WTB Controller

[dwhanc00]

Looking for either a reefkeeper 2 or an aquacontroller jr. Anyone with connections to a retailer or a nice used one would be appreciated! Would consider the AC3 if the price is right. Need the temp and PH probe and at least a DC8.

Comments on the pros and cons of each would also be beneficial! I have heard the AC Jr and 3 have temperature gauge issues, but other say it is because it was time to replace. Any experience with either, or recommendations for another model? Budget is around $300.

 

[Spiderwoman]

The AC temp probe issue was a past issue where I think wrong ones were shipped out by mistake. AC Jr and AC 3 both have their own temp probes and when you place an order for replacement, you have to note which controller you have.
We run both, Jr in 75g reef and the 3 in 150g reef.

I believe you can get the complete new Jr for under $300 and then you get the warranty.

For example straight from Neptune Systems, Jr costs $265.90 + shipping

AquaController Jr: $132.95
Select Probe(s): Std pH Probe (+ $40.95)
Select Accessories: DC8 (+ $92.00)
Total: $265.90

That includes:
AquaController Jr Base Unit & Temperature Probe- Backlight, Serial Port, the additional ph probe and DC8

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

I find the RK2 to be easier to use hands own. I like them all, but the RK2 sold me. I previously owned 2 AKJR.

Sorry though no connection to get a better deal.

 

[dwhanc00]

Thanks for both your responses! I have heard the reefkeeper is easier to use. I am leaning towards the Jr because you can run a Tunze on it. I do like the thought of "ease of use", however. I cannot tell much difference in the functionality, anything glaring i might be missing?

 

[JuniorMC8704]

hold off until the new Reefkeeper Lite comes out....its due any time now...

they are supposed to be awesome, and very affordable.


Its a mini RKE and starts well under 300.

 

[dwhanc00]

Spider,

Did you do your build on SWF .com? What do you run on your Jr?

 

[Spiderwoman]

Spider,

Did you do your build on SWF .com? What do you run on your Jr?

Yep It's there under Spidey's 75g build (or reef).
We run a 75g reef on the Jr controller and I have left and right MH light, actinics, moonlight, heater, refugium light and 2 powerheads hooked into the controller.

I think the controller is very easy to use and the amount of users is lot larger than users of RK. For example majority of our reef club members use an AquaController. It's very easy to ask a question when you have a problem with it and someone will know what to do.

Programming it is easy as well, just as long as you familiarize yourself with the manual, you should not have any problems.

This is what I'm currently watching...
- start/end time for all lights
- turning heater on/off
- turning MH lights off if the temp in the tank goes above 82 F

If you don't need the networking aspect of the controller, then Jr should be good as gold for you. I have the larger tank hooked into our home network and it emails me if something goes out of whack.

 

[dwhanc00]

Thanks, I think I am going to go with the ACjr. That is pretty much what I wanted to run for our 120. Any benefit in getting the lab grade PH vs. the std? Is the only difference the level of accuracy?