what kind of reef controller to use???

[watson0720]

well my wife gave me the go ahead to order a reef controller for my tank, so i have been surfing all night comparing. What kind do you use? what are the pros/cons? if you could order another one what would it be. i was gonna buy JeremyGlenn's but it fell through so now my wife feels sorry for me and said to order a new one!!! i shed a little tear!!! so anybody got any suggestions? i really like the new one that digital aquatics has out so i am leaning towards them.

[KyleV]

I love my aqua controller jr. Great price but it did take a little while to get use to the language.

[LoneStar]

This should help you out:
http://www.maast.org/forums/showthread.php?t=36219

Do a lot of research. Find out what you want to monitor and how you want the controller to perform. Also keep in mind the expandablity of the controller. You do not want to be stuck with a unit you will want/need to upgrade in the future.

[watson0720]

hey lonestar when you say expandability what do you mean?

[LoneStar]

hey lonestar when you say expandability what do you mean?

Well you don't want to get one that will be filled up quickly (on probe ports and switchable electrical outlets). Some are limited in the type of probes you can use and the amount of outlets you can run on it. The nicer ones allow you to expand the capabilities by adding different components to it. Some even are coming out with their own types of lights, fans, and ballasts too to make plug and play a lot easier.

[jroescher]

I use ReefKeepers. I have an old RK on my nano, and a RK2 on my 120. I love them.

http://www.digitalaquatics.com/

LoneStar is right about expanding. The 8 sockets on a RK fill up very fast. I have an expansion socket and several power strips connected to mine for multiple pumps on the same schedule.

[caferacermike]

I picked up a RKII for my project. I haven't been able to set it up yet so I can't tell you how well it works. I looked at about 10 units and chose that one based upon it's capabilities and good looks. It's easy to use. You don't have to program it using code and a computer. You can immediately make changes using the keypad. A friend of mine bought a used tank with an Octopus controller, his manual was about the size of a telephone book. He couldn't figure out how to adjust his lighting schedule, it was that complex. Plus I've heard way to many horror stories about the X10 sockets (the wireless relay you plug in before your pump, lights, etc to control them) as almost any stray (TV remote, garage door opener, etc) radio frequency can cause them to mess up. The DC8 is an attached power strip that the frequency travels through and is more reliable.

[LoneStar]

The ReefKeeper II should be a good all around unit. It has the direct connect power strip that is more dependable than X10 units. Plus its in a good price range.

If and when I get my tank up and running, I'm going with the Profilux II controller. A little expensive (ok maybe alot) but it has so many options and accessories built for it, that it will work out better for the long run (for me). But with that being said, not everyone needs a controller like this.

Whichever one you get, it will make your life a lot easier vs running timers, IMO.

[Bill S]

I have an AC II - don't particularly like it.

[ckimble]

I just ordered the RK2, and will let you all know how it goes.

[watson0720]

well after reading, and checking out all the websites i am set on the rk2, it looks like it will do everything i need it to, i wish it had an orp probe but my ozonizer has one so that will cover that. ordering it on the first so i will keep everyone posted on it. oh wait i'm still in kuwait so i will have to get someone to install it for me and tell me how it works!!!

[caferacermike]

Check with John (thedude) at Kingfish, they stock them in ATX and can possibly hook one up for you while you are away.

[watson0720]

i should be ok engwife36 has kinda adopted my tank while i'm gone and i am pretty sure he has one so Brad if your reading this you know the deal!!!!

[watson0720]

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PA-LHC&Category_Code=othercontrol

anybody know anything about this one??? seems like it could be a good runner up!!!

[engwife36]

I'm on it buddy......

[mojo]

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PA-LHC&Category_Code=othercontrol

anybody know anything about this one??? seems like it could be a good runner up!!!

The Lighthouse is a decent controller and is great for the money, for what it does. It is quite limited with respect to expandability, but it serves its primary functions quite well, from what I've read about it. I myself went with an Aquatronica. It just arrived so I can't report a review as of yet.