RKL vs. Neptune AC jr...

[Chris]

I am considering possibly getting a controller after my move and everything is done, but not really to sure which would be better, easier to use.

I am pretty much just looking to control my lights (6-10 t5's), maybe some moonlights, and probably a couple of the evolution 1050-1400's. Temp/ph probe if included would be used but not something Im to worried about if not (but think they both include atleast temp).

Let me know what you guys all think/like.... I dont have a clue on this kinda stuff so any input would be great, 1st hand experience with both would be AWESOME!

[CalmSeasQuest]

You might also want to consider the Apex, or Apex light - From virtually every perspective, they provide much more functionality and expandability. I put together a webinar on controllers that used my Apex as a demo - You can view if interested here.

A few points about the EVOs, they are not controllable and many (including myself) have had problems with them. I finally removed 2 from service after only 6 months and replaced them with an MP40 as they would seize form calcium deposits every week or so. Trying to operate them as a wavemaker resulted in them failing even faster.

Good luck!

[bobilo]

I have a Neptune AC Jr and like it. Pretty easy to use. The time gets off easy and takes a lot of dialing in which I find annoying. I am thinking about eventually getting an Apex for my new setup but Probably won't for awhile. I have not really used a RKL so someone else would have to chime in on that.

Be advised that the ACjr can only handle up to 12 devices.

[jolson10450]

i have a reefkeeper 2, i like it a lot i know its not the RKl but i got this used for $150 with ph probe and temp probe and it came with the 8 plug system. i control everything in my tank with it, lights, heater, pumps, moonlights, skimmer. only thing i dont have plugged into it is my ATO because that is always plugged in and is set off by float relays.

i would be lost without the thing now so much to where its a pain in the butt for me to have my frag tank without one so i am considering a RKL for it lol

[Manoj's Reef]

I think both controllers are good. When I did my research this is what I concluded:

RKL - Easy to use , okay functionality and expandability

AC jr - Lil difficult to use , but awesome functionality and expandability.

I went with RKL because I did not want my controller to do much, but when you compare both you will see that AC jr can definitely do more for the money.

[jimsflies]

Originally Posted by bobilo

I have a Neptune AC Jr and like it. Pretty easy to use. The time gets off easy and takes a lot of dialing in which I find annoying. I am thinking about eventually getting an Apex for my new setup but Probably won't for awhile. I have not really used a RKL so someone else would have to chime in on that.

Be advised that the ACjr can only handle up to 12 devices.

Your AC-Jr isn't keep the time correctly? Sounds like a defect/malfunction.

[jolson10450]

Originally Posted by Manoj's Reef

I think both controllers are good. When I did my research this is what I concluded:

RKL - Easy to use , okay functionality and expandability

AC jr - Lil difficult to use , but awesome functionality and expandability.

I went with RKL because I did not want my controller to do much, but when you compare both you will see that AC jr can definitely do more for the money.

the AC jr also costs more money too so its pretty much ya get what you pay for i would say. although i thinkit comes with 8 plugs

[bobilo]

Originally Posted by jimsflies

Your AC-Jr isn't keep the time correctly? Sounds like a defect/malfunction.

It does keep time fine but I hate trying to dial in the leap seconds.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by CalmSeasQuest

You might also want to consider the Apex, or Apex light - From virtually every perspective, they provide much more functionality and expandability. I put together a webinar on controllers that used my Apex as a demo - You can view if interested here.

A few points about the EVOs, they are not controllable and many (including myself) have had problems with them. I finally removed 2 from service after only 6 months and replaced them with an MP40 as they would seize form calcium deposits every week or so. Trying to operate them as a wavemaker resulted in them failing even faster.

Good luck!

If it werent for the $$$ I would definitely be considering the apex or RKE, but both are more then I want to spend on a controller that I'm not sure I will really like/need. I am fine without one really, just kinda like the thought of being able to run less powerstrips timers individually.

Thats weird, and I have heard that a few times about the evo's, but I have also heard awesome results with them as well.... not sure if maybe it was an initial problem and it has been fixed or you got a bad unit... or the other guys have just been lucky lol

Originally Posted by jolson10450

i have a reefkeeper 2, i like it a lot i know its not the RKl but i got this used for $150 with ph probe and temp probe and it came with the 8 plug system. i control everything in my tank with it, lights, heater, pumps, moonlights, skimmer. only thing i dont have plugged into it is my ATO because that is always plugged in and is set off by float relays.

i would be lost without the thing now so much to where its a pain in the butt for me to have my frag tank without one so i am considering a RKL for it lol

Yeah I will definitely look around for used when the time comes and maybe go with something "bigger and better", but for now just thinking of the if I buy new this is where I'm looking sort of thing lol. Comparable levels of each with similar module setups are actually pretty similar in cost as well from what I found lastnight looking around online.

Originally Posted by Manoj's Reef

I think both controllers are good. When I did my research this is what I concluded:

RKL - Easy to use , okay functionality and expandability

AC jr - Lil difficult to use , but awesome functionality and expandability.

I went with RKL because I did not want my controller to do much, but when you compare both you will see that AC jr can definitely do more for the money.

They both fault in the expandability if Im not mistaken because the ac jr is only able to control 12 plugs from what I found lastnight, I may be wrong but that was what I saw on a couple different sites.... the RKL can do 16 plugs if u dont use the probes etc, and if u do then it can do up to 12 as well.

Originally Posted by bobilo

I have a Neptune AC Jr and like it. Pretty easy to use. The time gets off easy and takes a lot of dialing in which I find annoying. I am thinking about eventually getting an Apex for my new setup but Probably won't for awhile. I have not really used a RKL so someone else would have to chime in on that.

Be advised that the ACjr can only handle up to 12 devices.

Good to know the AC jr is easy to use, as I have heard otherwise.... maybe its just the users that have problems lol

Originally Posted by jolson10450

the AC jr also costs more money too so its pretty much ya get what you pay for i would say. although i thinkit comes with 8 plugs

When I was comparing apples to apples so to speak cost was fairly similar actually for the JR and the RKL2 3 (the RKL3 was actually $20 more tho if I remember right).

[XSiVE]

I looked into the RKL, but I figured I would want more than 4 outlets, networked device, and the lighting controler.. once I saw the price of all that and knowing that it wouldnt be expandable any more beyond that point I said no way, if I want something I will get the RKE or Apex.

I know this isnt first-hand, just sharing the conclusions of my own research.