View Full Version : controller help ?
mortis13
10/07/2008, 06:57 AM
hey all,
just wondering what computer/controller peolpe like and why. im kinda going for the Ppofilux 11 Ex, its a little rich but sounds quite good. the cost of these things is fiendish when you add in the probes, leds, power bars,...etc
mikelaubach
10/10/2008, 11:22 AM
The power bars are what kill you. I run an AC Jr and like it. I got it used locally, and had a different brand come up, I am sure I would have bought that and liked that as well.
I quickly ran out of room on the DC8 (the 8-port "power strip"). I like to have everything plugged in and controllable. I don't want to reach around the back to yank on a power cord for the skimmer or phosban reactor's pump. That lead me to realize I needed another DC8. At $150 for a new one, I bought a complete AC Jr package used for that price and now have a spare controller should mine fail.
The other thing I like about the AC line is that when I upgrade later to a more robust model, the power ports (the real costs) can still be used. I could not see dropping hundreds on my first controller when I was not sure it really was for me. But I love it now.
an411
10/10/2008, 11:38 AM
Ya that is a nice controller if you got 2k to spend for everything. I was thinking of getting the RKE but with all the issues currently I am going to wait it out and see if that inproves if not I will be springing for the profilux
jamesdawson
10/10/2008, 11:41 AM
I have had both an Aquatronica and now a Profilux.
Profilux is definetly top dog.
It is a little pricey. I reccomend you you get one of their $599 starter packs while they are still on sale. You can expand as money allows. Thats what I disd.
James
Firochromis
10/10/2008, 12:03 PM
I'm using IKS Aquastar though not very popular in the States. The system can have 8 modules at most which can be pH, redox, temperature, top-off, conductivity, air pressure and oxygen. You can have whichever you want in whatever number (offcourse not more than 8). It can control up to 16 different plugs for this modules or other functions like pumps, lighting etc. But I think it is more expensive unit then US based brands. For example, you must spent €1000 for a system that has pH, redox and temperature modules with one switch socket (four controllable plugs).
mortis13
10/10/2008, 11:59 PM
i think i`ll go the profilux 11 and as i get more dollars i will add the other bits and pieces. even though it costs more than a lap top!!!
tomheo
10/11/2008, 01:16 AM
I had an AquaController 2 on my last reef tank and currently have a Reefkeeper Elite on my f/w planted tank and an AquaController Jr. on my current office nano-reef tank.
The RKE is a nice controller, but for me personally, I really like the programming simplicity of the AquaControllers. I'd actually considered getting an Aquatronica for my nano-reef, but I got a great deal on my AC Jr..
I also kind of felt like a beta-tester for the RKE (though they've gotten most of the kinks out, the first few weeks were a pain) and something really annoying about the RKE is you can't name the channels! I have to look at the programmed settings and try to figure out what's connected to what channel and I don't think their programming "language" is very intuitive.
I think a lot of it comes down to personal preference, which makes it more difficult since you almost need to try one before deciding whether it's right for you. I should also note that my needs for controllers are pretty basic....
If you haven't done so already, check out www.aquariumcontrollers.com which I believe is run by an RC member (it's a feature comparison chart of controllers).
Hope this helps, and good luck!
Thomas
DaveMorris
10/14/2008, 12:22 AM
I couldn't disagree more on the RKE. I find it to be incredibly simple to program and yes, the bugs are gone in all but a few circumstances. I am running it 100% on my tank with zero issues. I am more than happy to wait a few more months for the software to come out which I am sure will address the channel naming issue. For $500, no other controller is anywhere near as powerful.
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