Reefkeeper Lite question

[xxxbadfishxxx]

was looking into getting a reefkeeper lite for my tank. I want to be able to use as a wavemaker as well as a temperature controller. However, The tank is upstairs, and directly below in the basement is the heater. Does anyone know if i this could be done, and if so, what do i need?

 

[cjm368]

Easilly done. You would use either a hub or an sl1 or 2 depending on which probes you want. You can run upto about 50' between components.

 

[xxxbadfishxxx]

It's not the probe I am worried about, I don't get how to control the heater that would be plugged in downstairs. The head unit with the pc4 would be upstairs. Could I have a pc4 downstairs and somehow connect them?

 

[SkullV]

It's not the probe I am worried about, I don't get how to control the heater that would be plugged in downstairs. The head unit with the pc4 would be upstairs. Could I have a pc4 downstairs and somehow connect them?

Yes, absolutely. You could do one of two things:

Have a single PC4 upstairs (control lights, wavemaker, etc.) and run a long extension cord to the heater in the basement.

Have a second PC4 downstairs and connect it to the system with a long bus cable. They are easily found in 50ft+ lengths.

I would do the second. Have the head unit and one PC4 upstairs to control my lights and wavemaker. Have a second PC4 and SL1 downstairs to control my ATO, Heater, Skimmer, and Return.

 

[RotaryGeek]

So what if your downstairs and need to turn something off? You have to go all the way to the reefkeeper and turn it off then go all the way back? Sounds like you just need an American Dj powerstrip.

 

[SkullV]

So what if your downstairs and need to turn something off? You have to go all the way to the reefkeeper and turn it off then go all the way back? Sounds like you just need an American Dj powerstrip.

They do have a remote display you can add as well. An American DJ powerstrip will not control the heater. Although a Ranco plugged into the powerstrip will.

 

[xxxbadfishxxx]

Does anyone have a link to a rancid controller for a heater? Sounds like that's something i can run seperate, would be a lot cheaper than buying a seperate pc4 and bus cable

 

[xxxbadfishxxx]

Hey guys, slowly talking myself into getting this. However, I read some reviews that if you control your lights and powerheads (using wavemaker) on the same PC4, that your light will flicker everytime the wavemaker switches, any truth to this?

 

[RotaryGeek]

Nope, not true.