Aquacontroller Jr. vs. Reefkeeper 2

ooja3k · 11/21/2007, 02:51 AM

Anyone have any opinions on these products? Im looking to ask for one of the two for christmas...

Pros/cons?

Thanks in advance!

aninjaatemyshoe · 11/21/2007, 06:24 AM

The ACJr has far more expandability (an additional DC4 unit, Aquasurf, Lunar Simulator, Float Switch, etc.) and the ability to write program scripts greatly increases its functionality. The Reefkeeper II is better for people who aren't comfortable with program scripts and want a fairly easy fairly user-friendly controller. IMO, ACJr is much much better.

biger · 11/21/2007, 06:59 AM

Program scripts? I am also looking at both of these but I don't even know what a program script is much less know how to write one. Do you need to know these things for the ACjr? If so do you think it would b better for someone like me to go with the RK2?

Tokey · 11/21/2007, 07:11 AM

I have a RK2 and it does everything you could want I won't list it all as it is easier just to check out their site you can also hook it up to your computer for updates and best of all its very user friendly. Whats the use of having an expensive piece of equipment if its to hard to use.
(I'm not saying the Aquacontroler is hard to use as I have never had one it is just others opinions )

biger · 11/21/2007, 07:21 AM

Good point Tokey.

dzeadow · 11/21/2007, 08:05 AM

I don't know how to write scripts and I have the AC Jr. It's nice because all the outlets can be configured to all it's different abilities. If you bought the unit w/ the DC8 (8 outlets) you can configure all 8 for lighting, or all 8 for wavemaking powerheads, etc. Right now I have 2 for lights, 2 for powerheads, 1 for heater, and the other 3 are currently unused. If you hook it up to your computer (serial port model must be purchased to do this), you can have the lighting change times with the seasons i.e. longer daylight hours in summer vs. shorter in the winter. I love mine and don't use the computer w/ it hardly ever.

jmait769 · 11/21/2007, 08:07 AM

Agree with aninjaatemyshoe but if you want more comparison info check here at RobbyGâ€™s site: Aquarium Controllers

Jay

oct2274 · 11/21/2007, 10:57 AM

the ac jr definitely has more capabilities then the RK2. It isn't really that hard to program and since they are a sponsor here at reef central you can just go down to their area here on the forums and ask them whatever question you need help with. if you want more capabilities including stuff like email alerts go with the ac jr. Make sure you get the one with the serial port.

11/21/2007, 02:51 AM	#1
ooja3k The Reef Producer Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Costa Mesa Posts: 1,192	Aquacontroller Jr. vs. Reefkeeper 2 Anyone have any opinions on these products? Im looking to ask for one of the two for christmas... Pros/cons? Thanks in advance!

11/21/2007, 06:24 AM	#2
aninjaatemyshoe Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 2,333	The ACJr has far more expandability (an additional DC4 unit, Aquasurf, Lunar Simulator, Float Switch, etc.) and the ability to write program scripts greatly increases its functionality. The Reefkeeper II is better for people who aren't comfortable with program scripts and want a fairly easy fairly user-friendly controller. IMO, ACJr is much much better. __________________ You are not brought upon this world to "get it"

11/21/2007, 06:59 AM	#3
biger Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: colorado Posts: 777	Program scripts? I am also looking at both of these but I don't even know what a program script is much less know how to write one. Do you need to know these things for the ACjr? If so do you think it would b better for someone like me to go with the RK2? __________________ "All that is required for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke Current Tank Info: 180 gal in wall Last edited by biger; 11/21/2007 at 07:19 AM.

11/21/2007, 07:21 AM	#5
biger Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: colorado Posts: 777	Good point Tokey. __________________ "All that is required for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke Current Tank Info: 180 gal in wall

11/21/2007, 08:05 AM	#6
dzeadow Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bozeman, MT Posts: 2,589	I don't know how to write scripts and I have the AC Jr. It's nice because all the outlets can be configured to all it's different abilities. If you bought the unit w/ the DC8 (8 outlets) you can configure all 8 for lighting, or all 8 for wavemaking powerheads, etc. Right now I have 2 for lights, 2 for powerheads, 1 for heater, and the other 3 are currently unused. If you hook it up to your computer (serial port model must be purchased to do this), you can have the lighting change times with the seasons i.e. longer daylight hours in summer vs. shorter in the winter. I love mine and don't use the computer w/ it hardly ever. __________________ - Danny Current Tank Info: Dual 50 Breeder system, 30g custom sump/fuge, MSX200, Tank1-6x24T5 retro, Tank2-4x39T5 retro

11/21/2007, 07:11 AM	#4
Tokey Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 87	I have a RK2 and it does everything you could want I won't list it all as it is easier just to check out their site you can also hook it up to your computer for updates and best of all its very user friendly. Whats the use of having an expensive piece of equipment if its to hard to use. (I'm not saying the Aquacontroler is hard to use as I have never had one it is just others opinions )

11/21/2007, 08:07 AM	#7
jmait769 -CSHFLW Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Las Cruces, NM Posts: 2,685	Agree with aninjaatemyshoe but if you want more comparison info check here at RobbyGâ€™s site: Aquarium Controllers Jay __________________ "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work" - Thomas Alva Edison http://www.reeftronics.net/jay-m/reefcam Current Tank Info: 150 Gallon, Marco Rocks, 8x80W ATI Powermodule, Apex, Super Reef Octopus XP-3000 external

11/21/2007, 10:57 AM	#8
oct2274 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 2,347	the ac jr definitely has more capabilities then the RK2. It isn't really that hard to program and since they are a sponsor here at reef central you can just go down to their area here on the forums and ask them whatever question you need help with. if you want more capabilities including stuff like email alerts go with the ac jr. Make sure you get the one with the serial port.