Controllers worth it for 75 reef no reactor? - Page 2

saltwater4life1 · 04/08/2009, 05:21 PM

Idk about the Topic starter but the only thing i don't like about the RKL is it can't access the internet and thats one thing i would like having... I'm thinking of getting the AC3 does so much for like 50 bucks more

malawinovice · 04/08/2009, 06:12 PM

The problem with the RKL is that if you have temp and pH probe, you can only have 12 outlets --- same as Aquacontroler Jr.

If you moniter two tanks temp and pH , you can only have 8 outlets.

yes you can have 16 outlets max, but then you can not moniter pH or control ATO.

Reefer08 · 04/08/2009, 07:37 PM

Its 299 just for the aquacontroller 3 headunit. You still need temp. probe, ph probe, and the DC8 outlets. After you piece together a AC3 your at about 500 bucks. Same price category as the Reef Keeper Elite package. Reef Keeper Elite is only 250 dollars just for the headunit also.

saltwater4life1 · 04/08/2009, 08:47 PM

Oh didn't realise i was looking at just the head unit...
The RKL doesn't have web connection right? only the RKE?

Stephlov · 04/09/2009, 12:40 AM

Hi all,

I have a nano, and while it might seem counter intuitive, a good controller was the best investment I every made. Because of it's small size, (small thermal mass, small molecular capacitance) keeping 12 gallons in good shape can be a real pita, particularly if you travel like I do.

I'm setting up a new tank, and I've got a RK elite, +net package etc. showing up tomorrow to replace my current controller. I'll report back after I've got it set up and running.

Calibrating the controllers in really no big deal, and having everything automated, and online access, email alarms etc, makes keeping my critters healthy much easier.

One word of warning. My current controller is a lighthouse from MCU research. I've been super happy with it, and he uses quotes from a mail of mine in his marketing materials.

When the ac power strip went out I called about a replacement, and was told sorry we don't make that model anymore. I was very politely informed that I was SOL.

Really? hundreds of dollars tied up, the controller head is fine, and my only option it to buy a whole new controller for 599.00? When what I need is a replacement power strip?

Uhm, that would be a no.

I like supporting the little guy, but sometimes it can bite you in the backside. I'd strongly recommend you go with a vendor that has an established record of supporting their products over the long term.

Once you have one you'll wonder why you waited so long to get one, and you're tank will be very stable.

Steve

DaveMorris · 04/09/2009, 11:36 PM

I would look very close at the RKL. You will get more bang for your buck and it is expandable to the RKE if your needs increase beyond that of the RKL. It is also a cleaner looking head unit then the ACjr. Setting it up is much easier too. I have both an ELite and a RKL and they are both rock solid.

02WRXGT30R · 04/10/2009, 06:48 AM

If you have the money I would definitely consider one I have a Profilux which I love it is a awesome controller with a bunch of cutting edge features and it gives me piece of mind especially when im away plus its always fun to have fancy toys

Reefbox · 04/10/2009, 07:19 AM

What controller would you recommend to control/monitor two tanks and be capable of texting a messsage.

02WRXGT30R · 04/10/2009, 07:42 AM

GHL is working on the Profilux 3 there aint a firm release date yet but maybe toward the end of the year and one of the big design factors for the PIII is multi system control and with there new bus system you will be able to run pretty much as many upgrade cards as you want or need! If you buy a PII now when the PIII rolls out you can have the II upgraded to the III

GHL is a sponsor of RC so if you go down to the sponsor section there is alot more info then I can provide I have only had mine for about a month and a half but its great so far

04/08/2009, 05:21 PM	#26
saltwater4life1 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Fort Dix, New Jersey Posts: 933	Idk about the Topic starter but the only thing i don't like about the RKL is it can't access the internet and thats one thing i would like having... I'm thinking of getting the AC3 does so much for like 50 bucks more __________________ ~Nick Avatar is my 1969 Roadrunner, 512ci stroker in the works. 55gal Mixed reef but mostly sps :) 5.5gal Mantis shrimp reef tank Current Tank Info: 55gal mixed reef, Lights: 4x54w T5, Filter: Octopus BH2000 skimmer, Flow: Over 3,000gph

04/08/2009, 08:47 PM	#29
saltwater4life1 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Fort Dix, New Jersey Posts: 933	Oh didn't realise i was looking at just the head unit... The RKL doesn't have web connection right? only the RKE? __________________ ~Nick Avatar is my 1969 Roadrunner, 512ci stroker in the works. 55gal Mixed reef but mostly sps :) 5.5gal Mantis shrimp reef tank Current Tank Info: 55gal mixed reef, Lights: 4x54w T5, Filter: Octopus BH2000 skimmer, Flow: Over 3,000gph

04/09/2009, 12:40 AM	#30
Stephlov Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Bay Area, California, USA Posts: 7	Just do it. Hi all, I have a nano, and while it might seem counter intuitive, a good controller was the best investment I every made. Because of it's small size, (small thermal mass, small molecular capacitance) keeping 12 gallons in good shape can be a real pita, particularly if you travel like I do. I'm setting up a new tank, and I've got a RK elite, +net package etc. showing up tomorrow to replace my current controller. I'll report back after I've got it set up and running. Calibrating the controllers in really no big deal, and having everything automated, and online access, email alarms etc, makes keeping my critters healthy much easier. One word of warning. My current controller is a lighthouse from MCU research. I've been super happy with it, and he uses quotes from a mail of mine in his marketing materials. When the ac power strip went out I called about a replacement, and was told sorry we don't make that model anymore. I was very politely informed that I was SOL. Really? hundreds of dollars tied up, the controller head is fine, and my only option it to buy a whole new controller for 599.00? When what I need is a replacement power strip? Uhm, that would be a no. I like supporting the little guy, but sometimes it can bite you in the backside. I'd strongly recommend you go with a vendor that has an established record of supporting their products over the long term. Once you have one you'll wonder why you waited so long to get one, and you're tank will be very stable. Steve __________________ How can so little protien cost so much money? Current Tank Info: Modified JBJ28 HQ1 + all the toys Last edited by Stephlov; 04/09/2009 at 12:47 AM.

04/09/2009, 11:36 PM	#31
DaveMorris VP, SDMAS Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sunny San Diego, CA Posts: 1,309	I would look very close at the RKL. You will get more bang for your buck and it is expandable to the RKE if your needs increase beyond that of the RKL. It is also a cleaner looking head unit then the ACjr. Setting it up is much easier too. I have both an ELite and a RKL and they are both rock solid. __________________ Dave My 130g tank: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2387989 Current Tank Info: 130g build in progress

04/10/2009, 07:19 AM	#33
Reefbox Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Butler, PA Posts: 1,045	What controller would you recommend to control/monitor two tanks and be capable of texting a messsage. __________________ Jason

04/08/2009, 06:12 PM	#27
malawinovice Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 677	The problem with the RKL is that if you have temp and pH probe, you can only have 12 outlets --- same as Aquacontroler Jr. If you moniter two tanks temp and pH , you can only have 8 outlets. yes you can have 16 outlets max, but then you can not moniter pH or control ATO.

04/08/2009, 07:37 PM	#28
Reefer08 Moved On Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 2,812	Its 299 just for the aquacontroller 3 headunit. You still need temp. probe, ph probe, and the DC8 outlets. After you piece together a AC3 your at about 500 bucks. Same price category as the Reef Keeper Elite package. Reef Keeper Elite is only 250 dollars just for the headunit also.

04/10/2009, 06:48 AM	#32
02WRXGT30R Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Tenessee Posts: 145	If you have the money I would definitely consider one I have a Profilux which I love it is a awesome controller with a bunch of cutting edge features and it gives me piece of mind especially when im away plus its always fun to have fancy toys

04/10/2009, 07:42 AM	#34
02WRXGT30R Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Tenessee Posts: 145	GHL is working on the Profilux 3 there aint a firm release date yet but maybe toward the end of the year and one of the big design factors for the PIII is multi system control and with there new bus system you will be able to run pretty much as many upgrade cards as you want or need! If you buy a PII now when the PIII rolls out you can have the II upgraded to the III GHL is a sponsor of RC so if you go down to the sponsor section there is alot more info then I can provide I have only had mine for about a month and a half but its great so far