Extention adapter

nly04 · 03/30/2021, 11:01 AM

Hi Slief, I just pick up a BK DC180 with red dragon mini speedy DC pump for my 150gal DT. I am run into an issue that I cannot mount the controller outside the stand. The controller is too big that I can not slide it on the back of the stand. At the moment it temporary inside the stand. Most of other skimmer has the adapter between the pump and the controller like in the picture. Is it possible to install something like that?

Also my skimmer is running at lowest speed and currently at 15W. Skimmer is at 7.25” of water. How long will it take to break in and when do I need to adjust the power? What is the optimal power setting for this skimmer? I have total around 50inches of fish at the moment.

Vinny Kreyling · 03/30/2021, 11:48 AM

Not sure Scott would agree but it is possible as long as the plug is for the correct amount of wires. You know how to solder correct?

nly04 · 03/30/2021, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vinny Kreyling

Not sure Scott would agree but it is possible as long as the plug is for the correct amount of wires. You know how to solder correct?

Yes, I know how to solder and more. Just want to know if anyone done this before, also I don't want it to void warranty.

nly04 · 03/30/2021, 04:32 PM

Thinking to get this part. What do you think? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...SX117263E&th=1

Vinny Kreyling · 03/30/2021, 04:58 PM

Should be fine if it fits the wiring.
Install far enough away from pump so no chance for water to make it there.

slief · 03/30/2021, 05:02 PM

Is your pump the old version that has the motor hardwired to the controller? If so, we don’t offer any options for you. The newer RD3’s all have a quick connect plug on them. My advice would be to keep the controller under the stand. Cutting the cord and extending the cable or adding a plug between the motor and controller will change the impedance of the connection. The RD3 is not a typical DC pump. It’s a high voltage variable speed AC pump. The controller is a computer and there is bi-directional communication between the controller and the motor. Adding a plug could impact the communication due to the impedance change which may have an adverse effect on the pump.

nly04 · 03/30/2021, 05:06 PM

By the way, this is my skimmer.

nly04 · 03/30/2021, 05:09 PM

@slief. I see your point. Look like I don't have much option and will leave the controller inside the stand.

How long will it take to break in and when do I need to adjust the power? What is the optimal power setting for this skimmer? my skimmer is running at lowest speed and currently at 15W. Skimmer is at 7.25” of water. I have total around 50inches of fish at the moment.

slief · 03/30/2021, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nly04

@slief. I see your point. Look like I don't have much option and will leave the controller inside the stand.

How long will it take to break in and when do I need to adjust the power? What is the optimal power setting for this skimmer? my skimmer is running at lowest speed and currently at 15W. Skimmer is at 7.25” of water. I have total around 50inches of fish at the moment.

Ideal power setting is 18-22w. Break in period is about a week.

If you really want to add a connection, this would be about the best choice. It doesn’t require soldering and I am aware of others that have used this connector with success in the past. While neither myself or Royal Exclusiv advocate this as there IS risk of damaging your controller, this is about the best option.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uu7FVg9VbA8

nly04 · 03/30/2021, 08:01 PM

Thank you Slief, I will look into that option.

03/30/2021, 11:48 AM	#2
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	Not sure Scott would agree but it is possible as long as the plug is for the correct amount of wires. You know how to solder correct? __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

03/30/2021, 04:58 PM	#5
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	Should be fine if it fits the wiring. Install far enough away from pump so no chance for water to make it there. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

03/30/2021, 05:02 PM	#6
slief RC Sponsor Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 14,173	Is your pump the old version that has the motor hardwired to the controller? If so, we don’t offer any options for you. The newer RD3’s all have a quick connect plug on them. My advice would be to keep the controller under the stand. Cutting the cord and extending the cable or adding a plug between the motor and controller will change the impedance of the connection. The RD3 is not a typical DC pump. It’s a high voltage variable speed AC pump. The controller is a computer and there is bi-directional communication between the controller and the motor. Adding a plug could impact the communication due to the impedance change which may have an adverse effect on the pump. __________________ Director Customer Support Royal Exclusiv USA For All Royal Exclusiv & Bubble King questions please refer to our Sponsor forum: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=745 Current Tank Info: 480G display mixed reef, 90G sump, 90G refugium, 60G display refugium. Check out my build thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1783476

03/30/2021, 04:32 PM	#4
nly04 Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Union City, SF bay area Posts: 1,062	Thinking to get this part. What do you think? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...SX117263E&th=1

03/30/2021, 05:09 PM	#8
nly04 Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Union City, SF bay area Posts: 1,062	@slief. I see your point. Look like I don't have much option and will leave the controller inside the stand. How long will it take to break in and when do I need to adjust the power? What is the optimal power setting for this skimmer? my skimmer is running at lowest speed and currently at 15W. Skimmer is at 7.25” of water. I have total around 50inches of fish at the moment.

03/30/2021, 08:01 PM	#10
nly04 Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Union City, SF bay area Posts: 1,062	Thank you Slief, I will look into that option.