Which controller?

[99taws6]

I had reef keeper 2 when I had my last tank. I am looking for something to control my lights, temp & ph probe and wavemaker. What controller is the most affordable to handle those things? I would like to have 6-8 outlets. <br /><br />Thanks in advance

[Europhyllia]

The Reef Keeper Lites are very affordable and you can get two power outlets for a total of 8.
I have really mixed experiences with the RKLs.
My big reef tank has an RKL and it never ever had any problems.
My newer seahorse tank has only been up for less than a year and I've already had to get in contact with customer service twice about it.

If I wouldn't have gotten the second RKL I would have told you how awesome they are but now I am not so sure. lol

[kkiel02]

I bought the apex thinking I would use the wireless monitoring/controlling alot but I still have not even bought the bridge yet... If I had to do it again I would probably go the cheaper route as I dont really "need" alot of the features it offers but they are nice to have. Reminds me of my new iphone. lol

[mkengr45]

What extra components are needed to measure ph, salinity, and temp with the RKL? Also, do you set up the timers and output controls through a software interface through USB or is this programmed through the RKL keypad. I am familiar with programming various plc's and writing controls and data acquisition code for my job, but I want to understand how user friendly the RKL interface is. Or more simply put, is it a pain in the ***** to get setup and make adjustments to?

[Sherita]

I'm running both RKL's and ACjr's. The RKL is easier to program than the ACjr. I have had trouble with both, RKL customer service was "meh", they wouldn't respond until I posted on one of the big boards that I was having trouble and couldn't get anyone to answer me, the service for the ACjr was non-existent (as in, "leave us alone, we have your money, not going to help"). Not terribly impressed with either one, but if I had to make a choice I would go with the ReefKeeper, just because it is easier to program, and they do eventually return your emails/phone calls.

[Europhyllia]

Ah shucks Sherita. Can't believe the other one was even worse!

[mkengr45]

dang that does not give me a good feeling about either company! Is the RKL programmed through the usb/computer interface or is it programmed through the keypad?