Aww, man... sweet. That is the unit I would buy if the RKE wasn't forthcoming. I am still debating, as it will be a good deal cheaper to get an AC3 for $470 than to buy an RKE ($490) then add the (<$150) RKM-NET module to get ethernet/web server functionality.
The one thing I have been trying to figure out is how to mount the AC3 head unit on the wall behind my tank and still conceal all the cords that hang from it. Where are you planning to mount the unit, and are you attempting to conceal the cords, or just let them show?
I'd love to hear your impressions. Most owners overall love the AC3, but think the software and built-in web server are a bit lackluster. Perfectly functional, no doubt - just a bit less slick than they were expecting. I'd love to hear your impressions once you get it set up. I may still end up with an AC3...so I'll keep my ears peeled.
So far, so good. I have the unit mounted inside the door of my stand, so I'm not worried about the cords. I miht rethink the mounting location once I do my tank upgrade, but you're right, there's no good way to mount it and hide all the cables.
As a controller, it's great. It's been a while since I looked at the specs of the RKE, but this one does everything I want. It controls my lights, has a wavemaker function, controls temp, monitors and cortrols pH and ORP (I have an ozone generator on the way), turns the lights off if it gets too hot, turns fans off and on, manages my ATO, logs and graphs temp, pH and ORP, is accessible and CONTROLABLE from any computer with an internet connection, and can email me if anything goes wrong. Plus, I totally dig that it has seasonal tables for sun and moon rise and set, plus moon intensity, and seasonal temperature variation as well, plus it's expandable with an additional DC-8, 2 DC-4s, additional probes, wavemaker controllers for variable speed DC pumps. It's really great so far. Unless the RKE really does something cool, I just can't justify the price difference. Plus im impatioent, and wanted a controler NOW!
The web interface is indeed a bit bare bones, but it shows me what I need to see, and lets me change what I need to change.
Cool stuff. Thanks for the overview. I love the networking and email notification features. What peace of mind! With the Neptune prices being reduced recently, getting an AC3 is really tempting. Be sure to keep us posted if you have any other observations or run into any snags.
So Bobby is acquiring your RK1? Sounds like a new frontier for Bobby...should be fun!
Completely off topic but I just figured out what was in you sig pastafarian ftw
and congrats on the new controller I'm basing my purchase on your and a couple of others I know experiences so keep us informed.
__________________ "Noone cares how much you know, untill they know how much you care."
"Fear Leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering"
I have an AC II and I love it, but an AC III has an extra digit, so it must be twice as awesome!
Seriously though, they are good units. I wouldn't mind the extra functionality of the ACIII, but mine does all I need and then some. I must admit that I have been a lot happier with it since I bought the DC4 to control my lights. The X10s have worked well for some items, but were sketchy with my T5's. The DC4 has been much more reliable with the noisy fluorescent lights.
For people like me with basement sumps the Aqua Controller's X10 capability is seems like a must. My controller is upstairs along with the Main Lighting and Tunzes, while all my heaters, 'fuge light, etc. are in the basement. I have the upstairs stuff using the DC4 and X10s, but all the basement stuff runs on X10. How would you do multiple floors with the RKE? Is it possible?
__________________ I have Attention Defic...HEY LOOK, A FISH!
That's a very good point. I totally forgot about X10 support. All my stuff is in the stand together, so I don't need to use it, but who knows, I might in the future.
You dont have to confine your controller to running tank stuff only. You can also use the X10s and the controller to do things, like control interior house lights, if you go on vacation. I keep finding more uses for mine all the time.
__________________ I have Attention Defic...HEY LOOK, A FISH!
I have this neat new sig tied to the controller as well. It's being a little flaky at the moment though.
NICE!!! Just in case your controller forgets, I'm going to nag you by sending you a PM every time your parameters are out of range.
I set up the same sig generator when I was using a used Lighthouse controller that I picked up, but then the controller gave up the ghost just a few months after I started using it.
I'll never buy used again unless I know the source...
icon under their name to add to their reputation. 
pastafarian ftw
