RKE vs Profilux vs ?
- Thread starter Mikeeee
- Start date
builderguy
New member
I'm with you Mike...trying to decide myself.
I'm looking at RKE, Aquatronica, and Profilux.
I eliminated ACIII because it does not have the multi-dependent programming flexibility of the other three...so before everyone starts jumping on me about ACIII it won't do what I want it to do as well as the other three.
My take so far is that the Profilux appears to have the fewest problems...virtually none. It has a programming feature called "programmable logic" that appears to be very nice and flexible. Also it has DALI programming for the new LED lighting system by Aqua Illumination that I really like. It is the most expensive of the ones I'm considering once you add in all the power bars, expansion cards, modules, etc. And support is mostly through the dealers, which worries me a bit.
The Aquatronica is very modular and they have added XY Programming which allows for to input states to affect up to three outputs...it makes the programming quite flexible and powerful. I like that they can control Korallia controllable pumps (a lot cheaper than Tunze). Again though, it's a foreign company so you've got to rely on dealers for support, although it seems to be good it again makes me nervous. Also the powerbars do not have manual controls and indicators on them like the RKE and Profilux have...that's a mark against in my mind.
RKE is the most affordable. They release a new firmware patch yesterday that seems to have solved many of their initial problems from launch (expected when any new product is released) They are an American-based company and their support seems to be excellent. Combining their "Alarms", "Multi-timers", and control functions creates a flexible and powerful programming environment. The unit is very modular in design allowing for a high degree of expansion. They are very reasonably priced for what you get and they are releasing several new modules soon including an Advanced Lighting Control module for Aqua Illumination LEDs and moonlighting
That all being said I can't quite decide...
I like Profilux because of the apparent "problem free" product and the Progammable Logic
I like Reefkeeper's modular design, the greater expandibility (max # of modules, etc.) the way the powerbars work, and the price
I like Aquatronica because it seems to fall somewhere between them...more reliable than the RKE...so far anyway....and cheaper than the profilux.
I'm looking at RKE, Aquatronica, and Profilux.
I eliminated ACIII because it does not have the multi-dependent programming flexibility of the other three...so before everyone starts jumping on me about ACIII it won't do what I want it to do as well as the other three.
My take so far is that the Profilux appears to have the fewest problems...virtually none. It has a programming feature called "programmable logic" that appears to be very nice and flexible. Also it has DALI programming for the new LED lighting system by Aqua Illumination that I really like. It is the most expensive of the ones I'm considering once you add in all the power bars, expansion cards, modules, etc. And support is mostly through the dealers, which worries me a bit.
The Aquatronica is very modular and they have added XY Programming which allows for to input states to affect up to three outputs...it makes the programming quite flexible and powerful. I like that they can control Korallia controllable pumps (a lot cheaper than Tunze). Again though, it's a foreign company so you've got to rely on dealers for support, although it seems to be good it again makes me nervous. Also the powerbars do not have manual controls and indicators on them like the RKE and Profilux have...that's a mark against in my mind.
RKE is the most affordable. They release a new firmware patch yesterday that seems to have solved many of their initial problems from launch (expected when any new product is released) They are an American-based company and their support seems to be excellent. Combining their "Alarms", "Multi-timers", and control functions creates a flexible and powerful programming environment. The unit is very modular in design allowing for a high degree of expansion. They are very reasonably priced for what you get and they are releasing several new modules soon including an Advanced Lighting Control module for Aqua Illumination LEDs and moonlighting
That all being said I can't quite decide...
I like Profilux because of the apparent "problem free" product and the Progammable Logic
I like Reefkeeper's modular design, the greater expandibility (max # of modules, etc.) the way the powerbars work, and the price
I like Aquatronica because it seems to fall somewhere between them...more reliable than the RKE...so far anyway....and cheaper than the profilux.
I don't really want to hijack the thread, but that statement is not true. The AC3 does have multi-dependent programming, and the complexity of the control is only limited by the number of program statements available. You can create much more complicated control configuration with the AquaController than any other controller. Send me an email clp@neptunesys.com or post what you want to accomplish and I'll show you the required code.
Curt
atvdave
Premium Member
Re: RKE vs Profilux vs ?
It all depends on what you want to do with the controller.
I had the ACjr and never had any complaints other than the temp probes.
I now have the RKE and am very happy with it so far. Yes it is still in the (NEW working out issues with it), but after the last firmware update everything seems to be working fine on my unit.
plus the customer support is top notch, IMO.
However I have never owned the AC3 or the Profilux.
It all depends on what you want to do with the controller.
I had the ACjr and never had any complaints other than the temp probes.
I now have the RKE and am very happy with it so far. Yes it is still in the (NEW working out issues with it), but after the last firmware update everything seems to be working fine on my unit.
plus the customer support is top notch, IMO.
However I have never owned the AC3 or the Profilux.
Mikeeee
New member
Thanks for the replies everyone! now we are getting some where 
. I like the RKE because of the price..its affordable but its still really new..maybe some more people who own one can speak up and tell their likes/disklikes. I have heard only good things about Profilux so far..its quite a bit more expensive though. I have not looked much into ACIII yet or Aquatronica. I am will to spend the extra if its really worth it.. i am sick of buying things twice lol! . Right now i am leaning towards the Profilux but also the RKE.. for its price
. I like the RKE because of the price..its affordable but its still really new..maybe some more people who own one can speak up and tell their likes/disklikes. I have heard only good things about Profilux so far..its quite a bit more expensive though. I have not looked much into ACIII yet or Aquatronica. I am will to spend the extra if its really worth it.. i am sick of buying things twice lol! . Right now i am leaning towards the Profilux but also the RKE.. for its price
Mikeeee
New member
I'd like to be able to control, temperature, PH, Orp, lights. Things id like are safety temp cut off (i think RKE has this) so if my temp ever gets to high it will turn off my lights. Things like this that can possibly save my tank if i am away for a couple days . The RKE looks like it can do most of the things i want but while it is still new i am unsure..
. The RKE looks like it can do most of the things i want but while it is still new i am unsure..
atvdave
Premium Member
If you haven't seen this before, it may be helpful.
Controller Comparison Chart
http://www.aquariumcontrollers.com/aquarium-equipment-comparisons.php
Controller Comparison Chart
http://www.aquariumcontrollers.com/aquarium-equipment-comparisons.php
builderguy
New member
By multi-dependent controls I mean that if X AND Y or X OR Y occur then the controller can act on that.
Curt has rightfully explained that I was wrong about my ACIII description above. The ACIII does have an OUTPUT conditional command structure...ie if an outlet (device) is on you can use that state to program other things to either happen or not...very nice. The AND/OR can be programmed for with multiple lines of code.
I have an ACII and as a former computer geek (I'm a builder now) I like the programming language the controller uses over a strictly menu-based approach of most other controllers.
I'm still intrigued by the RKE...but now I've basically eliminated Profilux and Aquatronica -- I don't think the extra cost is necessarily worth it.
RKE or ACIII....hmmmm
Here's a good question for anyone who travels...can you not only monitor but make changes remotely....that's a big driver for me...and the ACIII can do that out of the box.
Curt has rightfully explained that I was wrong about my ACIII description above. The ACIII does have an OUTPUT conditional command structure...ie if an outlet (device) is on you can use that state to program other things to either happen or not...very nice. The AND/OR can be programmed for with multiple lines of code.
I have an ACII and as a former computer geek (I'm a builder now) I like the programming language the controller uses over a strictly menu-based approach of most other controllers.
I'm still intrigued by the RKE...but now I've basically eliminated Profilux and Aquatronica -- I don't think the extra cost is necessarily worth it.
RKE or ACIII....hmmmm
Here's a good question for anyone who travels...can you not only monitor but make changes remotely....that's a big driver for me...and the ACIII can do that out of the box.
badazztealcobra
New member
I went profilux instead of the RKE and havent looked back since. If you are going to be controlling Tunze products it works flawlessly.... Also saves you from having to shell out the $250+ on a 7095 controller for them....
Has DA announced yet what wavemakers they plan on controlling ??? This and the never ending wait for the RKE to come out sold me on the profilux. It was $109 more than the RKE and came with a 6 outlet bar versus a 4 outlet one. Add in that I wouldnt need a 7095 to control my tunze 6101's and you actually come out ahead with the profilux.
Has DA announced yet what wavemakers they plan on controlling ??? This and the never ending wait for the RKE to come out sold me on the profilux. It was $109 more than the RKE and came with a 6 outlet bar versus a 4 outlet one. Add in that I wouldnt need a 7095 to control my tunze 6101's and you actually come out ahead with the profilux.
builderguy
New member
Actually RKE comes with two 40-outlet bars. Once you start adding modules...ORP, extra PH, extra powerbars...Profilux ends up considerably more.
Comparing apples to apples to get all the components I would want it was roughly $1,000 for RKE and almost $1,900 to do the same thing with Profilux....plus RKE can control a lot more modules and outlets than a Profilux...even if Profilux is likely to be able to control everything a single tank needs.
For me the comparison was RKE more modular and expandable...but the Profilux seems flawlessly dependable...an important consideration considering the investment we all make in our tanks.
Comparing apples to apples to get all the components I would want it was roughly $1,000 for RKE and almost $1,900 to do the same thing with Profilux....plus RKE can control a lot more modules and outlets than a Profilux...even if Profilux is likely to be able to control everything a single tank needs.
For me the comparison was RKE more modular and expandable...but the Profilux seems flawlessly dependable...an important consideration considering the investment we all make in our tanks.
badazztealcobra
New member
Whoops, total brain fart on my part.... Sorry about that.
Profilux still got my vote... One of my best decisions with my tank so far... :thumbsup:
Profilux still got my vote... One of my best decisions with my tank so far... :thumbsup:
builderguy
New member
/....oops typo up there....two 4-outlet (not 40!)
Similar threads
