RK Lite?What do you think of yours?

RockStarFish · 09/20/2009, 10:03 PM

I am thinking of getting one but wonder if it is worth it? Will I end up upgrading anyway?What do you wish it had?

Any input would help

Thanks

HndMafia · 09/20/2009, 10:32 PM

I got one with a used tank and I'm an equipment junkie, so keep that in mind when reading my opinion.

1) iTemp not reliable to read changes quickly--supposedly this has been fixed in firmware 1.03, but you have to have an antique winblows machine to use the firmware update proggy so I have yet to update mine.

2) The 4 module limit is just not enough!!

3) No net interface!

I will be upgrading my controller sometime in the near future, just waiting to see what DA plans to announce at MACNA. If they introduce remote access program changes via computer for the RKE then I'll get one of those so I can use my meager 4 modules from my RKL. Otherwise I'll buy the Apex.

MHO, bottom line--If you want basic functions, the RKL is great but if your an advanced techie type buy something else

au01st · 09/21/2009, 11:31 AM

I've had mine since mid-May. In July, the iTemp probe stopped working. No signs of imminent failure, I was just sitting on the couch studying for a final and the unit started beeping and flashing to tell me that my temp was 118.9 and my fans were all on. I run 4 set to come on at 78.6 and 4 more to come on at 80.5 (rarely happens and only happened last when my A/C went out). My testing showed that I could cool my tank down to 74 degrees with just fans, which is what would have happened had I not been home.

Other than that it's been great. I got the L3 package and it's just enough for up to mid-sized tanks. If you NEED more than 4 modules you probably should look at a more advanced controller. The RKL is designed as an entry level system and works quite well at that.

1DeR9_3Hy · 09/21/2009, 12:37 PM

I really like how clean its allowed me to make my wiring. And it will only get better once i finish the stand for the next tank.

If you need more than 4 modules, get the elite...but how many outlets does one need? return pump/sump powerhead plug into the wall as they never turn off except during water changes which is monthly.

The skimmer(1)/tank powerhead(1)/lights(3)/fan(1)/fuge light(1)/ato (1) all plug into 2 modules. That leaves 8 more open spots in 2 more modules, what could you use those for? More fuge lights? 8 more powerheads? lol

PrangeWay · 09/21/2009, 01:22 PM

Yeah I have an elite not a lite.
You can pass up 4 modules really quickly (3 power bars, net, sl1 (ph/orp), sl2 (salinity/ph for calc reactor).

PW

d2mini · 09/21/2009, 01:27 PM

I like mine a lot and it does everything i need it to do.
Controls lighting, powerheads, fans, heater, temp.
Monitors temp and ph.
Standby mode for feeding.
Everything works great.

And if i need to upgrade later, you can trade up to the RKE.

I had an iTemp probe failure, but they replaced it right away.

fishwonder · 09/21/2009, 08:28 PM

I have RKL 3. Bought it in June and i temp failed in September. Still under warranty, I will get a replaced one for free still have to wait for replacement. But if it can be a disaster if it failed when I wasn't home.

kc350twin · 09/21/2009, 09:53 PM

It is a tough time for a controller decision. There are some really nice units up for grabs now and the upgrades and modules seem like they are coming out or being announced monthly. I agree the "lite" can be out grown easily but it is nice. Wish my RK2 could have 12 outlets..

Good luck

au01st · 09/21/2009, 10:44 PM

Did yall have to pay up front for a new probe and send your old one in? I was not happy about having to lose the $10 they charge for s/h on a 3 month old part that I didn't get back. Especially when it shipped as slow as it did...there was no way there was $10 in effort in that. Hell I can mail a tire to California for $20...this was a wire...

VoodooMach · 09/21/2009, 11:34 PM

Got my RKL L1 for free so I can't complain too too much. Alk BRS dosing pump on channel 1, 250w MH on channel 2, heater on channel 3, Ca BRS dosing pump on channel 4. Could probably use another 4 channels to run my fuge light, skimmer, return pump, and powerheads as well, but all my essentials are taken care of. Has been very reliable for me and my firmware is the newest one.

homeboyreefer · 09/27/2009, 02:34 AM

been working flawlessly, really like how simple mine is, waiting to get my ato kit for it

Mark426 · 09/27/2009, 06:37 AM

Entry level in every way, but thats what its designed for. Not crazy about it. Like the Apex more.

09/20/2009, 10:03 PM	#1
RockStarFish Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: SLC,UTAH Posts: 477	RK Lite?What do you think of yours? I am thinking of getting one but wonder if it is worth it? Will I end up upgrading anyway?What do you wish it had? Any input would help Thanks

09/21/2009, 11:31 AM	#3
au01st Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Auburn, AL Posts: 158	I've had mine since mid-May. In July, the iTemp probe stopped working. No signs of imminent failure, I was just sitting on the couch studying for a final and the unit started beeping and flashing to tell me that my temp was 118.9 and my fans were all on. I run 4 set to come on at 78.6 and 4 more to come on at 80.5 (rarely happens and only happened last when my A/C went out). My testing showed that I could cool my tank down to 74 degrees with just fans, which is what would have happened had I not been home. Other than that it's been great. I got the L3 package and it's just enough for up to mid-sized tanks. If you NEED more than 4 modules you probably should look at a more advanced controller. The RKL is designed as an entry level system and works quite well at that. __________________ Ask me where to get reasonably priced 1/4" clear netting for DIY screen tops! Current Tank Info: 90g Reef, 120 Rimless Starfire in the works

09/21/2009, 12:37 PM	#4
1DeR9_3Hy Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,575	I really like how clean its allowed me to make my wiring. And it will only get better once i finish the stand for the next tank. If you need more than 4 modules, get the elite...but how many outlets does one need? return pump/sump powerhead plug into the wall as they never turn off except during water changes which is monthly. The skimmer(1)/tank powerhead(1)/lights(3)/fan(1)/fuge light(1)/ato (1) all plug into 2 modules. That leaves 8 more open spots in 2 more modules, what could you use those for? More fuge lights? 8 more powerheads? lol __________________ I hope it never catches on, I like having the oldest tank on here and I don't have to worry about calcification, bio pellets, Vodka dosing, DSBs, Chaetomorpha (I don't even know what that is) Carbonite hardness and all of these other things many people worry about. If I had to think about all of that stuff I would get a stroke. My test kit came in a wooden box and the directions say to keep in a cool chariott. I throw some food in the tank, wave hello to the fish and go out with my wife and have a nice glass of merlot with dinner. Have a great day but most of all, have fun. -PaulB Current Tank Info: 27 Gallon DAS softy/fish reef

09/21/2009, 01:22 PM	#5
PrangeWay Duke of Monte Fisto Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 722	Yeah I have an elite not a lite. You can pass up 4 modules really quickly (3 power bars, net, sl1 (ph/orp), sl2 (salinity/ph for calc reactor). PW __________________ Dumbest Quotes Ever..... "Great color, great growth" closely followed by "all water parameters fine"

09/21/2009, 01:27 PM	#6
d2mini Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 10,344	I like mine a lot and it does everything i need it to do. Controls lighting, powerheads, fans, heater, temp. Monitors temp and ph. Standby mode for feeding. Everything works great. And if i need to upgrade later, you can trade up to the RKE. I had an iTemp probe failure, but they replaced it right away. __________________ -dennis Elos Diamond 120xl \| Elos Stand \| Radion G4 Pros \| GHL Profilux Controller \| LifeReef Skimmer \| LifeReef Sump Photos taken with a Nikon D750 or Leica M.

09/20/2009, 10:32 PM	#2
HndMafia Moved On Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 311	I got one with a used tank and I'm an equipment junkie, so keep that in mind when reading my opinion. 1) iTemp not reliable to read changes quickly--supposedly this has been fixed in firmware 1.03, but you have to have an antique winblows machine to use the firmware update proggy so I have yet to update mine. 2) The 4 module limit is just not enough!! 3) No net interface! I will be upgrading my controller sometime in the near future, just waiting to see what DA plans to announce at MACNA. If they introduce remote access program changes via computer for the RKE then I'll get one of those so I can use my meager 4 modules from my RKL. Otherwise I'll buy the Apex. MHO, bottom line--If you want basic functions, the RKL is great but if your an advanced techie type buy something else

09/21/2009, 08:28 PM	#7
fishwonder Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 92	I temp fails I have RKL 3. Bought it in June and i temp failed in September. Still under warranty, I will get a replaced one for free still have to wait for replacement. But if it can be a disaster if it failed when I wasn't home.

09/21/2009, 09:53 PM	#8
kc350twin Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Severn, MD Posts: 1,579	It is a tough time for a controller decision. There are some really nice units up for grabs now and the upgrades and modules seem like they are coming out or being announced monthly. I agree the "lite" can be out grown easily but it is nice. Wish my RK2 could have 12 outlets.. Good luck __________________ 112g Cube 36x36x20= Custom 12x39wPower Module (Par Monster)= Neptune Apex=ATB 840v2=BM Doser= 2 MP-40's

09/21/2009, 10:44 PM	#9
au01st Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Auburn, AL Posts: 158	Did yall have to pay up front for a new probe and send your old one in? I was not happy about having to lose the $10 they charge for s/h on a 3 month old part that I didn't get back. Especially when it shipped as slow as it did...there was no way there was $10 in effort in that. Hell I can mail a tire to California for $20...this was a wire... __________________ Ask me where to get reasonably priced 1/4" clear netting for DIY screen tops! Current Tank Info: 90g Reef, 120 Rimless Starfire in the works

09/21/2009, 11:34 PM	#10
VoodooMach Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Katy, TX Posts: 108	Got my RKL L1 for free so I can't complain too too much. Alk BRS dosing pump on channel 1, 250w MH on channel 2, heater on channel 3, Ca BRS dosing pump on channel 4. Could probably use another 4 channels to run my fuge light, skimmer, return pump, and powerheads as well, but all my essentials are taken care of. Has been very reliable for me and my firmware is the newest one. __________________ 57 Illuminata Current Tank Info: 57 Illuminata

09/27/2009, 02:34 AM	#11
homeboyreefer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 212	been working flawlessly, really like how simple mine is, waiting to get my ato kit for it

09/27/2009, 06:37 AM	#12
Mark426 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,479	Entry level in every way, but thats what its designed for. Not crazy about it. Like the Apex more.