Help me pick out an aquarium controller

number1gsxxr

number1gsxxr

Member
Okay I just learned about aquarium controllers the other day and they seem really handy. I had no idea they could do so much. Can someone help me pick one out for my system. I tried looking through the specs of some of the different ones and it's a bit confusing. Right now I have a million of those lamp timers controlling things and it would be really nice to clean things up a bit under the tank. I also really like the standby features for feeding time and to calm things down at night.
Here's what I have:
46-gal bowfront
hang on back overflow into a pro clear aquatic sump (I forget the size maybe 15-20gal)
Mag5 return pump
36" nova extreme pro T5 lights
(2) koralia K-2 power heads
Coralife 125 super skimmer
200W heater (I think I will get two smaller ones so they fit in the sump better and as a precaution in case one gets stuck on)
Current USA moon light with expansion module
32W (I think) 'fuge light
So by my count that's 10 electrical plugs. Two for the light and one for each piece of equipment. I'm counting the heater as two since I will probably get a second one. Obvisouly I don't need to control every single electrical component but in case I add anything it would be nice to have the option.
Would it be better to get a more advanced controller for down the road if I get a much larger tank or for additional features that I someday might want?
I would like to setup an ATO at some point to replace evap water. Money is sort of an issue but don't mind saving until I can afford a better unit. Thanks.
 
wattsupdoc

wattsupdoc

Active Member
If you've got the money, the reef keeper elite is the way to go IMO. The aqua controllers are nice also. But the RKE is SAAAWEEEEET! Realize you can still split off from one outlet with a plug strip as long as you don't overload that one outlet.
They now have the "build as you go version": I forget what their calling that. I t may be a viable option, but there are some features it will never have compared to the Elite.
 
number1gsxxr

number1gsxxr

Member
Cool. Part of me knows I will get a bigger tank eventually and wants to get the Elite now so I can reuse it but I also don't have a lot of money. Looks I have to do some more research to see if I really need one instead of just wanting one.
 
stanlalee

stanlalee

Active Member
A reefkeeper lite level 3 or Aquacontroller jr will easily control that (what I consider a light set up). you would need to add another module to control ALL 10 outlets independantly but really some things should be able run on the same channel (skimmer and return pump, for go wavemaking and have the two K2's together for example) in order to get by with the standard 8 controlled outlets. I dont have one but have been contemplating for a good while (and will continue to comtemplate, right now my tank money is still primarily going on basic equipment and livestock). one day though
 
number1gsxxr

number1gsxxr

Member
So I found someone who is selling their AC II for $150. I'm sort of tempted but I know I can get the newer AC Jr. for the same price. Also I have heard that some people have had issues with the X-10 modules.
Does anyone have any experience with the AC II?
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
Save your cash.....The Apex new unit from Neptune which is replacing the ACIII and Jr, and has tons of bells and whistles and more expandable than the RKE.
 
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