Controller advise needed.

[Reeferdood]

Going to be getting a controller soon & wanted some advise as to what peeps liked & disliked. I want to be able to see & control from the net so keep that in mind when you reply.
Thank you for your time.

 

[Harry_Y]

I view a controller as a tool to help me maintain my aquarium.

A controller is Not 100% necessary but it does make
the task of maintaining an aquarium a bit easier.

Realize that a controller is a bit of a two edged sword; It can be a
single point of failure, over using separate timers, wave makers, etc.


As for choosing a controller I would:

1. Make a list of your real needs and wants in a controller.
... (A real feature is better than a fun feature that you don't use)

2. Read the manuals of any controller you consider buying.
... (Can it do what you need it to do?)

3. Call the companies tech support Phone # and ask questions.
... (See how you are treated before the sale)

4. Read the tech support forums of the controller.
... (See how the online support is as well)

5. Try to find someone local to let you see it in real life.

6. Add up how much it’s going to cost, and how much the accessories cost.

7. Stick to a more popular controller i.e.: RKE, Neptune.
... (Easier to get help, accessories typically cost less and are easier to find)


I did a lot of research and for me the best controller was the ReefKeeper Elite.

Note that at present you cannot control the RKE from the web (only Monitor)

But....

Web control is coming as they are working on the softwate update.

My thoughts about Web Control are that it can be pretty dangerous.
You could get hacked easy enough, or you could just plain screw up
while remote controlling it. Something to serously consider.

 

[Palancar]

X2 on what Harry_Y said. I am using the Aquacontroller Pro III and really love it, it gives me room to expand for the future. As for the web control and monitoring it can be dangerous but it was one of the features I looked for since I work 7&7 and 300 miles away from home and the wife takes care of our system while I'm gone. The most important thing that can be said is "do your research before you buy".

 

[reefdan]

the ac jr is a tried and true (and cheap) controller that fits all of my needs. lights, temps, pH controlling -that's all i need it for.

easy to use and program. been around for a long time. some would say it's outdated but i wouldn't upgrade to anything but the new apex (which allows for 2 pH controllers and ORP).

basically, get something that does what you need. those GHL profilux ones are nice but expensive, complicated, and i hear not necessarily the best.

 

[saltyfishguy]

Ghl profilux all the way !

 

[reefdan]

btw, there's a free software out there that will allow you to control the ac jr via the web. it requires you have the controller connected to a desktop 24.7 through. works via web, BB, and iphone.

 

[Reeferdood]

All,
thank you for you honest & valued opinions. If there are others, feel free to chime in!

 

[Harry_Y]

the ac jr is a tried and true (and cheap) controller that fits all of my needs. lights, temps, pH controlling -that's all i need it for.

easy to use and program. been around for a long time. some would say it's outdated but i wouldn't upgrade to anything but the new apex (which allows for 2 pH controllers and ORP).

basically, get something that does what you need. those GHL profilux ones are nice but expensive, complicated, and i hear not necessarily the best.

I Had a GHL profilux and switched to a ReefKeeper Elite, I am far happier
with the RKE; plus the accesories are far better priced on the RKE.

 

[saltyfishguy]

I feel you on the accessory prices , and I havent ever had occasion to use the elite , But I have literally had 6 different rk2 units go bad on me and after the elites were released all DA was willing to do was discount the price of an elite (even though the unit was less than a month old) put a bad taste in my mouth, the profilux on the other hand I love and the customer support is excellent, most of the times if i email them I get a response back in less than an hour. That to me iss worth its weight in gold.

 

[Myteemouse]

Im ordering a ACIII with DC8 , lab grade TEMP AND PH probs
Easy to programe and VERY flexible to what you need.
My .02

 

[Harry_Y]

I feel you on the accessory prices , and I havent ever had occasion to use the elite , But I have literally had 6 different rk2 units go bad on me and after the elites were released all DA was willing to do was discount the price of an elite (even though the unit was less than a month old) put a bad taste in my mouth, the profilux on the other hand I love and the customer support is excellent, most of the times if i email them I get a response back in less than an hour. That to me iss worth its weight in gold.

Funny you say that I had the exact oppisite with Support.
The RKE people have been outstanding, the Profilux... Was Not so hot.


I still say Look at each controller and Read the manuals.

Look at your layout, I have a basement sump so I require a few
extra capabilities (remote feed switch, etc) I also use 12 outlets,
and want to add more. So make sure you can't Max it out easily
because you will want to add on in the future.

 

[Reeferdood]

Sweet!
Not really saying that I want to "control" my reef from the net, Just want to keep my eye on my parms. My website has a camera on it that lets me see what is going on in there!

 

[reefdan]

Im ordering a ACIII with DC8 , lab grade TEMP AND PH probs
Easy to programe and VERY flexible to what you need.
My .02

from what i hear, the extra price on lab grade isn't really worth it. probes generally aren't that great despite the grade.

 

[saltyfishguy]

the new ghl will allow for infinite amount of poweroutlets as far as my understanding
Also I never bother with the forums on rc i always direct email , maybe why I have felt so good about them.