View Full Version : IKS or Aquatronica
tim_haskins
02-08-06, 22:50
Hi guy/girls!
I am about to buy a computer system to control my aquarium,auto top up,T5 lighting,jetskim 150. Should i go for IKS or the aquatronica. I want to add calcium reactor and have got a schuran M1 sump system to add later when my tank is drilled. I have heard great reviews on the aquatronica but how does it compare to the IKS? Cost is not really a major concern I just want what will be easiest to set-up/manage. I already have Aqua medic PH computer.
Any advise appricated
Tim
Aquatronica for me, Mines been a god send :D
Aquatronica :)
Love mine its great, they are alllways developing new things/features for it :D
instantsquid
02-08-06, 23:05
I think you'll find that the Aquatronica crew love their Aquatronicas, and the IKS guys love their IKS!
I went for the Aquatronica simply because they seemed to be the only company that was actually developing their product. It does what I need it to right out of the box, but there are a whole host of future add-ons in the pipeline.
- Ian
I have used both, and they both are good.
On its own the IKS was ok, but I found the IKS had reliability when connected to the PC for programming and data download, so I switched to the Aquatronica.
I also prefer the fact that the Aquatronica are developing their product.
Tony
aquatronica is also much cheaper than IKS for the same product. Compare the prices of the probes!
There is a good second hand market for IKS
The IKS people seem set on not changing a real problem with there product, which is that you cannot put more than one function onto one socket. e.g. supposing you wanted to add kalkwasser if the pH was less than 8.1, but not if the water level was too high. You can't do that with an IKS
kenneth
Neither... or at least, not exclusively.
There are risks in having everything controlled from one unit, whether it be IKS or Aquatronica. I personally know someone who lost all his stock due to an Aquatronica failure, and this almost happened to me with an IKS. :(
Nothing is fool proof but, as I found when mine went haywire, when just about every function is dependent on this one bit kit you are truely stuffed if it does go wrong. The alternative would be to use individual controllers - like the Tunze Osmolator for top-up and separate heater and pH controllers. These can fail eventually too, but extremely unlikely to be simultaneously, so you won't have a double whammy of heaters stuck on at the same time as gallons of kalk were being dumped in the sump (which was my experience), and you won't find yourself without all means of control whilst you get the one unit repaired/replaced. I was fortunate in that I already had a spare IKS computer - if I hadn't I would have had to sit back and watch my stock die.
Of course, there are plenty of things IKS and Aquatronica can do that individual controllers can't. Like collect data, send text messages, etc.
Not saying don't do it. Just be aware of the risks and mitigate them where you can.
HTH
Keith
aquatronica all the way.
excellent customer service, always being upgraded, lots of gadgets still to come and its a bit tidyer than the IKS.............................
RUPERT
Neither... or at least, not exclusively.
There are risks in having everything controlled from one unit, whether it be IKS or Aquatronica. I personally know someone who lost all his stock due to an Aquatronica failure, and this almost happened to me with an IKS. :(
Nothing is fool proof but, as I found when mine went haywire, when just about every function is dependent on this one bit kit you are truely stuffed if it does go wrong. The alternative would be to use individual controllers - like the Tunze Osmolator for top-up and separate heater and pH controllers. These can fail eventually too, but extremely unlikely to be simultaneously, so you won't have a double whammy of heaters stuck on at the same time as gallons of kalk were being dumped in the sump (which was my experience), and you won't find yourself without all means of control whilst you get the one unit repaired/replaced. I was fortunate in that I already had a spare IKS computer - if I hadn't I would have had to sit back and watch my stock die.
Of course, there are plenty of things IKS and Aquatronica can do that individual controllers can't. Like collect data, send text messages, etc.
Not saying don't do it. Just be aware of the risks and mitigate them where you can.
HTH
Keith
The above advice I would agree with.
I've gone for seperate controls (at more expense) for the very reason Keith outlined. I would not trust my aquarium with one computer running the whole show. If Dell and IBM pc's go down (and they do) IKS and Aquatronica will also.;)
I am considering using an Aquatronica, but just for monitoring params and recording data - the only thing I would let it control would be closed loops.
Just MHO:) :) :)
Neither... or at least, not exclusively.
There are risks in having everything controlled from one unit, whether it be IKS or Aquatronica. I personally know someone who lost all his stock due to an Aquatronica failure, and this almost happened to me with an IKS. :(
Nothing is fool proof but, as I found when mine went haywire, when just about every function is dependent on this one bit kit you are truely stuffed if it does go wrong. The alternative would be to use individual controllers - like the Tunze Osmolator for top-up and separate heater and pH controllers. These can fail eventually too, but extremely unlikely to be simultaneously, so you won't have a double whammy of heaters stuck on at the same time as gallons of kalk were being dumped in the sump (which was my experience), and you won't find yourself without all means of control whilst you get the one unit repaired/replaced. I was fortunate in that I already had a spare IKS computer - if I hadn't I would have had to sit back and watch my stock die.
Of course, there are plenty of things IKS and Aquatronica can do that individual controllers can't. Like collect data, send text messages, etc.
Not saying don't do it. Just be aware of the risks and mitigate them where you can.
HTH
Keith
I would also agree with this. Duplication and redundancy is the name of the game for me. The thought of all critical functions of the tank relying on a single piece of hardware/software terrifies me :eek:
I work on the principle that everything fails eventually - just a matter of when :)
Silverreef
03-08-06, 21:26
Neptune Aquacontroller:) , just an alternative:D .
Regards
Steve
tim_haskins
03-08-06, 22:00
thanks guys so very uefull advice.
Tim
I think you should look in to all of them but for cost and features you will only come to one conclusion as did I :)
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individual controllers for me
auto top up
heating
cooling
i wouldnt trust any software to run my tank for me, sorry guys
if the prices alone dont put you off, this should - http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/showthread.php?t=186381
neilharris
03-08-06, 22:45
I have an IKS. I cannot speak for the aqatronica, but I fine the IKS VERY userfriendly. I suppose it depends what you want to control with the computer.
I use mine to monitor pH, Temp (this will switch on my chiller if needed) and salinity. Nice tell-tales to keep an eye on.
The only true control I use the IKS for timer and interval control.
I suppose the aquatronica can provide the same function, but your system should be stable without the use of controllers (other than top-up), before you connect one into it. NOTE: This is my personal opinion and am not looking for a debate;) .
hth
Neil
That thread was over a year ago, I think the Aquatronica had only just come out then?
Still very worrying. Mine has been very good touch wood :D
err.. that happened last month to that guys poor tank!
Your right, my bad :(
How did I miss that thread!
god help us all!!!
Thats why i ony use my aquatronica as a safe guard that turns my heaters off only they sticks on
and my 2 closed loops and my return pumps are on seperate to my aquatronica that way if my heaters fail at least the heat generated by my pumps should keep the temp at an acceptable limit until i get home
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