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View Full Version : Aquacontoller Jr vs ReefKeeper2

danskim
09/23/2006, 03:51 PM
Which do you prefer: the Aquacontroller Jr or the ReekKeeper2.
The main features that I am interested in are the temperature and ph controllin features, and electrical timers.

Any input is good.
xtrstangx
09/23/2006, 04:53 PM
I own a RK2 and have seen an AC JR in action before.

I would say the temp/pH features are equivalent as well as the timers. I really like the timers on the RK2.. I have it run my halides, my VHO's, and my autotopoff (so that I cannot flood the sump if the ATO fails, etc)

Also, the RK2 looks a lot better IMO. It truly has a "display" unit.. The AC JR has all the wires coming out of it.. serial, pH, temp, to the DC8, etc.. The RK2 just has one wire on it and can be mounted flush in a cutout or just screwed on, looks a LOT better.
drummereef
09/23/2006, 05:34 PM
AC jr. all the way! The stuff I've been able to to via the net has been outstanding. And, you can upgrade to the big boys when you need to. :)
ek9vboi
09/23/2006, 06:15 PM
RK2. At 1st I wanted a AC Jr... but then it wasn't as friendly user as the RK2. So far I am impressed with it and it has an awsome display. The assembly of the AC Jr. does not look up to par with its cost IMO.
SDguy
09/23/2006, 06:18 PM
This is a skewed poll unless the person answering has owned and operated both units, IMHO.

That said, I love my Jr. And I'm so NOT computer savvy.
danskim
09/23/2006, 09:54 PM
Thanks for the inputs so far.
I do agree that the RK2 is a better looking unit. It is also slightly more expensive I think.
Any other people with experience using both?
danskim
09/23/2006, 09:56 PM
It does seem, however, that the AC Jr has a better programming ability...
but I have no basis for this claim except from advertisements from the manufacturers.

For the AC Jr, does it come with the power thing (DC4)?
Or do you have to purchase it separately?

If it doesn't already come with one.. then it seems the RK2 is cheaper.
xtrstangx
09/23/2006, 10:18 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8208422#post8208422 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by danskim
It does seem, however, that the AC Jr has a better programming ability...
but I have no basis for this claim except from advertisements from the manufacturers.

For the AC Jr, does it come with the power thing (DC4)?
Or do you have to purchase it separately?

If it doesn't already come with one.. then it seems the RK2 is cheaper.

Most websites don't sell it with a DC8. If it is like $170-200, then thats just the head unit and a DC8 will be another $100 more.

Both are very competitive in price.
danskim
09/23/2006, 10:22 PM
Ah, I see now.
I was able to find a site that carry both and also have cheaper prices than the manufacturer's.
cato
09/23/2006, 10:48 PM
prefer: the Aquacontroller Jr :D
reefbuzz
09/23/2006, 10:56 PM
Aquacontroller Jr is excellent but that's my experience. Never had a problem with it and Neptune always is there to help out.
TimTen
09/23/2006, 10:59 PM
ACJR, I love mine
Avast Marine
09/24/2006, 12:03 AM
I am happy with the Jr. and the support on the sponser forum is unmatched. Thats what sealed the deal for me.
drummereef
09/24/2006, 12:07 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8208599#post8208599 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by danskim
Ah, I see now.
I was able to find a site that carry both and also have cheaper prices than the manufacturer's.

Look for the ACjr group buys on here. A ton of us got them at a good price through these. Look for it in the Premium Aquatics forum or Neptunes forum.
CookieJar
09/24/2006, 02:24 AM
RK2 rocks! It hasn't failed, gives me peace of mind on temp & cooling, plus I got excellent customer service when I got water in the outlets they sent me a free replacement. thumbs up from me!
danskim
10/21/2006, 10:19 PM
Still seeking advice.. It seems they are very close in capability and price.
Avast Marine
10/21/2006, 10:26 PM
Get in on the WAMAS group buy! You wont regret it :).
danskim
10/21/2006, 10:31 PM
Oh i didn't know it was still going on.
Avast Marine
10/21/2006, 10:35 PM
If it's not call John, I'm sure he could work something out.
danskim
10/21/2006, 10:44 PM
Found very good price...
http://www.reefgeek.com/products/categories/controllers_and_monitors/104694.html
$299 shipped for AC Jr w/ Lab pH & Temp Probes, Serial Port & DC8.
That's cheaper than the WAMAS group buy.
bureau13
10/22/2006, 01:15 AM
Make a table with all available features for either unit that interest you, compare them directly and see which ends up winning the head-to-head. That's what I did, and the AQJr won (for me) pretty handily.

jds
rdmpe
10/22/2006, 07:19 AM
The flexibility of linking to laptop and programming, along with top end support record won me over to the AC Jr. I currently use the AC Jr and a Reefkeeper 1.
CeeGee
10/22/2006, 08:48 AM
when I bought my AC Jr a couple of months ago the general consensus that I got was that the RK2 was a nicer looking unit (which I agree) but the AC Jr had more functionality and was considerably more programmable. I went with the AC Jr because I needed the functionality more than a nice looking piece of equipment.
danskim
10/22/2006, 09:53 AM
Ok, thanks for the help guys. The new price I found too makes it cheaper than the RK2 as well.