Reefkeeper or Aquacontroller?
- Thread starter cozmo1
- Start date
®eefer
New member
I went with the AC Jr. mainly because I caught it on a group buy and it was cheaper and more versatile than the RK. You can find group buys on the AC Jr pretty often. Another cool thing about the AC Jr is that you can modify a wireless router to give you remote control at about the cheapest price around and without having to have a computer attached to your tank.
And by the way it is very user friendly and plug n play as well.
And by the way it is very user friendly and plug n play as well.
DANNY G2004
Active member
I think Reefgeek has the best price for the combo I got mine from them
Captain Quirk
New member
Curious: just how is it that you can use a wireless router for "remote control"? Not sure - does it have a web interface? That's the one thing about the RK2 I wish it had. They're talking about doing it, but unfortunately, it doesn't use ethernet (BIG mistake IMO). It uses serial...
I like the RK2 - don't get me wrong. But some extra functionality would be really nice (web interface and logging in particular are very attractive to me).
???
glaudds
New member
Digital aquatics just release a firmware upgrade for download. Additional upgrades are supposedly in the works.
http://www.digitalaquatics.com/firmware.html
®eefer
New member
The AC Jr uses serial as well but the key is datalogging capability combined with the AquaNotes software which allows a webserver interface. You solder a DB9 connection into a linksys router, plug it into the AC Jr, then tunnel rs232 over telnet. Anyone can do this mod by following the info in this thread.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=799900&perpage=25&pagenumber=1
Here's another list of pros/cons regarding AC Jr vs. RK2
- Expandable to 12 devices. RK2 limited to 8 max.
- Datalogging on Jr. Not present on RK2
- Seasonal lighting schedule on Jr. Not present on RK2.
- Seasonal temperature variation on Jr. Not present on RK2.
- Lunar cycle simulation.
- Computer port and free windows Software for datalogging on Jr. Not present/implemented on RK2.
- 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.
Captain Quirk
New member
I know. I have the RK2 and have downloaded the update. I asked about the data logging and also whether or not it would be over ethernet. Data logging is in the works. As for ethernet? Well, it's not. It's over serial. Why they don't use ethernet and save us all the trouble of making adapters and such is beyond me. Perhaps I'm missing something and it's not a big deal anyway, but AFAIC, running an interface via ethernet means it's automatically network-enabled. Perhaps those more familiar with this can speak up, but from what I see so far, this adds up to a hassle.
???
Captain Quirk
New member
Nice summarization. I will add one thing that you did not mention, however:
The RK2 has connections for it's probes/sensors on the power strip. This allows keeping all the wiring hidden. Except, of course, for the CAT5 cable that goes to the controller unit.
That single cable to the controller is very attractive for some of us (as it was for myself).
Although I like the unit very much, having the increased functionality of logging/otherwise interfacing with the unit via a network (IE, doing it via the web from WHEREVER!) has become of great interest to me. I don't know what kind of progress DA will make on the unit and, frankly, I'm not sure how long I'm willing to wait for it.
Also, I might add that AquaNotes is, what, a hundred bucks or so? Once you start looking at those dollars (unit cost w/probe w/software) you're getting to the point where it's worth looking at the aquatronica (or similar).
Great summarization, however. I appreciate it.
Don't be surprised if you see a post for an RK2 for sale here shortly... The jury is still out, but I'm strongly considering it. If the data output via serial is that easy, perhaps I can con someone into writing me an interface for it. I don't know how "good" the aquanotes is, but for over a hundred bucks, it oughta feed the fish, too.
Bruce
Captain Quirk
New member
Okay, I'll throw another one out here, then.
How about going up to the ACIII or ACIII Pro? The difference between the III and JR (cost wise) is close enough to consider. But is the added functionality enough of a difference to really consider? And AFAIC the Pro is just... Astronomically priced.
With a PH probe you could have a channel control PH via whatever method. Not sure how ORP fits in with all this (sorry, although I've been "doing this" for years I've had little involvement or knowledge of the more intricate subtleties of keeping a "reef").
Discuss.
How about going up to the ACIII or ACIII Pro? The difference between the III and JR (cost wise) is close enough to consider. But is the added functionality enough of a difference to really consider? And AFAIC the Pro is just... Astronomically priced.
With a PH probe you could have a channel control PH via whatever method. Not sure how ORP fits in with all this (sorry, although I've been "doing this" for years I've had little involvement or knowledge of the more intricate subtleties of keeping a "reef").
Discuss.
®eefer
New member
Main differences that the ACIII has that I cared about is two probe ports instead of one so you can have either two PH probes or one PH and and ORP to control ozone. And the ethernet port with built in webserver, telnet and email is pretty nice. The few hundred more for me was too much to want those options and I knew I could upgrade to internet control later for cheaper.
RobbyG
Active member
Before you spend your money I suggest you do a Paper comparison between the AC jr the ReefKeeper and the Aquatronica. If money is tight then I guess the Aquatronica is out, but if your looking for features and expandability and you have $600+ to spend then the Aquatronica offers a lot more.
stockham2121
New member
AC jr. It took me a while to figure out the programing but once I did, WOW.
I would also argue that if you compare the after tax and shiping rate you will find www.marinedepot.com to be cheaper than ReefGeek.com
I would also argue that if you compare the after tax and shiping rate you will find www.marinedepot.com to be cheaper than ReefGeek.com
