ReefKeeper

[crew]

I was looking at the reefkeeper elite and lite as well as other models..

What exactly are the differences in these? As far as I can tell, I don't really see a need to buy the reefkeeper elite, do I really need 63 timers? I don't think I would even use all 16 that the lite has.

Can some of you aquarium owners that use digital monitoring (Reefkeeper or otherwise) fill me in with some info??

 

[gnashty]

Expandability - the RKL can only handle so many modules (I think 4) where the RKE can handle a ton more.

 

[crew]

modules as in temp probe, ph probe etc?

 

[mockery]

Crew;581107 wrote: modules as in temp probe, ph probe etc?

Modules as in PC4's the outlets.

 

[rbredding]

do a search.. there are about 3-5 threads that go through the pros and cons of the different controller systems..

 

[weaglereefer]

First thing you should do is list what do you NEED to control? Then what do you WANT to control? Then your budget. The RKL can be had for $100, and can control 4 channels as well as monitor temp. With the basic package, that's it. If you add a module like an SL1 or SL2, then you can monitor pH, ORP, more temp probes (eventually salinity if the probe scandal is ever cleared up), and have some switches to monitor. All of these bits and pieces will cost more. You would use the SL module to monitor something like pH in a calcium reactor and control the CO2 solenoid via that reading. There's benefits to each system.

 

[snowmansnow]

it can be confusing.. probes and such are NOT modules.. they work FROM a module. For instance you can run a salinity , ph, and temp probe all from an SL2 module (I think). A PC4 (outlets with timers) would be another module that would give you 4 plugs. NET (which will run on the RKL now) would be another. Advanced lighting control (ALC) is another and so forth.

The head unit connects to modules via data cable. The modules then hook to probes, outlets, and so forth from there.

I have a reasonably successful 120 g tank with the RKL. I haven't NEEDED any more capacity than I have with it as of yet.

B

 

[schwaggs]

My controller has 40 controllable outlets. Are they all NEEDED, no. Are the majority of them used, yes. Controllers are a disease for some people. Once you start measuring and controlling things, you can't stop adding and tweaking. If you are not a gadget guy(gal) and don't enjoy automation, get the basic kit or even skip the controller entirely.