Reefkeeper ?s

[kokaneejr]

Hey guys,

I am thinking of getting the Reefkeper Lite for my tank as I have had problems in the past with heater malfunctions. I am thinking of putting my lights and heaters on it but that takes all 4 outlets as I have 2 heaters. I know I could upgrade with another PC4 outlet but my is question is: could I put 2 heaters into the same outlet with an adapter as they don't draw much power and maybe put a powerhead in the other.? I don't have any CO2 or calcium reactors and I am hoping not to till a major upgrade to a 90 gal in a few years.

Thanks Craig.
p.s a recent photo of my tank before the trip to Jeffs. Thanks Jeff everything looks happy!

 

[Reef Bass]

Hey Craig.

I think you could put both heaters on one outlet. I'd check to make sure the combined power consumption doesn't exceed the rating of the one outlet but you're probably good to go.

Tank looks nice! Where's the cat?

 

[kokaneejr]

Thanks Ken,

I think the cats were asleep at the time I took this.

Another ? for you guys.

What is the difference between these. I know it says
1xSL1 but what does that mean? Is it for an additional probe? And what are switch ports. Just trying to narrow down what I actually need now vs the future. Thanks.

Here are the 2

Level 1: ($141.99)
1 x Head unit
1 x PC4 (4 outlets)
1 x temperature probe

Level 2: ($209)
1 x Head unit
1 x PC4 (4 outlets)
1 x SL1 (Inputs: pH, ORP, Temperature, 2 x Switch Ports)
1 x Temperature probe

 

[Reef Bass]

I just picked up a ReefKeeper Elite and while I haven't set it up yet (been busy setting up my new lps tank), I have printed the users guide and am beginning to digest it (yes, I do believe in reading the manual).

Syntactically 1xSL1 means you get one of the SL1 modules with the level 2 package. I bet by the end of the day I'll have read enough of the manual to elaborate further on what good that could do you.

I can tell you that with the SL1 you can have more probes than just temp, such as the pH and ORP (a measure of conductivity which quantifies impurities in the water, kinda like TDS). It looks like the probes themselves are not included with the level 2 package, however.

More later.

 

[Reef Bass]

Ok, I've absorbed some info.

The power consumption limit on a given channel on the PC4 is 6 amps. So in theory plugging two 300w heaters would be right about the max.

The System Lab 1 is where the pH, ORP and temp probes connect. Only temp probe is included. There is also an SL2 which has inputs for ph, temp and salinity. I will be getting the salinty probe happening once I get everything going (maybe by Christmas? :lol: )

The switch ports are boolean logic ports basically. They are turned on or off depending on conditions you set with the controller. My RKE came with adapters for them that terminate in USB connectors. I don't see myself using this initially. For activating / triggering events with hardware / devices beyond your tank these are great.

HTH.

 

[kokaneejr]

Thanks Ken, I will have to check it out when you get it running

 

[kokaneejr]

Hey just a FYI for anyboby thinking about Reefkeepers especially the Lite.

Digital Aquatics is having a sale now on them and the Reefkeeper Lite is on sale:
Level 1: ($99.99)
1 x Head unit
1 x PC4 (4 outlets)
1 x temperature probe

$99.00.

I will probably get one if I can convince my bosses to let me work on the 4th

 

[crispyreef]

Have you looked at the ACjr. You can get that with a dc8 for 220 I think. It will control what you need.

 

[Reef Bass]

Good deal (RKL for $99)!

With the modular nature of it, you can always add features / modules down the road.

For the record, the PC4s that came with my RKEV2 have a maximum current rating of 8 amps on channels 1 and 4 and 3 amps on 2 and 3. Maximum total load for the strip is 15 amps.

Also, the switch outlet adapters don't terminate in USB. My b. Bag had a number of cables and I confused them.