R2 Moonlight Controller

wbdevers · 02/16/2011, 03:25 PM

I had the single R2 Extreme Moonlight but am upgrading to the dual. While searching online I found that R2 has a controller that you program and it follows the moon phase. As such it brightens and dims the lights over a months period. I really like that idea. I found several places that sell it but I also found several that claim it is discontinued. Because of warranty concerns I sent R2 an email asking if the item was still being produced and would they honor a warranty. Well, I have received no reply from them as of yet. I called them and had to leave a message because "no one is here to take your call at this time...". I left a message and it said I would be contacted within 1 business day--that was two days ago.

My questions are these: Does anyone have one of these or have they in the past? Has anyone read/ heard about R2 being in financial trouble? And finally, what are some opinions on purchasing one--should I or shouldn't I? It would only cost about $30 inc s&h so the investment is relatively small.

Thanks in advance.

cubsFAN · 02/16/2011, 06:24 PM

I have read they are not very effective. I use those moonlights, but never bothered with the controller. I hear there is little difference in the lights dimming abilities. If you look around you will find a lot of bad reviews.

lisafoster · 02/16/2011, 06:33 PM

I use just the moonlights and they are not terribly bright to start with. I see no need to dim them.

artman18944 · 02/16/2011, 06:45 PM

i have the controller....it is very problematic...in the auto mode it will dim or brighten the lights and when it works its great...but my unit has been losing its memory every few days and i have to reset everything, its very aggravating. i attempted to contact r2 about it and also no response. it also has a manual and fixed mode...manual mode u can turn it on with a switch....fixed mode u can use the timer feature but u can only use a fixed setting on the leds they will not auto dim or brighten on their own....save ur money and get a reef keeper lite and moon light controller

wbdevers · 02/16/2011, 10:01 PM

I did read some bad reviews, but I actually saw more in favor of the unit--but you just never know who is writing the reviews.

The single I had (sold to a fellow RC'r) was actually very bright in my tank. I'm going to the dual because the center brace/plastic glass top and light support would block a portion of the light. The brace would cause a huge azz shadow over my large leather and some of my Zoa's. Really aggravated me because the color really makes my corals glow. Having been advised against removing the center brace I opted for the dual--it is scheduled to get here Friday.

Artman, thanks for the "true" review. Of the negative reviews I have read, they say almost exactly what you do. It works great when it works and is crap when it doesn't. I'm really curious about the lack of reply though. Hope they aren't going the same road as Ice Cap did. At least they were bought out by a great company.

Can you give me some specifics on the controller you are talking talking about?

Thanks

dukeap · 02/22/2011, 09:39 AM

I also got the dual lights and the controller, the lights are good but the controller sucks its keeps freezing on me like every other day, i would save my money and buy something better, and I have only had mines for less then a month so its not like its been used for a long time but it did work good for about a week actually dimming on auto but them it just froze and it keeps freezing like every other day now

02/16/2011, 03:25 PM	#1
wbdevers Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: MS Gulf Coast Posts: 754	R2 Moonlight Controller I had the single R2 Extreme Moonlight but am upgrading to the dual. While searching online I found that R2 has a controller that you program and it follows the moon phase. As such it brightens and dims the lights over a months period. I really like that idea. I found several places that sell it but I also found several that claim it is discontinued. Because of warranty concerns I sent R2 an email asking if the item was still being produced and would they honor a warranty. Well, I have received no reply from them as of yet. I called them and had to leave a message because "no one is here to take your call at this time...". I left a message and it said I would be contacted within 1 business day--that was two days ago. My questions are these: Does anyone have one of these or have they in the past? Has anyone read/ heard about R2 being in financial trouble? And finally, what are some opinions on purchasing one--should I or shouldn't I? It would only cost about $30 inc s&h so the investment is relatively small. Thanks in advance. __________________ Wes Beatings will continue until morale improves!!! "I've sentenced boys younger than you to the gas chamber. Didn't want to do it. I felt I owed it to them."--Judge Smails Current Tank Info: 125g ML dual corner OF mixed reef, Custom stand and canopy, 40g custom sump, lighting (in flux :( )

02/16/2011, 06:33 PM	#3
lisafoster so much to learn Join Date: May 2010 Location: massachusetts Posts: 621	I use just the moonlights and they are not terribly bright to start with. I see no need to dim them. __________________ 125 mixed reef/ semi aggressive 15 gallon angler nano reef tank 40 breeder reef Current Tank Info: 125 gallon evolving reef/ 15gallon angler nano reef, 40 gallon breeder reef

02/16/2011, 10:01 PM	#5
wbdevers Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: MS Gulf Coast Posts: 754	I did read some bad reviews, but I actually saw more in favor of the unit--but you just never know who is writing the reviews. The single I had (sold to a fellow RC'r) was actually very bright in my tank. I'm going to the dual because the center brace/plastic glass top and light support would block a portion of the light. The brace would cause a huge azz shadow over my large leather and some of my Zoa's. Really aggravated me because the color really makes my corals glow. Having been advised against removing the center brace I opted for the dual--it is scheduled to get here Friday. Artman, thanks for the "true" review. Of the negative reviews I have read, they say almost exactly what you do. It works great when it works and is crap when it doesn't. I'm really curious about the lack of reply though. Hope they aren't going the same road as Ice Cap did. At least they were bought out by a great company. Can you give me some specifics on the controller you are talking talking about? Thanks __________________ Wes Beatings will continue until morale improves!!! "I've sentenced boys younger than you to the gas chamber. Didn't want to do it. I felt I owed it to them."--Judge Smails Current Tank Info: 125g ML dual corner OF mixed reef, Custom stand and canopy, 40g custom sump, lighting (in flux :( )

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02/16/2011, 06:24 PM	#2
cubsFAN Moved On Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: South Lake Tahoe Posts: 1,550	I have read they are not very effective. I use those moonlights, but never bothered with the controller. I hear there is little difference in the lights dimming abilities. If you look around you will find a lot of bad reviews.

02/16/2011, 06:45 PM	#4
artman18944 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Milton, Pa. Posts: 168	i have the controller....it is very problematic...in the auto mode it will dim or brighten the lights and when it works its great...but my unit has been losing its memory every few days and i have to reset everything, its very aggravating. i attempted to contact r2 about it and also no response. it also has a manual and fixed mode...manual mode u can turn it on with a switch....fixed mode u can use the timer feature but u can only use a fixed setting on the leds they will not auto dim or brighten on their own....save ur money and get a reef keeper lite and moon light controller

02/22/2011, 09:39 AM	#6
dukeap Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: orlando, Fl Posts: 89	I also got the dual lights and the controller, the lights are good but the controller sucks its keeps freezing on me like every other day, i would save my money and buy something better, and I have only had mines for less then a month so its not like its been used for a long time but it did work good for about a week actually dimming on auto but them it just froze and it keeps freezing like every other day now