Reefkeeper2 vs. AquaController vs. Aquatronica

[mclc26]

I just bought a 70 gal Oceanic reef ready tank with a 250w MH 2X 65 Actinics and an Urchin skimmer, a Mag 7 return, 3 Maxijet 1200's for flow. I am looking to get a good RELIABLE controller for the system to be a wavemaker, control lighting cycles, temperature as I may need to add a chiller, and I would also like to go with an auto topoff/doser. I've been tyring to read up on either of these units , but can still not make a decision. I don't mind spending the $ as I'm sure I will be getting a bigger tank in the future that I would move it to. For dosing I was thinking of going with the Litermeter 3 unless any of these controllers have a module that will do the trick. Any thoughts, help, would be greatly appreciated in making my decision.

Thanks in advance...

[Shekki]

I recently set up a 75 gallon and used the Reefkeeper 2. It's VERY easy to set up and has been 100% reliable. You may want to consider adding a few extra outlets-the eight don't go nearly as far as you'd think. I ended up sharing a few outlets for things that run at the same time.

Robb

[crumbletop]

RK 2 looks nice but is not expandable. Since you want future expandability, I think that one is off the list. I also don't think the RK2 has a digital input that would allow you to use it for topoff (input from a float switch).

The AquaController line is expandable and upgradable. The power strips that the AC line uses can be run by all the control units from the AC Jr. to the AC III Pro. The AC Jr. is the model that competes with the RK2. The AC Jr. is more expandable, has a digital input (if you get the serial port option), is more customizable, and costs a little less. It isn't as cool looking as the RK2, but is more functional. As you move up the AC line, you get more functionality and more expandability.

All I know about the Aquatronica is what I have heard. I don't think it has a web interface (one is apparently promised), and the customer support/feature set has been more of the "promised" variety vs actual functionality. I have read several reports of Aquatronica users switching to other controllers. I think they work well for what they do, so if it already does what you want then I think you are good to go. I think the rub was with people who bought based on future expectations which went unfulfilled.

There is some other high-end controller vendor that I think Moonpod either owns or knows about. When I read about it I thought it looked great. You might PM him and see if he can point you to info on it. I can't remember the name off the top of my head.

I use an AquaController Jr. with DC8 and DC4HD power strips and like it quite a bit.

[geckofrog]

get the ACII and then you can see your tank stats online and control all your pumps, etc. super cool!

[oldimpala]

Well.. I run an Aquatronica; and my only beef to date is that they didn't have Web/Ethernet addressability.
But, that's changing.... They're shipping those units as we speak, to Betas, and will be inproduction by 9/30. Even if they're off a month or two, I'd wait...

The DC units, again, much like the previous poster, I'm dealing with a friend here, were prone to fuse failure, or fires. I can't use X-10 modules in my tank room, without wiring a bridge adapter, and they're subject to line noise, so, I was a little turned off by the AC Jr. Again, I believe they have corrected some, or all of the DC4/DC8 unit problems, but I wasn't game to be doing testing... Check up on X-10 Technology before you go that route.

The RK's are good pieces, but have limited functionality. And that can be fine.... The RK2 has a PH probe, Timer, and Temp controller, for a lot of people that's all they need. My RK-1 was great, it was just really, really limited. And it forgot the time whenever I lost power, just an inconvenience, honestly.

The Aquatronica, which I own now, is in it's infancy. That's good, and bad. I've flashed firmware on mine 3 or 4 times. Again, good and bad. Good that they're fixing bugs, bad that the bugs are there. There are a lot of plug-in modules, controls, etc. available, and a lot more that were on display @ Interzoo, and a lot more in discussion. There is a lot out there, and a lot promised. But, downside is, they're expensive, have not-so-hot Italian translated manuals, and some people, especially early on, had some issues. I can only think of one with lingering issues.... And he doesn't even own it anymore....

Check out the sponsor threads here, PA carries the AC Jr line, I think. Aquarium Obsessed is the North America dealer for the Aquatronica, and Digital Aquatics is a sponsor. See what the users are talking/complaining about/praising about each one, then decide....

A controller is a pretty personal thing; what works for you won't always work for me, I love my Aquatronica, and I loved my ReefKeeper, I just grew out of the Reefkeeper's abilities. For now, even with the large in-wall I'm pondering, I think the Aquatronica will hold me... Just figure out what you want/need it to do, and go from there...

-Andy/Oldimpala

[crumbletop]

Just to clarify, the power strips for the AC line don't use X-10. There were/are problems in general with X10 and interference causing problems. I also understand that in the past there was a recall on one of the strips because of a grounding issue. The current power strips are all rock solid, as far as I know. The AC units can still do X-10 if you want, but I think they don't recommend it for new customers. I don't use X-10 -- just the power strips...

[moonpod]

RK2 is very simple and reliable, but not expandable. Nonetheless pretty good bang for the buck.

The Aquatronica's strong suit is expandability. That may or may not matter to you, but it nonetheless has this feature.

The ACjr is very comparable to the RK2, but has a bit more expandability and flexibility, than the RK2. To ME (not necessarily others), the downside of the AC line is the x10 or DC box dependance. Those were both very unreliable for ME. The DC boxes were not problematic b/c of "grounding issues". Basically anything that represented any significant electrical load (think heaters, chillers lights) popped the fuses on the things constantly for me. Including the so called HD DC units. That however was just my experience. Others have had happier experiences with them. Also I had problems with needing to set the clock constantly--there's this correction thing you can input in but I find that annoying--none of the other units require this.

For a twist on things, the premium aquatics lighthouse is a very restrictive unit, but it has a web server built in.

I'm using the IKS, which I consider to be the most "mature" of the units, albeit it does not offer a built in web server either. You need to connect to a PC and then remotely access the PC--there it is one upped by the ACIIIpro. It however has been dead reliable, offers flexibility in terms of what probes you want to use, but is pricey.