ReefKeeper

[izzypop]

I am about to order the reefkeeper from DA. This looks perfect for what I want. I don't need those high end controllers using x10 for everything under the sun. I am mainly looking to get rid of my coralife timers for a safer option and there device is specific for MH lighting. Anyone have good or bad on this?

[Krux]

have you thought of the aquacontroller jr by neptune? proven platform would be all i would say, and not too pricey...

[corvica]

I have researched both the ReefKeeper by DigitalAquatics.com and the Aquacontroller Jr. by Neptunesys.com and I would say that the Aquacontroller Jr is a better unit. Recently Neptune introduce a DC8 (direct connect 8) that they sell bundled with the AC Jr. for 249.99. What this means is that you get a a 8 plug powerstrip that connects to the AC JR, you can add 3 more of them for a total of 32 plugs or you can use X10 and the DC8. What sets the AC JR apart from the RK is that the AC Jr. can monitor and control PH as well as do your lights, heaters, chillers, fans, wavemakers etc etc. So for the same price as the RK I feel the AC jr. is a much better buy. It should be noted that the AC Jr.and DC8 are 250, its 40 for a ph probe and 20 for backlit model, but if you already have a PH monitor u can just use that probe and with the refugium lights most of us have I dont think u will need backlit if u mount it under the cabinet. Just my 2 cents, I plan on buying the AC JR in about 3 weeks in preparation for my future calcium reactor.

[izzypop]

Wow that does sounds cool cause I was just going to buy the pinpoint ph monitor as a different unit. I have a hard time trying to figure out all the Aquacontroller packages and I know for sure I don't want x10 but the JR sounds cool. I will check that out for sure because I will need to monitor pH. Thanks corvica

[drock59]

Cormac,
Please expand. "What this means is that you get a a 8 plug powerstrip that connects to the AC JR, you can add 3 more of them for a total of 32 plugs or you can use X10 and the DC8"

I know Jordan was looking into getting a controller and we discussed some options but i reallly dont know anything about them. Could you provide some links and or discussion so we can get educated on this stuff???

[izzypop]

Here is the DC8. No x-10
http://www.neptunesys.com/modules.htm#DC4HD

Although not sure if the DC8 works with the JR because on the website it only mentions the DC4.

Where are you seeing $249 for that bundled package? I can't find it. That is a good deal for that package.

[corvica]

No Prob Drock,

Its fairly simple, you can find out what the manufacture has to say at either www.neptunesys.com or www.digitalaquatics.com for the RK or AC jr. On neptunes first page there is link for the 250 deal for the AC jr. with DC8.

So I started to type a huge paragraph describing all the ways this stuff works but stopped and made these three pictures. I am no expert but to the best of my knowledge this is how these all work.

First off AC Jr with X10 controllers


Next AC Jr with DC8 hardwired controller (what I am planning on using)


Last the Reef Keeper (8 controlled plugs, no expandability and only temp probe)


Just to give you an idea what the AC jr. is capable of I will give you a run down of what I am going to use it for. I will have the AC Jr. with one DC8, PH and temp probes.

Plug 1: PC actinic 1 - on at 0800 off at 1630 (turned off if temp goes above 82)
Plug 2: PC actinic 2 - on at 0830 off at 1700 (turned off if temp goes above 82)
Plug 3: MH 1- on at 0900 off at 1530 (turned off if temp goes above 82)
Plug 4: MH 2- on at 0930 off at 1600 (turned off if temp goes above 82)
Plug 5: Heater - on when tank temp goes below 76 degrees
Plug 6: Light Canopy Fan - on with lights 0800 - 1700
Plug 7: Sump Fan - on when tank temp goes above 78 degrees
Plug 8: CO2 - off when PH falls below set point

If more then 8 plugs are needed to be controlled (no point to plugging 24/7 things like skimmer, closed loop pumps, return pumps etc into the controller) then you can daisy chaing up to 4 of the DC8's (total of 32 hardwired plugs) and then even plug a X10 into the last one and have even more controlling fun. I love the great things this device can do, like turn lights off if a set temp is passed and about a million other things that are just plain awesome. Read up on both and see what you think for your personal needs. For me the AC Jr. provides PH control which is a plus and has expandability the RK just cant compete with. Hope this helps let me know if you have any more questions. I am no expert but thats my 2 cents

-Cormac

[izzypop]

Scrap the reefkeeper and Ill get this instead. thanks corvica. So have you found any online vendors that sell the package deal? The link doesn't work on there site to buy and I haven't found a published $249 package deal on the online vendors sites. I don't really want call and be like "they have the package deal on there web site" and get the "I'll check into and let you know" thing from the vendors.

[izzypop]

FYI
I just contacted an major online vendor and they won't be able to sell that package for another week. Which probably means 2 weeks.

[Illusion]

If you go to Neptunes Site and click on Order.. Then Click on Combos... The Jr is the one lower right corner.. Select it with the DC 8 and it comes out to $ 249.95

https://estore.neptunesys.com/neptun...product=Combos

HTH<
James

[izzypop]

Once again James thanks. I must be blind today. I ordered it with the pH monitor and DC8.

[Illusion]

No prob.. Glad I was able to help..

James