RK2 vs. Aquacontroller Jr

[®eefer]

I am looking to buy a controller and it looks like it's between 2 models for me. The reefkeeper 2 or the aquacontroller jr. For the most part all I am really hoping to achieve is PH control for my reactor and cleaning up my old timers and power strips. The web stuff is "cool" but not a necessity for me. What direction would you go?

 

[crumbletop]

AC Jr. -- more expandable and you have more control over it. It also is less expensive

I just got one. Here is a thread on the same question you are asking:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=797997

If you want pH control of the reactor, I think you'll probably want 2 ph probes. Neither the RK2 or the AC Jr. support 2 probes. You'll have to go with the AC 3 or something like that to get more than one pH probe.


Jack

 

[tycham]

I keep seeing the the Jr is less than the RK2 and that it is the more expandable. Price is very close. If you look at group buy above, the price is $369 with probe, serial option and software. The RK2 is on eBay for $299 with probe. Software is being released (free) and serial is included. There will be a serial connection available that allows using temp probe and serial at the same time for about $8.

Get either for the features you want/need. I equal features to those of a sewing machine. If you use zigzag stitches that feature has has value. If you don't, it doesn't.

 

[robsmith32]

there is a free version of software for the acjr as well.

 

[®eefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7205440#post7205440 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tycham
I keep seeing the the Jr is less than the RK2 and that it is the more expandable. Price is very close. If you look at group buy above, the price is $369 with probe, serial option and software. The RK2 is on eBay for $299 with probe. Software is being released (free) and serial is included. There will be a serial connection available that allows using temp probe and serial at the same time for about $8.

Get either for the features you want/need. I equal features to those of a sewing machine. If you use zigzag stitches that feature has has value. If you don't, it doesn't.

The prices are very similar. For the most part when buying something like this, $20 should not be the sole reason you make your decision. The reason I decided to purchase the ACJr is that is has expandability for up to 12 devices. Yea, it cost an extra $150 if you want to add 4 high amperage outlets, but this is something I will need in the near future. Another huge selling factor for me is this mod Another $75 for the software upgrade (free version does not have web server/email alerts) + about $80 for a modified wireless router and I will have a fully automated system that I can control and monitor from anywhere. Power fails, my temp drops to 76, I can get an email and head home and plug in my heaters into a battery backup before everything dies. I can also add a water sensor...overflow gets clogged, tank overflows a little, pumps shut off, I get an email and I can head home and fix it before things get ugly. PH drops to 7.9, I get an email...you get the picture. Yes, both of these mods will cost me a total of about another $300+, but at least I have the option to do so when I am ready to spend the money. I look at the additional 4 plugs as a cost savings and consolidation of having to buy something else anyway (moon light controller, wave contoller, light timer, etc). The big downside I see to the ACJr is that it only has one PH/ORP port. I have a baby on the way and I dont plan on ever using Ozone in the house, so this was not a factor for me.

 

[Stile2]

Does the AC jr hav the "sure start" feature for MH lighting?

The RK2 does, it has a built in timer when the power goes out so that the MH lights come back on after they cool down.

Keith

 

[®eefer]

Yeah that is cool, I do like that feature. Fortunately, we dont see many power outages here, so it wasnt important enough for me to turn down the extra devices and remote control. It's a give or take. The RK2 looks like a great product too, it all depends on what your needs are.

 

[mattseattle]

Aquacontroller Junior - Curt @ Neptune is an awesome guy! I've had both products and Neptune overall deals with bugs and updates of the firmware faster. The Junior is cheaper for the base unit with the DC-8 especially with the group buy at Reef Stop. The programming language on the Junior also makes it much more versatile than the hard coded RK2. For instance on the Junior you can use Feed mode and have your return pump turn off for 20 minutes, your skimmer for 60 minutes and your powerheads/etc. for 15 minutes. With the RK2 you can only turn off for X amount of minutes and not different time settings for different devices. I hope that made sense. It's just more versatile in my mind.

The 12 outlets are also nice instead of the 8 as you will definitely want more than 8 outlets.

Matt

 

[mattseattle]

Here are some other differences:

Here are the advantages of the Jr over the RK2:

- Can control up to 12 devices. RK2 only controls 8.
- Seasonal lighting variation. Not present on RK2.
- Seasonal temperature variation. Not present on RK2.
- Moon Cycle simulation. Not present on RK2.
- Datalogging of pH and temperature. Not present on RK2.
- Temperature compensation of pH. Not present on RK2.
- Much more flexible configuration on the Jr.
- Jr less expensive $250 vs. $270 for RK2 equivalent configuration.

On the Jr w/ the serial port option these additional features are available (none present on the RK2):
- Computer Interface so that it may be connected to a PC.
- Digital input. (can connect to float switch, water on floor sensor, power fail sensor, etc.)

- With AquaNotes Lite (free)
- datalogs are stored in the database.
- Graph of the datalogs.
- configure controller through PC.

- With the Full version of AquaNotes
- Email alarms.
- Web access of the controller.
- Event logging.

 

[donski]

FWIW I had multiple power outages this last weekend due to the lovely ongoing weathe r here in the Sierras of central CA. My AC jr restarted my halides each time.

 

[mattseattle]

yeah, I've never had an issue with my AC junior restarting my halides.

 

[®eefer]

Yep, you guys are right. I just got my ACJr in the mail yesterday. I tested it out. When there is a power interuption, devices marked as lights have a long pause before restrating....great for Halides. For some reason I did not see this on neptunes website...maybe it's just a hidden feature.

 

[Stile2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7220748#post7220748 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cooltank
When there is a power interuption, devices marked as lights have a long pause before restrating....great for Halides. .

Nice! good to know!

Keith