Reefkeeper Lite vs. Elite or something else???

I have been waiting for the SL2 to come out. I thought that I would jump on it immediately. Now that the time is here I had to evaluate the decision before doing so.

It costs $80 and the probe costs $90 so the total is $170.

Now what good is it going to do me to have the salinity value readily available? Unless I was going to set up pumps and programming to let the tank self adjust itself if the salinity happens to go off I can't see spending $170 just to know what the salinity is when it takes merely seconds to put a drop of water on the refractometer and see what the salinity is.

I just can't justify it anymore. I think I'm going to pass on the SL2. NOW - when I absoluty must have another switch port then I guess I'll have to rethink things. At that point I might as well go for the SL2.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15705163#post15705163 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Wd40
Hey ninja I could be wrong, however, i am in the same boat as you. What i was gonna do was buy the level one and then buy the SL2.. not the SL1. The SL2 is now compatible with the LITE and has the same inputs except it has an input for a salinity probe to. Check it out.

Actually the SL2 doesn't come with everything the SL1 has. The difference is the SL1 has a Temp Port and the SL2 has a Salinity Port. All the other features are identical.
 
SL2
The SL2 also allows for another temperature probe to be added to the system for redundant monitoring as well as two more switch inputs; great for ATO systems or leak detectors.

The DA salinity probe is nearly 30% more cost effective than competitive options and when cared for and kept clean our probe will last for many years. Great quality and value is part of our commitment!
Multiple Inputs
The RKM-SL2 has a variety of input ports providing a broad range of monitoring options. It's a powerful addition to either a ReefKeeper Elite or the ReefKeeper Lite system!
1 x pH port
The pH port on the SL2 is an isolated pH port. This all but eliminates the affect ground loops and system interference when using multiple pH probes. Any standard pH probe with a BNC interface should work with the SL2.
1 x Salinity port
The salinity port uses the DA Salinity probe on this completely isolated port. The SL2 salinity port reports back salinity in PPT.
1 x Temperature Probe port
Digital Aquatics Temperature Probe
2 x Switch ports
The switch ports can be use with float switches or other contact devices to run Auto Top Off (ATO) systems, or trigger other custom events.

SL1
1 x pH port
The pH port is a standard BNC connection. While any standard probe should work, we suggest using Digital Aquatics brand probes as they have been tested and are trusted to work with our modules.
1 x ORP port
The ORP port is a standard BNC connection. While any standard probe should work, we suggest using Digital Aquatics brand probes as they have been tested and are trusted to work with our modules.
1 x Temperature port
Digital Aquatics Temperature Probe
2 x Switch ports
Great for float switches and leak detectors. This port gives customers the ability easily integrate ATO systems and other automated tasks.
 
What? I guess I should have looked it up before I posted they were the same except for changing the Temp port to Salinity.

Oops - my bad

Now that I "looked" at my SL1, what I meant was that they are the same except for the ORP port is changed to the Salinity port.
 
coralfragger101 I was not callin you out.

Your right. The probes are way too expensive. I was going to order and they are out of stock on the PC4. Which means no extra plugs.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15707046#post15707046 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by coralfragger101
I have been waiting for the SL2 to come out. I thought that I would jump on it immediately. Now that the time is here I had to evaluate the decision before doing so.

It costs $80 and the probe costs $90 so the total is $170.

Now what good is it going to do me to have the salinity value readily available? Unless I was going to set up pumps and programming to let the tank self adjust itself if the salinity happens to go off I can't see spending $170 just to know what the salinity is when it takes merely seconds to put a drop of water on the refractometer and see what the salinity is.

I just can't justify it anymore. I think I'm going to pass on the SL2. NOW - when I absoluty must have another switch port then I guess I'll have to rethink things. At that point I might as well go for the SL2.

exact same thing i was thinking
 
Any of the RK's and a float switch or 2 for reduncancy or 2 for a high and a low.

I "believe" all the RK's come with 2 lead wires for your switch ouputs so you shouldn't need that.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15711444#post15711444 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by coralfragger101
Any of the RK's and a float switch or 2 for reduncancy or 2 for a high and a low.

I "believe" all the RK's come with 2 lead wires for your switch ouputs so you shouldn't need that.

Any RK? They all start with RK. RKM-PC4?
 
As in RK Lite (ver ?), RK Elite. Any of the ReefKeeper packages I believe come with 2 lead wires for switch ports. But I didn't look that up so I guess I could be wrong again.
 
So it seems this topic has died or has it? I have been doing a lot of research on the different models... Elite vs all others. They have the Elite version with Net for $499.00. I was under the impression that you could effect the switch and settings from the net? If you cant do that then why would I want to see my tank crashing while I am at the beach. It isn't like I would just drive home and fix it or would I? I really like the the function the system allows for but this is all research and no practical experience. I like the idea of being able to view a web cam as well but really thats not a $100.00 value to me. At least not for startup!

What are you fellers doing. I may buy this sucker tonight! I need feedback! :bounce2:
 
I have the NET module but not hooked up yet. Actually, it's been sitting here for quite awhile. Just haven't got the time.

I seem to recall that you are supposed to be able to change "some" things remotely but I can't swear to it.

The best place for info would be on Digital Aquatics Forum. That would be the place to ask and get a for sure true response.

http://www.forum.digitalaquatics.com/
 
Hey all. I just bought the Reefkeeper Elite and a few trimmings. I got the ALC and the MLC modules along with a Top Off control. This is all new to me as I dont even have water in my tank as of yet. I do hope that these controls will aid me in making things a bit eaiser. As for functionality of the Net Module I dont think it has the capability to be adjusted online as of yet but from some readings the DA team seems to be on the edge of a Firmware release to make that possible. I bought the system based on the fact that they would most likely release this function. I hope by end of next week for all the parts to be hear. Had to order from 2 different stores to get all the parts. Everyone seems to be out of stock on one part or another. I think thats a good sign that many seem to be buying these products. I would like some insider info on experience with these units. Feel free to PM me or I can read your post if you have suggestions.
I only bought 3 pods for my Moonlight. I have a 90 gal tank 48 x 18 x 24. Wonder if that will be enough?
 
The Neptune was the other controller I was looking at. You can make adjustments remotely with that controller. It did seem however more of and expense to get all the modules for it to start. We should keep up a comparison of the 2. My Reefkeeper should be here by Friday.
 
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