RKE or AC3 Pro

[dmorel]

I'm posting this same thread in both the DA and the Neptune forums (verbatim) to see if I can get some help figuring out which of the two controllers to get for my new tank.

The tank will have the following items to control:
6 main tank lights (4x150 and 2x250 MH)
Moon (TBD)
Fuge Lighting
Frag Tank Lighting (2x150 w/ t5 supplement, two "switches" total)
Chiller
2 Heaters
Calcium Reactor
Ozone
2xtunze 6055 (could be 4x, I think with the RKE this would require a multi controller, I think not necessary with the AC3Pro, but probably need an add on module?)
ATO (may or may not use controller for that)


I think that's it for controllable equipment.

The controller will sit in the sump rump away from the display.
Main display lighting is powered by two separate 20 Amp circuits that are above the light rack, so I have to consider what that means from a deployment stand point.

Also, would like to control the calcium reactor with a second PH probe.

Thoughts from either camp?

thanks in advance.
-dm

[kenargo]

Here is a recent thread discussing the 2 controllers:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1537477&highlight=RKE

In order to control the Tunze you will need to get an AquaSurf and you will want a LunarSim as your moon LEDs (it controls moon cycle and intensity that tracks the moon). Everthing else you mentioned is stock and would need no additional modules. I'd guess the AC3 (or Pro) would be your best bet). In both of these versions you also get email notification and built-in network and web access to the controller.

[laverda]

The AC 3 or # pro will do all you want pretty easilly. If you want reliability, go with the AC. Call any vendor and see how many complaints/returns they have on the Elite Compared to the AC. Having worked for one, I know that almost 50% of the Elites were were returned compared to almost none of the Aqua Controllers.

[DaveMorris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14284276#post14284276 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by laverda
The AC 3 or # pro will do all you want pretty easilly. If you want reliability, go with the AC. Call any vendor and see how many complaints/returns they have on the Elite Compared to the AC. Having worked for one, I know that almost 50% of the Elites were were returned compared to almost none of the Aqua Controllers.

It sure would be nice to see some backup to this claim, especially since it is untrue. I have owned a Reefkeeper Elite since they were first shipped and I have not had any issues with it. Some people have, others have not. How many of the temp probes for the Neptune controllers have been returned? I know of at least six people here in San DIego alone that have had their temp probes go drastically bad and have had horrible service from Neptune about it.

The Aquacontroller was not 100% when it hit the market either. Any controller with the complexity of the AC3 or the RKE will take time to perfect.

[dmorel]

thanks guys, after working out the cost and considering the features I wanted, even with a multicontroller from tunze for the wave timers the RKE was a better choice for me. I used an RC2 for years on my last tank and it was a fine controller, but this time around the RKE gets the nod. In a month or so, I guess we will know if I made the right decision.

thanks for everyone's input

[BillyBee]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14284869#post14284869 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DaveMorris
It sure would be nice to see some backup to this claim, especially since it is untrue. I have owned a Reefkeeper Elite since they were first shipped and I have not had any issues with it. Some people have, others have not. How many of the temp probes for the Neptune controllers have been returned? I know of at least six people here in San DIego alone that have had their temp probes go drastically bad and have had horrible service from Neptune about it.

The Aquacontroller was not 100% when it hit the market either. Any controller with the complexity of the AC3 or the RKE will take time to perfect.

Dave, this could be true. Apparently he worked for one supplier and that was their experience.

We easterners take a grain of salt about what you guys from California say. :bum:

On a serious note, both are good devices. It all boils down to customer service and you can't beat AC, Curt is great. I gave up on the Reefkeeper as they never responded or took a couple of days to respond.

[DaveMorris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14287321#post14287321 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BillyBee
Dave, this could be true. Apparently he worked for one supplier and that was their experience.

We easterners take a grain of salt about what you guys from California say. :bum:

On a serious note, both are good devices. It all boils down to customer service and you can't beat AC, Curt is great. I gave up on the Reefkeeper as they never responded or took a couple of days to respond.

Well, in actuality, it is not true. It would be nice if people actually just reported their own experience with a product or experiences that they know of directly. Let's assume that this 50% claim is true, why were they returned? There could be any number of reasons. The implication is that they were returned because they didn't work. I think the reefing community along with Neptune, Digital Aquatics, and all of the other controller manufacturers out there would be better served if people stuck with facts.

I have said my piece and that is all. This is hardly the place for a debate on ethics and another manufacturer's controller. I am happy to continue the discussion outside of Neptune's forum, out of respect for them.

[fordsvt04]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14288369#post14288369 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DaveMorris
Well, in actuality, it is not true. It would be nice if people actually just reported their own experience with a product or experiences that they know of directly. Let's assume that this 50% claim is true, why were they returned? There could be any number of reasons. The implication is that they were returned because they didn't work. I think the reefing community along with Neptune, Digital Aquatics, and all of the other controller manufacturers out there would be better served if people stuck with facts.

I have said my piece and that is all. This is hardly the place for a debate on ethics and another manufacturer's controller. I am happy to continue the discussion outside of Neptune's forum, out of respect for them.


....dang must be geting paid big bucks....lol :rollface:


I like the way you can program AC3 with code and it has few more things it can do compared to the RKE

[BillyBee]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14288369#post14288369 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DaveMorris
Well, in actuality, it is not true.

How do YOU know that? Who do you work for? Is this an unbiased statement?
I smell conflict of interest.

:eek1: :eek1: :eek1: :eek1:

[mhurley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14288369#post14288369 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DaveMorris

I have said my piece and that is all. This is hardly the place for a debate on ethics and another manufacturer's controller. I am happy to continue the discussion outside of Neptune's forum, out of respect for them.

That would be highly recommended.
Thanks.