Controllers...

[kkiel02]

I was hoping some of y'all that have been using them could chime in. I'm looking at the reefkeeper lite level 3 as it does most of what I want and is cheaper than buying everything seperate but before doing so I was wondering what you thought of them. I'm looking to monitor ,if possible, ph, kh, salinity and temp. Are they easy to use? Also looked at the aquacontroller but I was leaning towards the reefkeeper.

[ACE]

I use a ReefKeeper(RKE), and love it. Much better than using multiple timers. Mine controls everything, ATO, Calcium Reactor, Lighting, etc. Very good investment IMHO.

-I didn't know the new salinity module was compatible with the Lite though?

[kkiel02]

Yeah I haven't looked too much into the probes but had thought I had read that somewhere. If not it's not a biggie. I'm not sure if they do kh either but it would be nice. So you are happy with the elites performance?

[ErikH]

I would go for the profilux controller. It is wicked, and the add-ons blow the competition away.

In the long run, some of the things you could change or add would be integrating a dimmer ballast for your T5s and purchasing the strobe and LED light. With those, you can simulate color changes via the dimmer throughout the day, and with the other two you can create storms, with lightning flashes coming from the strobes. TOO COOL.

The starting price is 499 I believe, but the last time I looked was along time ago. They are just wicked sick.

[ErikH]

5L9s-wfjleA

[tcinaustin]

I 2nd ACE's comment. I really like my RKE. The only downside is Digital Aquatics (DA) has been a little slow on releasing modules. Other than that I have nothing but positives for the RK product line and DA customer service.

According to the website, the SL2 is compatible with the RKL.

[jc]

+1 on the Reefkeeper Elite.

[wesheltonj]

+2 on the GHL. The model 3 is being released next month, you can still get a model 2 and buy the upgrade kit for less then the 3 if you do it before the end of the month. This will do everything you want and then some. The model 3 has built-in networking/web, dimable t-5 control (if your light supports it), AI LED control, it endless.

[ErikH]

+2 on the GHL. The model 3 is being released next month, you can still gte a model 2 and buy the upgrade kit for less then the 3 if you do it before the end of the month. This will do everything you want and then some. The model 3 has built-in networking/web, dimable t-5 control (if your light supports it), AI LED control, it endless.


:hypnotyized: That is my point! Pay the same now for a far better controller, now, and in the future. It adds some perpetuation to your hobby and some degradation to your wallet! :hypnotyized:

[txmaverickmh]

I purchased the Neptune Systems Apex and I have been more than impressed with it's capabilities, ease of use, network capabilities AND the fact that I have an app on my iPhone that I can use anytime to get realtime stats of my tank, see charts, set alarms, etc...

With the big tank upgrade next month, I will get to amp up the needs to really put it to the test. This is one area where I went against my buddies at GC Reef, Mark and James, as they both have Lighthouse systems as well as run GC Reef on a Lighthouse system, a very high-end system used by many commercial aquariums.

I don't think you can really make a bad decision as all of these controllers are excellent, will tank care of your needs and leave a smile on your face. My selling point was the iPhone app (I know that is corny, but everyone has their wants) I believe the RKE has an iPhone app too, mark and James access their Lighthouse by email alerts and realtime through web browser.

Michael

[wesheltonj]

I think there is a 3rd party i-phone app too. There is a 3rd party web app.
GHL will still sell the model 2, but the 3 is way out in front of everyone else.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1711270

Here 2 examples:
GHL ProfiLux 3 the future in reef tank AND home automation!

Now GHL has gone many steps further forward incorporating into their system unique to ProfiLux, the ability to be controlled and operated by house automation systems in your home through RS232 connection. With such an advanced system for you reef tank GHL believe this advanced technology should not be restricted to just a tank, an aquatic controller is a large investment so why restrict its abilities!

Webserver

This is where the profiLux 3 stars start to shine. The Onboard webserver is not just a basic system with limited funcionality but a full blown system with a built in SMTP client to name just one single feature, and the ability to upload your own web pages to it. More details of the power of this will be released in due course.

[ACE]

RKE has a net module, and it allows me to view everything connected to my controller in real time, remotely. In addition, there are iphone apps for the RKL and RKE.

[kkiel02]

Man y'all are making this hard to decide. I am going to try and purchase one before Christmas to help automate a little more for the holidays. I am mainly going to use it for lights(get rid of all these timers), and to monitor levels from my phone or iPod. It sounds like I can't really go wrong with either the profilux or the reefkeeper though.

[jroescher]

Tagging along with this as I'm considering one of newer models.

Can someone tell me how much data is sent across the internet? With only satellite access I have to be real careful not to transmit too much or I get cut off.

[Europhyllia]

The new RKE is coming out at a lower price in a few weeks I think. :)

[jc]

I'm going to have to rescind my support for the RKE. I've been having way to many problems from it recently. First of all my calcium reactor has been offline for months now because I can't get the ph to read correctly. I thought it was a problem with electrical interference from the open switches. Now, I think it is just a problem with the module. Plus, one of my outlets is stuck in the open position. I would have to send it back to be repaired. So after I sold my tunze ato and milwaukee ph controller I may need to go back to individual controllers. I never had any problems with either of those two. If the profilux weren't so expensive I might consider switching over.

[fishypets]

Go with the Profilux and you won't be dissapointed! I have botht the controller and the GHL dosing pump and would use this set up over a CA reactor any day!

[jc]

Are the dosing pumps used for the "balling" method? Is it easier to control than a calcium reactor?

[fishypets]

Are the dosing pumps used for the "balling" method? Is it easier to control than a calcium reactor?



Yes the dosing pumps are used for the balling method, and yes it's far easier to dial in than a CA reactor.

[jc]

Which doser are you using? Then stand alone, and how many pumps?

[fishypets]

This is the unit I have. Right now I only have three pumps (CA ALK MG) but plan on adding a 4th in the future to dose ZEOstart2.

http://ghl.a.wiki-site.com/images/4/4d/DosingPump4.jpg

[jc]

What's zeostart2 for?

[fishypets]

ZEOstart 2 is a carbon source that is dosed to reduce NO3 and PO4. Much like vodka or VSV dosing.

[jesserettele]

I had a reefkeeper II with the expansion plug and ph probe a couple years back with my old 125 and I liked it. I had a problem in the controller, sent it back, they repaired it under warranty, and everything worked fine. This is an older unit not like the high tech integration and internet connectivity that is available now but was nice to be able to control everything with the cabinet doors closed. It really helped me relax when leaving the house for a couple days. The biggest problem was keeping the ph probe calibrated. The readings were only as good as the accuracy of the measuring device.

[Goofball310]

I'd go with the RKE or Apex. The RKL has a limited amount of modules that you can connect, and I ended up upgrading my RKL after only 2 weeks to the RKE.