AquaController vs. ReefKeeper?

[pkmk]

I don't read much about ReefKeeper controllers in this forum. Is that telling me something? The new ReefKeeper Elite has "soft start", for MH, and what seem like some really useful features. Do AquaControllers have these, too?
Thanks, in advance,
Paul

[bluespotjawfish]

I liked my Reefkeeper 2. It ran my MH's just fine. It is easy to program and use.

I like my ACJr better for controlling the fans and heater which manage the temp on my tank. I think the program it has for it does a better job of this than the RK2 can do.

[JoJo]

this should be a good thread

[Woodstock]

I don't know about MH soft start but both my RK2 and Aquacontroller III have soft start for the powerheads.
I would never reef without a controller!!... never, ever

[JoJo]

if you're not using PH and are running T-5 lighting, would it still be worth having a controller?

[jski711]

yes, i run t5's and also powerheads but it make it so easy to shut stuff off, return pump to feed, skimmer when it needs cleaning and stuff like that. i love my rk2. as far as the temp control goes i've never had any problems at all with it. hth.

jake

[JoJo]

thanks Jake. i debating if i need one since i have switches for the outlets that everything plugs into: closed loop pump, return pump, display lights, fuge lights, skimmer, heater, ect.

but i guess once i start buying parameter probes it would be well worth it.

[jski711]

ya that is nice to have switched outlets for everything, im an electrician and i didn't even do that. lol. it is nice to have the digital readout of ph and temp. as far as the ac jr goes i think you can have more probes than the rk2 but don't quote me.

Jake

[JoJo]

i'm looking forward to the parameter readouts instead of testing all the time

[Almondsaz]

I have used the ACjr and currently have the AquaController III with 2-DC8's. If you are just running your lighting and it is only 2 or 3 switches then you can certainly find a cheaper avenue like the COralife timer strip...not so easy to program, but for under $45 it is a lot cheaper. I like the Neptune Systems controllers becuase of their versitility....I hook my ACIII up to the ethernet so it is a cinch to program from my computer and to view the data in graph format. For basic controls I have the ORP, PH and Temp. But I run 3 MH's, 2 PCs, 4 Moonlights, UV Sterilizer and pump, heater, chiller and powerheads all from the controller. The big difference between the jr and the III is the amount of items you can program. With the Jr I hit the limitation on devices to control and with the III they are fairly limitless.

The support, if you need it from Neptune is great...they even helped me when they were all on vacation...couldn't ask for more.

Hope you find this somewhat useful.

[pkmk]

This is an interesting thread! Thanks for straightening me out on the "soft start" issue, Woodstock. Thanks, all, for the info so far.

Is the consensus that it's worth doing the networking to get the most out of the programming?

[Disciple882542]

One thing I noticed about the RK2 is the sure on for mh ballasts. After a power outage, the controller delays starting the mh's to let them cool down and start properly.

Does the AC Jr have this function?