Controllers

Landolakes · 12/03/2006, 07:04 PM

I am not sure what they control. I am looking for something that will control my lights, heater and powerheads. Is there anything that can take the place of a wavemaker and a million timers? Not looking to get a second mortgagae though all suggestions welcome.

crumbletop · 12/03/2006, 07:14 PM

The low end of the controller market is around $300 for a setup (pH probe, temp probe, controller, bank of outlets). The main competitors in the $300 price range are:

1) AC Jr. (Neptune Systems)
2) ReefKeeper2 (Digital Aquatics)
3) Premium Aquatics Lighthouse (Premium Aquatics)

The AC Jr. is the most flexible, expandable, and customizable of the bunch. Here are some of the main points:

AC Jr.
Controls up to 12 channels (8 come with the basic setup)
Complex programming capability (multiple feed timers, multiple conditional statements)
Can connect to your PC so you can view things over the web if you get the serial port option and can be controlled from your pc using the free version of AquaNotes software.
Has a digital input (also if you get the serial port option) that allows you to connect things like a float switch to shut off pumps if the water level in the sump gets too low, or to use it to drive an auto topoff pump.
You can upgrade to a more advanced unit if you ever needed to.

RK2:
Looks cool.
controls 8 channels (max)

Lighthouse:
Plug and play webserver built in. Ethernet built in.
Only controls 4 channels
Will monitor orp in addition to ph

The AC Jr. with serial port, Lighthouse, and RK2 all cost right about the same ($299). I believe they all work pretty well. The AC Jr. has a bit more flexibility and functionality than the others.

dougchambers · 12/03/2006, 08:07 PM

Great summary CT! Being the owner of a Neptune Controller, I can tell you that their service is outstanding. Swing by their hosted forum under the Sponsor area to see what others are doing with their controllers.

Don't get sucked into the "This one looks sexier that that one so its got to be better" discussions. They drive me crazy and at the end of the day, it's about performance, flexibility, and service...

-Doug

12/03/2006, 07:04 PM	#1
Landolakes Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Rochester Posts: 1,200	Controllers I am not sure what they control. I am looking for something that will control my lights, heater and powerheads. Is there anything that can take the place of a wavemaker and a million timers? Not looking to get a second mortgagae though all suggestions welcome.

12/03/2006, 07:14 PM	#2
crumbletop Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 4,718	The low end of the controller market is around $300 for a setup (pH probe, temp probe, controller, bank of outlets). The main competitors in the $300 price range are: 1) AC Jr. (Neptune Systems) 2) ReefKeeper2 (Digital Aquatics) 3) Premium Aquatics Lighthouse (Premium Aquatics) The AC Jr. is the most flexible, expandable, and customizable of the bunch. Here are some of the main points: AC Jr. Controls up to 12 channels (8 come with the basic setup) Complex programming capability (multiple feed timers, multiple conditional statements) Can connect to your PC so you can view things over the web if you get the serial port option and can be controlled from your pc using the free version of AquaNotes software. Has a digital input (also if you get the serial port option) that allows you to connect things like a float switch to shut off pumps if the water level in the sump gets too low, or to use it to drive an auto topoff pump. You can upgrade to a more advanced unit if you ever needed to. RK2: Looks cool. controls 8 channels (max) Lighthouse: Plug and play webserver built in. Ethernet built in. Only controls 4 channels Will monitor orp in addition to ph The AC Jr. with serial port, Lighthouse, and RK2 all cost right about the same ($299). I believe they all work pretty well. The AC Jr. has a bit more flexibility and functionality than the others. __________________ "Misers get up early in the morning; and burglars, I am informed, get up the night before." - GK Chesterton Current Tank Info: 90 gallon AGA RR. 20 gal sump. 6x54W T5. AquaController Jr.

12/03/2006, 08:07 PM	#3
dougchambers Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Idaho Posts: 2,882	Great summary CT! Being the owner of a Neptune Controller, I can tell you that their service is outstanding. Swing by their hosted forum under the Sponsor area to see what others are doing with their controllers. Don't get sucked into the "This one looks sexier that that one so its got to be better" discussions. They drive me crazy and at the end of the day, it's about performance, flexibility, and service... -Doug