Reefkeeper Guys: A Few General Questions

[AUFishGuy]

I have some questions about the different channels and how they can be used.

I was told by DA that my ato pump had to be in either channel 1 or 4 for it to function properly but it was not explained to me why this is the case. I took it as 2 and 3 did not have the capability to turn on and off but I'm not sure that's right either. Hence my confusion and questions. Hoping someone can give me some clarity here

1.) What are the differences between channels 1 & 4 and 2 & 3?

2.) Can i run dosing pumps on 2 and 3?

3.) My lights are all into one power strip that is then plugged into channel 4 and controlled via an ALC. Can the power strip be plugged into work or 3 since it will always be on?

4.) Does it matter what channel my heater is plugged into?


TIA

 

[Mark9]

Straight from the quickstart guide

Tips, Hints and Usage Notes:
Connection Guide:
To additional
modules or SID

The PC4 module can manage up to 15 amps of power (approximately 1800 watts). Ratings for each channel are printed on
the PC4. Channels 1 and 4 are standard mechanical relays and are rated up to 8 amps each. Channels 2 and 3 are solid-
state TRIAC switches and are rated up to 3 amps each. Be sure not to overload any single channel, nor the PC4 as a whole.

Some pumps and similar devices such as certain types of fans, work better on mechanical relays than on solid-state
TRIAC switches. These devices can be moved over to channels 1 or 4. If there are no other channels available, placing
a single-outlet surge protector or an electronic noise lter can allow these devices to function normally.

Care and discretion should be used when installing your system and modules. Proper instalation practices should be
used for safe operation. Never place or mount any unit directly on the ground, as it will be vulnerable to water exposure,
which will lead to a potential safety hazard and/or system failure. Be sure to use drip loops on all cables and wires to help
reduce risk of water intrusion into the system.

Ballasts and high-current devices such as chillers can cause environmental interference. Be sure to keep devices such as
ballasts as far away from the system as possible. Be sure not to bundle bus cables with power lines

 

[Mark9]

My suggestion to you for the dosing pumps is to buy 2 digital times from Amazon and not rely on the switching capabilities of the reefkeeper.
I have my 2 dosers each plugged into a timer, with both plugged into a strip, plugged into channel 3, I think.
I plugged my heater into 4, but I have 2 pc4 bars, so alot of space.
Also set a failsafe to turn off the dosers if the ph spikes, whicgh usually means you're putting too much alk in.

For the heater though, program that channel normally off, on only if temp is say below 80.
That will save you from heater failure.

You may want to split your lights on multiple channels.
Again, you can program a failsafe to turn off lights if heat gets too high. Not so much for led's, but I have T5's.
How many pc4 bars do you have?

And you can also program a standby, makes it super easy for a water change, turns things off like ato and returns at the push of 1 button.

 

[Mark9]

These are the timers I got.
AmazonLink

 

[AUFishGuy]

got it. Thanks. Any recs on dosing pumps

 

[Mark9]

got it. Thanks. Any recs on dosing pumps

I bought the BRS total package with dosers.