Entry Level Monitor / Controller Suggestions

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by Cole_lol, Jan 16, 2011.

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  1. Cole_lol

    Cole_lol Flamingo Tongue

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2010
    Messages:
    107
    Hey everyone.

    I am looking for a good entry level monitor / contoller for my 90 gal tank with 55 gal refuge. I dont know much about them and I really dont want to spend to much money but just looking for suggestions. I would like one that can log over a period of time and what not. An suggestions would be great and let me know what you think and would suggest....

    Thanks,
    Cole
     
    Cole_lol, Jan 16, 2011
    Cole_lol, Jan 16, 2011
    #1

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  2. benbabcock

    benbabcock Bubble Tip Anemone

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2010
    Messages:
    668
    Location:
    Montreal
    RKL is your best bet for simple and inexpensive. love mine, came with everything i needed. you may need another power bar down the road but its still worth it!
     
    Last edited: Jan 16, 2011
    benbabcock, Jan 16, 2011
    benbabcock, Jan 16, 2011
    #2
  3. blackraven1425

    blackraven1425 Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2010
    Messages:
    4,780
    On the cheaper end, I'm gonna have to agree on the RKL. There's nothing down in the same price range with it. MarineDepot has a special where you get a RKL Basic with a SL1 and pH probe for $169, which is a pretty good deal.
     
    blackraven1425, Jan 16, 2011
    blackraven1425, Jan 16, 2011
    #3
  4. Powerman

    Powerman Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2008
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    3,460
    Location:
    Colorado
    It isn't that cut and dry.... You can buy a RKL for $110 and a AC jr for $149.... without any outlets.. not going to be much good for you.

    A RKL with PH probe and 8 outlets cost $279 and a AC Jr. with ph and 8 outlets will cost you $259.

    What you really need to do is see how many outlets you need and what are the limitations of both. A AC Jr. by Neptune Systems can only control 12 outlets and I don't know about RKL. I ran my 90g just fine with a AC Jr for some time and some folks that have had both say Neptune is a bit easier. I'm sure that is subjective... they both are pretty much programed and ran the same basic way.

    For web access and e-mail alerts and endless upgradability that going to cost you and you need the top of the line. One nice thing is Apex is sort of new still and lots of folks are selling off their AC 3s for them. I would not be shy at all about buying a AC3 they are not that old.... of course buyer be ware..... and I'm sure you can do the same for Reef Keepers buying a more capable unit used to save some money.
     
    Powerman, Jan 16, 2011
    Powerman, Jan 16, 2011
    #4
  5. AZDesertRat

    AZDesertRat Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2009
    Messages:
    3,904
    Location:
    Phoenix AZ
    I have been very pleased with my Reefkeeper Lite.
     
    AZDesertRat, Jan 17, 2011
    AZDesertRat, Jan 17, 2011
    #5