ReefKeeper2 or Aquacontroller jr.

mr pink floyd · 12/16/2007, 11:12 PM

which is easier/more reliable/ better i guess.

I want to use it on my 29 to basically make things very easy, and i figure it can help me keep my tank when i go to college more stable.

to me, the RK2 seems like a better all in one package, because dont you need to buy separate plugs for the aquacontroller? something like x-10 devices? or am i mistaken...?

either way, which would you recommend?

thanks,

Mike

mr pink floyd · 12/16/2007, 11:41 PM

also, for those of you who vote, please say why you chose which you did.

thanks

mr pink floyd · 12/17/2007, 01:30 PM

bump

beanoil · 12/17/2007, 09:26 PM

free bump...I'm curious too

atvdave · 12/17/2007, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mr pink floyd

to me, the RK2 seems like a better all in one package, because dont you need to buy separate plugs for the aquacontroller? something like x-10 devices? or am i mistaken...?

I voted for the ACjr only because thats what I have.

The price between the 2 are very close after you add the add-on's for the ACjr.

I have no Idea what the RK2 can do that the ACjr can't. But either one you chose you won't go wrong.

Neptune sales combo pack with the same accessories that the RK2 has for about the same price.

mr pink floyd · 12/17/2007, 11:18 PM

i think im going to go with the RK2. pretty much because i can mount it where i want easier(where wires go), it looks cleaner, and has a more appealing faceplate. very much worth the extra 10-20 on marinedepot.

i would like it if it had audible alarms like the aquacontroller, but oh well. im always checking the tank when im home anyways

MrSandman · 12/17/2007, 11:25 PM

The ACJR can be custom programmed. The RK2 cannot, right? If that is true, then i'd definitely opt for the ACJR for that feature alone. The possibilities are endless when you can tailor the controller for your needs.

heyfredyourhat · 12/17/2007, 11:39 PM

I have the RK2. I got it used from a fellow RC'er. I prefer the aesthetics on the rk2 over the other one. I have it mounted on the outside of my stand so I can always see it while I am watching TV.... Other than that I wish it had more plug ins. And sometimes when I turn off a channel it does not turn off. I need to cycle on/off a few times before it works. Tech support recommended I re-download the newer version from there site. But since I have it nicely mounted and am too lazy I am going to leave it.

heyfredyourhat · 12/17/2007, 11:43 PM

Another thing with the rk2 is programmable channels. My setup has channel 4 and 8 set to run my lights. So on the rk2 I select ch.4 auto, then it asks what for...select lights...then it asks for schedule...

It has them for temperature, sump, skimmer, wavemaker oscillations.... It is actually pretty cool

reef_doug · 12/17/2007, 11:57 PM

If you get the AC Jr, make sure to get the serial port. Better yet the ACIII comes with an ethernet port.

sanababit · 12/18/2007, 01:46 AM

rk2, you cant go wrong

metalmagiccusto · 12/18/2007, 02:08 AM

u cant control the rk2 with a computer can u? i think im getting a acjr for xmas, but dont tell anyone they dont know!! hehehe

NeveSSL · 12/18/2007, 02:21 AM

AC Jr. by far. Many, many more features, mainly because its custom programmable. The RKII is for if you want something basic that will probably work fine.

If you'd like a direct/more in depth comparison, check out aquariumcontrollers.com

Brandon

MADtanks · 12/18/2007, 07:59 AM

wasup pink!? i choose the ACjr. Why bc i have had both yes the RK2 is nicer for sure! but... it lacks the great easy programming language that ACjr has. Trust me down the road you would have wished you got the ACjr. at least i did! actually i wished i would have just bought the ACIII. Trust me bro you may love the looks and the fact that RK2 can be mounted flush on the stand but in the long run the ACjr takes the big prize!!

on another note! Digital Aquatics is coming out with a new RK its called RKE(reef keeper elite) so far from the lil they say it sounds promising. If it contains the programming language the RK2 and 1 missed i will opt for the RK at that point!!!!

good luck with your choice.

goreefer · 12/18/2007, 08:06 AM

I chose the AquaJr because of it's ability to interface with a PC.
I travel a lot and wanted to be able to "see" my tank parameters while I'm away.
I use the free program 'Log Me In' to check out what's going on.
I also believe that the Aqua Jr has more available commands for outlets, up to 12.

MADtanks · 12/18/2007, 08:15 AM

the online feature is cool... but you can also accomplish that with RK2. I still choose ACjr though

simply and mainly bc of the programming ability

rpeeples · 12/18/2007, 10:02 AM

I have the RK2. For the price it performs very nicely and controls what I need it to. I have no experience with the ACjr but I do know when comparing the two price was higher for the ACjr however the RK2 features a majority of the ACjr options.

oct2274 · 12/18/2007, 10:41 AM

the acjr can do quite a bit more then the rk2. if you don't need to do alot and want to keep things extremely simple, your best bet is the rk2. if you want more functionality and expansion capabilities go with the ac jr.

mr pink floyd · 12/18/2007, 03:49 PM

hmmm... im starting to re consider here... thanks for all the helpful responses.

what exactly would make the serial port more worth it? isnt it jus ta wire that goes into a comp?

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...ct~NS1165.html
This is what i would buy if i went the way of the AC jr.

Rich, the fact that you owned both, and still chose the AC jr. says alot. I like the fact that it has audible alarms, and im an idiot on computers, so the easy programming is def. a plus!

Im not sure how much more it can do, but it looks like you guys changed my mind. Im sure i can find a way to mount it and keep it fairly clean looking.

oct2274 · 12/18/2007, 03:56 PM

the serial port is any easy way to upgrade the units firmware. It also allows you to use aquanotes with it and you can even set up the ac jr to send out alerts via email etc......... here is a link to aquanotes.......btw i would strongly recommend getting the serial option

http://www.neptunesys.com/aquaNotes.htm

Kaos · 12/18/2007, 04:05 PM

I've got both the RK1 and ACjr. While the RK1 isn't the same as the RK2 it is similar. I would highly recommend the ACjr. There are just more options w/ the ACjr.

mr pink floyd · 12/18/2007, 04:09 PM

it seems to make life alot easier (from what ive read) so it looks like ill be going with that!

thanks

oct2274 · 12/18/2007, 04:40 PM

btw, you don't have to use x-10 if someone didn't already mention that. A good package would be:

base unit with serial option

dc8 = 8 controlled outlets - you can control a total of 12 with ac jr and can add a dc4 at anytime

temp probe

ph probe - would recommend lab grade, but the regular one works just fine

here is a link to marine depots package - you would just have to add ph probe

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...ct~NS1165.html

I'm not sure that is the cheapest place by the way, just search around. some of the reefcentral sponsors may give members discounts.

mr pink floyd · 12/18/2007, 05:44 PM

i cant do the PH probe yet, not enough money at the time.

but i do plan on getting one soon

sfsuphysics · 12/18/2007, 05:59 PM

So what's the realistic life span of pH probes?

View Poll Results: Which would you recommend?
ReefKeeper 2	16	34.78%
Aquaconroller Jr.	30	65.22%
Voters: 46. You may not vote on this poll

12/16/2007, 11:12 PM	#1
mr pink floyd Moved On Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: west hartford, CT Posts: 3,480	ReefKeeper2 or Aquacontroller jr. which is easier/more reliable/ better i guess. I want to use it on my 29 to basically make things very easy, and i figure it can help me keep my tank when i go to college more stable. to me, the RK2 seems like a better all in one package, because dont you need to buy separate plugs for the aquacontroller? something like x-10 devices? or am i mistaken...? either way, which would you recommend? thanks, Mike

12/17/2007, 11:25 PM	#7
MrSandman Team RC Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: South Bay, So. Cal. Posts: 5,408 Blog Entries: 6	The ACJR can be custom programmed. The RK2 cannot, right? If that is true, then i'd definitely opt for the ACJR for that feature alone. The possibilities are endless when you can tailor the controller for your needs. __________________ June 2001 Tank of the Month. Yes, i said 2001. Current Tank Info: 112G 36"x36"x20" Lee-mar rimless. Build Thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2293182.

12/17/2007, 11:57 PM	#10
reef_doug Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Hesperia/Apple Valley Posts: 3,814	If you get the AC Jr, make sure to get the serial port. Better yet the ACIII comes with an ethernet port. __________________ "If you have more than one tank in your livingroom, you might be a reefneck" Current Tank Info: 180r SoCal Creations, 75g SCC1M Sump, WM EcoBAK, NextReef SMR1, TropicMarin Salt, ACIII, 3x250w HQI Phoenix 14k, 2x140w Super Actinics, ATi BM250, Eheim 1262, Tunze 2x6100+7095, Tunze Osmolator, 6 stage RODI w/ Spectrapure MaxCap

12/18/2007, 01:46 AM	#11
sanababit Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Uranus Posts: 3,094	rk2, you cant go wrong __________________ Senior Member of the "Hardly any Water Changes, Temp Swinging, T5ing, No Qtining, Frag Exchanging for Fish Food Current Tank Info: 90RR inwall, Octopuss Skimmer, 2 MP40 wQD, 1 MP10 WQD, 2 Radions G4 Pro, Apex Doser, Apex Controller, 400w heater, 30 Gal Sump, Biopellets, Carbon, Gfo, Macroalgae

12/16/2007, 11:41 PM	#2
mr pink floyd Moved On Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: west hartford, CT Posts: 3,480	also, for those of you who vote, please say why you chose which you did. thanks

12/17/2007, 01:30 PM	#3
mr pink floyd Moved On Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: west hartford, CT Posts: 3,480	bump

12/17/2007, 09:26 PM	#4
beanoil Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: PA Posts: 336	free bump...I'm curious too

12/17/2007, 11:18 PM	#6
mr pink floyd Moved On Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: west hartford, CT Posts: 3,480	i think im going to go with the RK2. pretty much because i can mount it where i want easier(where wires go), it looks cleaner, and has a more appealing faceplate. very much worth the extra 10-20 on marinedepot. i would like it if it had audible alarms like the aquacontroller, but oh well. im always checking the tank when im home anyways

12/17/2007, 11:39 PM	#8
heyfredyourhat Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: BC Canada Posts: 963	I have the RK2. I got it used from a fellow RC'er. I prefer the aesthetics on the rk2 over the other one. I have it mounted on the outside of my stand so I can always see it while I am watching TV.... Other than that I wish it had more plug ins. And sometimes when I turn off a channel it does not turn off. I need to cycle on/off a few times before it works. Tech support recommended I re-download the newer version from there site. But since I have it nicely mounted and am too lazy I am going to leave it.

12/17/2007, 11:43 PM	#9
heyfredyourhat Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: BC Canada Posts: 963	Another thing with the rk2 is programmable channels. My setup has channel 4 and 8 set to run my lights. So on the rk2 I select ch.4 auto, then it asks what for...select lights...then it asks for schedule... It has them for temperature, sump, skimmer, wavemaker oscillations.... It is actually pretty cool

12/18/2007, 02:08 AM	#12
metalmagiccusto Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: indiana Posts: 50	u cant control the rk2 with a computer can u? i think im getting a acjr for xmas, but dont tell anyone they dont know!! hehehe

12/18/2007, 02:21 AM	#13
NeveSSL Got tubes? Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 6,759	AC Jr. by far. Many, many more features, mainly because its custom programmable. The RKII is for if you want something basic that will probably work fine. If you'd like a direct/more in depth comparison, check out aquariumcontrollers.com Brandon __________________ I am proof that post count is not directly proportional to "reef IQ". Zip Ties = Reef Duck Tape Geek it till it MHz!!! Current Tank Info: 180g Build in Process

12/18/2007, 07:59 AM	#14
MADtanks Stix Anyone? Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: East Coast Posts: 5,392	wasup pink!? i choose the ACjr. Why bc i have had both yes the RK2 is nicer for sure! but... it lacks the great easy programming language that ACjr has. Trust me down the road you would have wished you got the ACjr. at least i did! actually i wished i would have just bought the ACIII. Trust me bro you may love the looks and the fact that RK2 can be mounted flush on the stand but in the long run the ACjr takes the big prize!! on another note! Digital Aquatics is coming out with a new RK its called RKE(reef keeper elite) so far from the lil they say it sounds promising. If it contains the programming language the RK2 and 1 missed i will opt for the RK at that point!!!! good luck with your choice. __________________ M.A.D. 75G(36X24X20 E-Overflow) \| DIY - LED/T5 \| Tunze ATO \| Eheim 1260 \| Reef Keeper.... in progress Current Tank Info: 24X24X20 AIO SPS Dom

12/18/2007, 08:06 AM	#15
goreefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Knoxville, Tennessee Posts: 825	I chose the AquaJr because of it's ability to interface with a PC. I travel a lot and wanted to be able to "see" my tank parameters while I'm away. I use the free program 'Log Me In' to check out what's going on. I also believe that the Aqua Jr has more available commands for outlets, up to 12.

12/18/2007, 08:15 AM	#16
MADtanks Stix Anyone? Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: East Coast Posts: 5,392	the online feature is cool... but you can also accomplish that with RK2. I still choose ACjr though simply and mainly bc of the programming ability __________________ M.A.D. 75G(36X24X20 E-Overflow) \| DIY - LED/T5 \| Tunze ATO \| Eheim 1260 \| Reef Keeper.... in progress Current Tank Info: 24X24X20 AIO SPS Dom

12/18/2007, 10:02 AM	#17
rpeeples Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: NC Posts: 643	I have the RK2. For the price it performs very nicely and controls what I need it to. I have no experience with the ACjr but I do know when comparing the two price was higher for the ACjr however the RK2 features a majority of the ACjr options.

12/18/2007, 10:41 AM	#18
oct2274 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 2,347	the acjr can do quite a bit more then the rk2. if you don't need to do alot and want to keep things extremely simple, your best bet is the rk2. if you want more functionality and expansion capabilities go with the ac jr.

12/18/2007, 03:49 PM	#19
mr pink floyd Moved On Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: west hartford, CT Posts: 3,480	hmmm... im starting to re consider here... thanks for all the helpful responses. what exactly would make the serial port more worth it? isnt it jus ta wire that goes into a comp? http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...ct~NS1165.html This is what i would buy if i went the way of the AC jr. Rich, the fact that you owned both, and still chose the AC jr. says alot. I like the fact that it has audible alarms, and im an idiot on computers, so the easy programming is def. a plus! Im not sure how much more it can do, but it looks like you guys changed my mind. Im sure i can find a way to mount it and keep it fairly clean looking.

12/18/2007, 03:56 PM	#20
oct2274 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 2,347	the serial port is any easy way to upgrade the units firmware. It also allows you to use aquanotes with it and you can even set up the ac jr to send out alerts via email etc......... here is a link to aquanotes.......btw i would strongly recommend getting the serial option http://www.neptunesys.com/aquaNotes.htm

12/18/2007, 04:05 PM	#21
Kaos "Lurker" Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 2,131	I've got both the RK1 and ACjr. While the RK1 isn't the same as the RK2 it is similar. I would highly recommend the ACjr. There are just more options w/ the ACjr. __________________ Ordinary people are the ones scared to be themselves.

12/18/2007, 04:09 PM	#22
mr pink floyd Moved On Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: west hartford, CT Posts: 3,480	it seems to make life alot easier (from what ive read) so it looks like ill be going with that! thanks

12/18/2007, 04:40 PM	#23
oct2274 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 2,347	btw, you don't have to use x-10 if someone didn't already mention that. A good package would be: base unit with serial option dc8 = 8 controlled outlets - you can control a total of 12 with ac jr and can add a dc4 at anytime temp probe ph probe - would recommend lab grade, but the regular one works just fine here is a link to marine depots package - you would just have to add ph probe http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...ct~NS1165.html I'm not sure that is the cheapest place by the way, just search around. some of the reefcentral sponsors may give members discounts.

12/18/2007, 05:44 PM	#24
mr pink floyd Moved On Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: west hartford, CT Posts: 3,480	i cant do the PH probe yet, not enough money at the time. but i do plan on getting one soon

12/18/2007, 05:59 PM	#25
sfsuphysics Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Francisco Posts: 9,103	So what's the realistic life span of pH probes? __________________ Mike