Hey all.

I was just surfing MD and the Neptune site, and all of the Neptune Systems controllers and Power Strips have been reduced as much as 25% for the AC3 and AC3 Pro, and the ACjr has been reduced a bit as well. The DC8 was also reduced...

Apparently, the RKE is causing some concern, and we are to benefit! :up:

Thanks! I keep debating on a controller. Then I tell myself I don't need one, after all I have a dual phase temperature controller and a Solaris.

Thanks! I keep debating on a controller. Then I tell myself I don't need one, after all I have a dual phase temperature controller and a Solaris.

I keep debating as well. I am pretty geeky when it comes to electronics, but that doesn't mean I trust electronic gadgets. In fact, it means that I am more wary of them in critical applications...

Nevertheless, the fascination remains. The American reef controller companies (MCU Research, Digital Aquatics and Neptune Systems) are pretty inexpensive when compared to foreign offerings such as the Aquatronica and ProfiLux controllers. DA's RKE may be forcing Neptune to lower prices and begin to innovate again.

Coincidentally (and equally suspicious), GHL ProfiLux is extending a 10% discount this month to its dealers on the Profilux system. Cherrycorals.com has a coupon code (GHL10) that will be applied to your ProfiLux order when you check out. ProfiLux also just announced that its controller will soon be able to offer fine-tuned control of Aqua Illumination LED fixtures, offering some potentially interesting (yet questionably useless) effects.

There is also a simpler version of the Aquatronica called the "Multitester" (http://www.aquatronica.com/products-1/control-units/acq150) that caught my eye. It is basically an Aquatronica that is limited to two sensor inputs and two controllable outlets (with sensor and mini-power bar accessories). Essentially, you could have a dual temp controller and pH monitor (or singe temp and pH controller), with limited data-logging and graphing right on the display. Neat, but a bit expensive (especially after when pH interface and power strip is added) for its limited control. Getting an RK2 or ACjr is most likely a better investment.

This is the one I really want IKS AQUARISTIC PRODUCTS (http://www.iks-aqua.com/html/engl/fernueberwachung.php) but it is pricey in the US. One of our German exchange students is coming back to visit in October and I am thinking about having her buy me one there. Christi has one and the last time I asked she was quite pleased with it.

This is the one I really want IKS AQUARISTIC PRODUCTS (http://www.iks-aqua.com/html/engl/fernueberwachung.php) but it is pricey in the US.

I overlooked this one for some reason...Looks pretty nice. I especially like the optional external display (very elegant), and also like the modular design so you can choose how many of each sensor type you want. Any particular reason why this one draws you in?

I went to Deltec.us to check out pricing on the Aquastar. The base unit's price is not too bad, but the electrode prices are ouchy! For example, $312 for a pH probe, and $265(!?) for a temp probe... Are there package prices that include these basic sensors? Hopefully, prices in Europe are much cheaper. Remember that you may have problems with warranty if you buy out of market.

Christi has one and the last time I asked she was quite pleased with it.

I was wondering where her controller was when reading her latest update to her tank build. I know she was running a probe to her Calc reactor. I'll have to go back and check RB's thread.

Bummer... I bought a DC4 a couple months ago for the same price the DC8 is now!

A lot of people think controllers are just another thing to spend $$ on, but they really are useful. I am going to be setting mine up for automated water changes in the next month or so. One more thing my super lazy reef keeping butt doesn't have to do!

Here is the German promo IKS AQUARISTIC PRODUCTS (http://www.iks-aqua.com/html/deutsch/sonderaktion.php).

Here is the German promo IKS AQUARISTIC PRODUCTS (http://www.iks-aqua.com/html/deutsch/sonderaktion.php).

Its been about 25 years since I took a German Language class, so I relied on Google for a translation. Pretty shaky, but are they saying that for 130 Euros deposit plus 26 Euros per year for four years in service contract you are given a Aquastar (with pH module/electrode and 4 outlet power strip) and can assume the ownership of the control unit after 4 years if you forfeit the deposit? If you no longer want the unit, you just trade it in to get your deposit back? It sounds like you just have to buy any extra sensors/electrodes/power strips that you need.

Sounds a bit crazy, but I assume that even if you return your controller - you might have enough invested in modules/electrodes to keep you from jumping ship.

I thought it was worthwhile but the dollar needs to be a little stronger.:showoff: