What's the best controller?

[john37]

thinking of getting one.
What are your opinions on the Reefkeeper 2, Neptunes, or Aquatronica?
I need a easy to use, and simple yet quality controller.
thanks

 

[Purple Haze]

depends on what features you're desiring in a controller.

All serve a function. How many fucntions do you want?

 

[cmhollis]

I have had an ACIII for about 2 weeks and I absolutely love it. Wouldn't be without one from here on out. Built in ethernet and webserver were an absolute must have for me, and the alarm e-mail function is a nice feature to have as well.

Mike

 

[Entropy]

I would say the ACIII as well. Way out of my price range, but it you want it all in one unit that is it. I have a ReefKeeper and it works pretty well for my application. It is basically a glorified dual stage temp controller in my case.

 

[john37]

what about the AC junior? i think all that computer stuff will just confuse me.

i just need to monitor my ph, temp and control my lights.
it says that it's recommended for use w/icecap ballasts, but i have bluewaves will it be ok?

 

[compulou]

John,

Then for what your looking for look at the Reefkeeper 2. It does everything your looking for plus control PH. Not too bad for the price. I have one on it's way to me now.

 

[scottjj]

controller

controller

aren't the reefkeeper 2 and the ac jr very, very close in functionality ? and very close in price at most on-line places ?

 

[john37]

but doesnt the reefkeeper 2 come w/a DC 8?
they are similar inrice but the reefkeeper2 comes w/a ph probe.
are the lab grade ph probes worth the extra? i dont think the reefkeeper offers a labgrade ph probe. Can i use a neptune labgrade ph probe w/the reefkeeper?

 

[john37]

nvm, the reefkeeper 2 does NOT come w/a ph probe.

 

[scottjj]

correct, the pH probes are an extra $$ for both of them ...

 

[horkn]

i will be running an allen bradley plc for my tank when i get a bigger tank (aka move)

i can get the microlgix1100 for 430 dollars at our cost

 

[cmhollis]

You say all that computer stuff will just confuse you. Sure the ACIII is more than what I really need, but at least I won't have to upgrade for awhile. Plus, it is nice to be able to login from work and check the status of things.

 

[Larry Waughon]

I have a reefkeeper and have been very happy with it. They are easy to use and a very nice product for the money. I think you would be very happy with a reefkeeper 2.

 

[want2reef]

I ordered the the RK2 to control my tank, hopefully it works out fine.

Only paid $240 online.

 

[scottjj]

that is an excellent price, i have not seen it that low ...where did you find it ?

 

[ErikS]

The best controller is the one that does everything you need it to & nothing that you don't.

Finding that one is the challenge

 

[Andy O]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6906882#post6906882 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by john37
what about the AC junior? i think all that computer stuff will just confuse me.

i just need to monitor my ph, temp and control my lights.
it says that it's recommended for use w/icecap ballasts, but i have bluewaves will it be ok?

I have an AC Jr. and love it. You do need to take some time to sit down and read and program the unit. If you run into any problems, Curt at Neptuen Systems is very helpful and responds quickly to questions. I had a million questinos at first about programming my commands and he was very patient and walked me through it.

 

[john37]

i think the reefkeeper 2 looks cooler than the neptune. haha
but seriously, there is a waitlist for the reefkeeper 2 and i think marine depot's package w/the DC8 and jr. is one of the best prices i could find. i also dont have to wait, or pay shipping bc marine depot is local and i can do will call.
So, i'm leaning towards the neptune jr w/DC8.

i do need the DC8 to control lights, and fans right?

 

[cmhollis]

You don't need the DC8, you can just buy x10 modules instead. But if the DC8 is included with the Jr, then I don't see how you can go wrong.

Mike

 

[moonpod]

Depends on what is important to you. If you need a built in server then you have two options--the lighthouse or the ACIII.

If you want rock solid stability and reliability then I would vote IKS as having the best track record, however it is extremely expensive and for remote access you need to dedicate a computer (ACII style)

For a budget, the AC jr is prolly the best "bang" out there, but is relatively limited.

If expandability is important than the Aquatronica.

Other players out there include the ELOS Biotopus (sp?) which is intriguing.

PLCs are prolly the way to go for true tech geeks.