DA Reefkeeper Controllers

[MGB]

Hi Salty Critter,

Can you give us a review of the DA Reefkeeper (both models) controllers you carry, I'm interested in a controller and wonder how this one compares with the others on the market, speciffically the AquaController Jr.

Thanks MGB

[shawnz28]

There are a couple important differences between the two DA units. The things the 2 offers that the original does not are

- PH control and monitoring (need to buy a PH probe)
- Upgradable firmware, with the newer firmware now offering data logging when connected to a pc
- 2 channels are on relays which work well for halide ballasts
- Lights will turn off if a high temp you select is passed(this was huge for me in the summer)
- there are also some other minor changes as well

As for the difference between these and the Neptune I have not played with the Aquacontroller Jr's first hand as our first shipment of them is arriving soon.

For what I have read the RK2 is easier to use out of the box while the ACjr is more flexible and can control up to 12 devices not just the 8 the RK2 can. Also the free version of Aquanotes will let you control the ACjr with the use of the serial port not just view output. The only other "downside" if you would call it that is that the temp and PH ports are on the display box unlike the RK2's which are on the Power strip so you will not have quite as much flexiblity where to mount the display

Hope that helps a bit
Shawn

[saltycritter]

The Reefkeeper is a nice, general controller but does not have alot of the features/capabilities that the Reefkeeper 2 or Aquacontroller Jr. has. Specifically, PH control, high temp shutoff, etc.,etc. Therefore, most customers are buying the Reefkeeper 2 and JR's.

According to the literature, the Reefkeeper 2 and the JR seem to be very similar in features/capabilities. I like the Reefkeeper 2 very much! It is easy to program and really does alot of neat things. The Jr. is cheaper in price. I do not have much practical experience with the JR's because I just started selling them. I have a large shipment arriving soon from Neptune. So, I will play around with the Jr and then be able to give you more precise information and simularities/differences. For now, Reefkeeper info is listed on my website and the Neptune will be posted shortly.

[MGB]

Thanks guys, sounds like either the RK2 or the Aquacontroller Jr, both seam good, what about these companies as far as standing behind the product. Having never used a controller, it's hard to make a decision, I apriciate the feedback. It's what makes you guys stand apart from the other stores.

Thanks MGB

[saltycritter]

Since we just started selling Neptune, I do not have any history with them regarding standing behind their product. So far, they have been very good to deal with. They respond to emails quickly and answer all of my questions throughly.

We have had very, very, few problems with RK2 products- maybe 2-4 out of hundreds. When the problem is determined to be an RK2 issue they will stand behind the product and have resolved it quickly. Howeve, most issues we have encountered have dealt with user error. A common one is overloading the unit- trying to have the unit handle more wattage than it is capable of (I was guility of this- I don't like to read directions-LOL). When user error is involved, there may be a fee associated with reparing the unit which is a common, fair and expected solution whether you are dealing with RK2 or Neptune or any other company.

Whether you are dealing with Neptune, RK2, or any other company, when problems occur, the thing that is the worst is the time it takes to resolve the issue. By the time you ship the item to the manufacturer, the item gets repaired and sent back to you it could be 1-2 weeks. This is tough when you are missing a vital piece of equipment for your aquarium such as a controller, pump, lights, etc. So, when this occurs, it is stressful on the customer, manufacturer and the reseller.