So i am looking to upgrade to a controller of some sort and wanted to hear everyones opinion. I was currently looking at a reef keeper lite 3 but im not really sure what else i am looking for besides lighting controls plus a visual temp and ph gauge. I will eventually upgrade to a tank over a 100 gal and i am not sure if it will make a difference. But please help me out if you have any suggestions as far as what i might want or need for a larger set up?
Controller: First time upgrade
- Thread starter gmpolan
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The RK lite level three should serve you well for what your looking for. You could also look into the aquacontroller which might be a little cheaper but not as expandable. They will both do what your looking for now and will both offer you 8 controllable plugs.
Not an expert on the RKE, but I used the ACjr to manage two MHs, two actinics, heaters, turn lights off/on to help control temp, manage set of AC fans, and manage a set of DC fans, monitor temp, and pH. This was on a 90g set-up and I was very pleased with the ACjr. I have since upgraded to the Apex.
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Easiest thing to do is map out exactly what you want to control. Then you can more easily pick the system that's right for you.
How many and what wattage lights? ATO? Reactor? Skimmer pump?
How many and what wattage lights? ATO? Reactor? Skimmer pump?
1. For my set up now, im just running a sun system tek 5 but will eventually go to MH etc when i go to a larger tank.
2. Octo Recirc Skimmer but same as i will go bigger next go around
3. ATO
4. Prob no reactor but theres always a chance...
2. Octo Recirc Skimmer but same as i will go bigger next go around
3. ATO
4. Prob no reactor but theres always a chance...
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How many plugs on the light system? No heater to control? You could probably get by with the RKL Level 2 til you decide to upgrade.
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Ok, well then you'll need 2 PC-4's and the SL1, so the L3 is the best bet with you having 5 plugs needed. You could always order float switches and make your own bracket, and have one for ATO and one for the skimmer cup in case it wants to overflow.
Anyways, if you go with the RKL, you need the L3 for those options. I've run one since last may and I won't run another reef tank without one.
Anyways, if you go with the RKL, you need the L3 for those options. I've run one since last may and I won't run another reef tank without one.
I have no knowledge of other controllers at all but - I just got the RKE W/NET and it is pretty cool. email alerts, data logging, RSS feeds, web page server to log into when you are away from home and want to check up on things. Right now you cant control the unit remotely but is supposedly in developement for a future firmware release..i measure PH, Salinity, Temp, 2 Koralia 4's on a wavemaker setting, lighting, fans, sump, skimmer etc..
you can set rules to take action on things while you are away (or on your couch..hehe) i have mine set to turn a fan on if the temp hits 80, if it hits 82 the lights will turn off and turns on another fan etc...
I will say the programming and set up (dont know about the others) was kind of daunting, once i got the hang of it its really easy.
Getting the NET module was a bit of a pain to get running as i was trying to use a wireless access point to get it online...no go, people have set them up wireless with devices but i failed every attempt. i just hardwired it with an ethernet cable and it works like a champ..
warranty - 1 yr but Digital Aquatics basically says - as long as you have the receipt and its not normal wear and tear, and you didnt damage it - they will cover it.
Tim at Keen Reef sells them for $417, cheaper than online from Digital Aquatics..or Marine Depot
good luck in whatever you choose
you can set rules to take action on things while you are away (or on your couch..hehe) i have mine set to turn a fan on if the temp hits 80, if it hits 82 the lights will turn off and turns on another fan etc...
I will say the programming and set up (dont know about the others) was kind of daunting, once i got the hang of it its really easy.
Getting the NET module was a bit of a pain to get running as i was trying to use a wireless access point to get it online...no go, people have set them up wireless with devices but i failed every attempt. i just hardwired it with an ethernet cable and it works like a champ..
warranty - 1 yr but Digital Aquatics basically says - as long as you have the receipt and its not normal wear and tear, and you didnt damage it - they will cover it.
Tim at Keen Reef sells them for $417, cheaper than online from Digital Aquatics..or Marine Depot
good luck in whatever you choose
