reefkeeper lite question

corbett_n · 11/30/2009, 08:03 AM

What can you do with a reefkeeper lite straight out the box. What comes with the controller? The pictures of it don't show anything but the controller.

insane · 11/30/2009, 08:08 AM

The best place to ask your question about your RKL will be in the Digital Aquatics forum here on RC.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=329

solitude127 · 11/30/2009, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corbett_n

What can you do with a reefkeeper lite straight out the box. What comes with the controller? The pictures of it don't show anything but the controller.

What would you like it to do?

jason2459 · 11/30/2009, 10:27 AM

I have a reefkeeper lite level 1. It's just the base unit, temp probe, and a single 4 outlet strip. Using it to run my heater and lights. Lights are on a basic timer. Then I have it programmed to turn the heater on at 78 with a .5 deviation. Also have the unit set to turn off two of four lights if the temp hits 84 and turn off all lights and sound an alarm if the temp hits 86. It's really easy to program and pleased with it so far.

aquaman05 · 11/30/2009, 11:18 AM

It seems they all come with the pc4, would a pc8 work on this unit.

I think you can only hook up 4 things on this controller so i thought if you could use the 8 plug unit instead of 2 4s it would save on things you could hook up on this controller.

thanks

lordofthereef · 11/30/2009, 12:40 PM

You can control your lights as well as heaters/fans/chiller or whatever you really want to do for cooling. This includes things like shutting off lights when the tank gets to a given temperature (that you tell it). You can control up to four outlets out of the box as well.

corbett_n · 11/30/2009, 02:49 PM

I want to be able to control lights, heater and PH. What do I need to do all that? I really like the idea of a safety check on the heater. I am fears of a stuck heater.

solitude127 · 11/30/2009, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corbett_n

I want to be able to control lights, heater and PH. What do I need to do all that? I really like the idea of a safety check on the heater. I am fears of a stuck heater.

This depends on which one you get. If you get the RKL3, then yes you can do all this because the SL1 is included (handles PH). If you get the RKL1, then no, because all it has is a temp probe and 4 controllable outlets. But if all you need are 4 controllable outlets and PH monitoring/control, you can buy the RKL1 and add a SL1 and PH probe.

zach jay · 11/30/2009, 04:25 PM

How does the pH monitoring/control work exactly? I was looking into getting a controller for temp and pH (not for lights, because it has 1 plug and timers built in).

and what could a more powerful controller do in addition to lights/heater/chiller/pH?

solitude127 · 11/30/2009, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zach jay

How does the pH monitoring/control work exactly? I was looking into getting a controller for temp and pH (not for lights, because it has 1 plug and timers built in).

On the controller, you have set points for the Ph. For example, if you have calcium reactor, you want your PH in the reactor to be about 6.6 or so. If you have PH probe in the calcium reactor, it will give you a constant reading. When your PH goes above 6.6 it will turn on the CO2 regulator. and when the PH get below your set point it will turn off the regulator.

Quote:

and what could a more powerful controller do in addition to lights/heater/chiller/pH?

Connectivity via the internet is one example.

Razhorn · 11/30/2009, 05:24 PM

RKL will be able to do Net in a few weeks once the new update is out

Laddy · 11/30/2009, 05:26 PM

Are you sure you can add a pH probe to the RKL 1 after the fact? On the website, under the pH probes, it says "Not Supported" under RKL 1. I'm thinking of replacing a faulty AC Jr with the Reefkeeper, and I was on their site with the exact question.

solitude127 · 11/30/2009, 05:45 PM

Let's make sure we're talking about the same thing. I'm talking about a ReefKeeperLite, not the original Reefkeeper or Reefkeeper2.
http://www.digitalaquatics.com/saltwater/RKM-SL1

aquaman05 · 11/30/2009, 06:36 PM

What about my pc 4 , pc 8 question.

Can you use either or on the rkl ?

zach jay · 11/30/2009, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solitude127

On the controller, you have set points for the Ph. For example, if you have calcium reactor, you want your PH in the reactor to be about 6.6 or so. If you have PH probe in the calcium reactor, it will give you a constant reading. When your PH goes above 6.6 it will turn on the CO2 regulator. and when the PH get below your set point it will turn off the regulator.

Connectivity via the internet is one example.

so would that mean I would need a calcium reactor for the pH adjuster to work? or is there something a little cheaper that could help.

or could I just supplement with kalkwasser .

Duff Man · 11/30/2009, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laddy

Are you sure you can add a pH probe to the RKL 1 after the fact? On the website, under the pH probes, it says "Not Supported" under RKL 1. I'm thinking of replacing a faulty AC Jr with the Reefkeeper, and I was on their site with the exact question.

Out of the box the RKL 1 cannot support pH probes. You can buy the SL1 module and do this. Hooking up the SL1 will take up one of the four expansion slots the RKL has. The only difference between the various levels of RKL is the accessories that are included.

Reefobsession · 11/30/2009, 08:40 PM

RKL is a great tool for the price. You can set multiple timers. Set alarms. Take for instance if you set your temp point at 81, you can program your RKL to shut of your lights if it gets above 81. I love that security. I just ordered mine to control my lights and my two dosing pumps for 2 part.

stevek480 · 11/30/2009, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquaman05

What about my pc 4 , pc 8 question.

Can you use either or on the rkl ?

There are no 8 outlet modules for the Reefkeeper, only 4 and 2.

E.intheC · 11/30/2009, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jason2459

I have a reefkeeper lite level 1. It's just the base unit, temp probe, and a single 4 outlet strip. Using it to run my heater and lights. Lights are on a basic timer. Then I have it programmed to turn the heater on at 78 with a .5 deviation. Also have the unit set to turn off two of four lights if the temp hits 84 and turn off all lights and sound an alarm if the temp hits 86. It's really easy to program and pleased with it so far.

+1.

It has the potential to upgrade and do quite a bit more for the money if you want it to.

aquaman05 · 11/30/2009, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevek480

There are no 8 outlet modules for the Reefkeeper, only 4 and 2.

ok i guess that explains that...sorry

I could have sworn i saw a 8 plug for a reef keeper. must be for another system

stevek480 · 11/30/2009, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquaman05

ok i guess that explains that...sorry

I could have sworn i saw a 8 plug for a reef keeper. must be for another system

You're probably thinking of the Aquacontroller

kimber45 · 11/30/2009, 11:15 PM

the biggest downfall with the rkl imo is the 4 module limit.

which is fine for some but i find myself in need for more. :P

good thing they have a good upgrade deal for the elite.

jason2459 · 12/01/2009, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevek480

There are no 8 outlet modules for the Reefkeeper, only 4 and 2.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquaman05

ok i guess that explains that...sorry

I could have sworn i saw a 8 plug for a reef keeper. must be for another system

There is an 8 plug with the older reefkeeper II. I don't think it's compatible with RKL/RKE.

sifnos · 12/01/2009, 08:41 AM

great thread.I am planning to buy one

corbett_n · 12/01/2009, 09:55 AM

I am for sure

11/30/2009, 08:03 AM	#1
corbett_n Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: SC Posts: 1,271	reefkeeper lite question What can you do with a reefkeeper lite straight out the box. What comes with the controller? The pictures of it don't show anything but the controller.

11/30/2009, 10:27 AM	#4
jason2459 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Iowa Posts: 9,671	I have a reefkeeper lite level 1. It's just the base unit, temp probe, and a single 4 outlet strip. Using it to run my heater and lights. Lights are on a basic timer. Then I have it programmed to turn the heater on at 78 with a .5 deviation. Also have the unit set to turn off two of four lights if the temp hits 84 and turn off all lights and sound an alarm if the temp hits 86. It's really easy to program and pleased with it so far. __________________ rebuild and recovery log: No more red house, you'll have to click on my name and visit my homepage! You can check out my parameters at reeftronics dot net website and look for my username. Current Tank Info: 180g mixed reef w/ a beananimal overflow to a dolomite RRUGF. \| 20g long G. Smithii Mantis Tank

11/30/2009, 12:40 PM	#6
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	You can control your lights as well as heaters/fans/chiller or whatever you really want to do for cooling. This includes things like shutting off lights when the tank gets to a given temperature (that you tell it). You can control up to four outlets out of the box as well. __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu!

11/30/2009, 05:26 PM	#12
Laddy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Standing Tall on the Quarterdeck Posts: 1,001	Are you sure you can add a pH probe to the RKL 1 after the fact? On the website, under the pH probes, it says "Not Supported" under RKL 1. I'm thinking of replacing a faulty AC Jr with the Reefkeeper, and I was on their site with the exact question. __________________ James Hobbies: I enjoy moving water from point A, to point B, back to point A WANTED: True ATL Appleberry Palawanensis Frag, PM me. Current Tank Info: Current Build: 180 Reef; 55 holding tank

11/30/2009, 05:45 PM	#13
solitude127 Proud user of IO Salt! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 9,136	Let's make sure we're talking about the same thing. I'm talking about a ReefKeeperLite, not the original Reefkeeper or Reefkeeper2. http://www.digitalaquatics.com/saltwater/RKM-SL1 __________________ Mike <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ ReefKeeping.com TOTM Nov 2012 Socalireefs Featured Reef Oct 2011 Current Tank Info: 603020, 8x54 ATI Powermodule, ReefBrite XHO, ATB Elegance 200, Aquamaxx CTech CaRx, Ecotech Vortechs, Apex Controls, WM Ecobak powered. RedSea Reefer 170, MP10, Apex Jr, Ecotech Radion XR15, Aquamaxx WS-1

11/30/2009, 08:08 AM	#2
insane Moved On Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: under your bed Posts: 771 Blog Entries: 7	The best place to ask your question about your RKL will be in the Digital Aquatics forum here on RC. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=329

11/30/2009, 11:18 AM	#5
aquaman05 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: indiana Posts: 722	It seems they all come with the pc4, would a pc8 work on this unit. I think you can only hook up 4 things on this controller so i thought if you could use the 8 plug unit instead of 2 4s it would save on things you could hook up on this controller. thanks

11/30/2009, 02:49 PM	#7
corbett_n Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: SC Posts: 1,271	I want to be able to control lights, heater and PH. What do I need to do all that? I really like the idea of a safety check on the heater. I am fears of a stuck heater.

11/30/2009, 04:25 PM	#9
zach jay Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: west hartford, ct Posts: 630	How does the pH monitoring/control work exactly? I was looking into getting a controller for temp and pH (not for lights, because it has 1 plug and timers built in). and what could a more powerful controller do in addition to lights/heater/chiller/pH?

11/30/2009, 05:24 PM	#11
Razhorn Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: oklahoma Posts: 9	RKL will be able to do Net in a few weeks once the new update is out

11/30/2009, 06:36 PM	#14
aquaman05 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: indiana Posts: 722	What about my pc 4 , pc 8 question. Can you use either or on the rkl ?

11/30/2009, 08:40 PM	#17
Reefobsession Moved On Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: IN Posts: 1,037	RKL is a great tool for the price. You can set multiple timers. Set alarms. Take for instance if you set your temp point at 81, you can program your RKL to shut of your lights if it gets above 81. I love that security. I just ordered mine to control my lights and my two dosing pumps for 2 part.

11/30/2009, 11:15 PM	#22
kimber45 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: michigan Posts: 455	the biggest downfall with the rkl imo is the 4 module limit. which is fine for some but i find myself in need for more. :P good thing they have a good upgrade deal for the elite.

12/01/2009, 08:41 AM	#24
sifnos Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: greece Posts: 69	great thread.I am planning to buy one __________________ Vasilis Current Tank Info: 323232 cube in progress

12/01/2009, 09:55 AM	#25
corbett_n Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: SC Posts: 1,271	I am for sure