc going to it is nicer than the competition. IMHO
Digital Aquatics is also coming out with a firmware update this month that adds a few new features and in Sept will enable the full time connection to a PC for datalogging, etc.
The peace of mind it gives you knowing that there is actually some logic monitoring and controlling your system when you are away, and something more than a .05 cent thermister is one step away from cooking your tank is invaluable. We can actually be gone for the weekend without constantly worrying about the tank.

Just my .02
Thanks,
Donovan

 

[fishnerd]

Kim,

If you get can get 3 more then I will join you in the buy !!!
Thanks again Kim for passing the OM 8-way for me too !!!

Bryan

 

[miracles38]

Only two more people needed!

 

[dannieboiz]

tha't don't seem like a deal to me at all, considering that it does not come with a PH probe, that's about $30-$50 on top of that..

The last GB for the Aqua Controller JR for $290 shipped which includes, everything that's included in the RKII as well as a PH probe. it's a much more programmable unit too.

Both are nice units, I actually like the look of the RKII more due to the blue lights but....... as mentioned above.

 

[miracles38]

The Neptune seems more confusing to me. You need those X-10 wires. The RKII seems easier to use. I already have a pH probe, so . . .if you wanted the RKII and pH probe it would be $297. $7 more. Also, the customer services seems really good for RK. Any other input?

 

[dannieboiz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7921702#post7921702 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by miracles38
The Neptune seems more confusing to me. You need those X-10 wires. The RKII seems easier to use. I already have a pH probe, so . . .if you wanted the RKII and pH probe it would be $297. $7 more. Also, the customer services seems really good for RK. Any other input?

Looks like u have not done your homework.

For the price I mentioned, it comes with the DC8

 

[ub32965]

miracles38 I sent you a pm.

 

[dannieboiz]

who are we getting this from?

 

[miracles38]

It would be digital aquatics. Do you know if the DC8 has plugs specifically for lights like the RKII?

edit: ACJR w/DC8 does not interfere with lights (on neptune website)

 

[dannieboiz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7922105#post7922105 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by miracles38
It would be digital aquatics. Do you know if the DC8 has plugs specifically for lights like the RKII?

edit: ACJR w/DC8 does not interfere with lights (on neptune website)

Comparing the two, both have a total 15A rating, both are 6A rating per socket and both have soft starts which is suitable for pumps and lights.

it's just the matter of bangs for the bucks, preferences and price.

Even with the GB price, after purchasing the PH probe, the ACJR still is a cheaper buy, you'd definitely want the PH probe sooner or later.

Maybe you can talk to DA to see if they'll knock off a few more dollars?

 

[miracles38]

Two more people needed

 

[miracles38]

Looks like only 1 more person needed.

 

[robertloop]

Are you ordering tomorrow Monday? I may be in but I will have to talk it over with the significant other. I would love to clear up the MESS under my tank.

 

[miracles38]

robertloop - If you join in we could order tomorrow. Let me know as soon as you find out
Kim