Nano-Reef.com Forums > $99 dollar ReefKeeper announced!

opy01

Jun 29 2009, 08:52 AM

QUOTE (skh @ Jun 28 2009, 06:18 PM)

I've had the RKL up and running for two weeks now and I love it! It's set up to turn on the fans to cool down the tank when it gets too hot. Works like a charm.

Just a heads up for those setting up your systems, make sure low current devices (like the aqualifter or cooling fans) are on either channel 1 or 4, which are the only channels that can switch low current devices on and off. I initially made the mistake of hooking up the aqualifter to channel 2 and it failed to turn off when it was supposed to -- it just kept pulling a low amount current and kept running. Thankfully the aqualifter is so slow that I caught it before it had dumped too much top off water in the tank.

The RKL is great otherwise -- now I don't really need to buy a chiller with the RKL, the SL1, the fans, and the aqualifter. Highly recommended.

+1

Mine is set up to run the heater when it reaches 78.9 and turn off at 79.1 then turn the fans on if it gets to 79.2 then turn off at 79. Mine never has more of a .3 degree difference at all times.

I am also ordering the second RKL just for the PC4 and spare head. I am waiting patiently for the SW2 and the new firmware so i can use the ALC I ordered last week lol.

FiRsT-aNd-LaSt

Jun 29 2009, 05:09 PM

Well I just put my order in, look forward to getting it, I know it will be worth it.

LivingStrong08

Jun 29 2009, 05:20 PM

QUOTE (FiRsT-aNd-LaSt @ Jun 29 2009, 03:09 PM)

Well I just put my order in, look forward to getting it, I know it will be worth it.

Quick question all,

What level ReefKeeper would I need to run an ATO, and Chiller?

Thanks, sorry I am a newbie.. =)

opy01

Jun 30 2009, 09:13 AM

QUOTE (LivingStrong08 @ Jun 29 2009, 05:20 PM)

Quick question all,

What level ReefKeeper would I need to run an ATO, and Chiller?

Thanks, sorry I am a newbie.. =)

If you are not going with the RKL level 1 for $99 I would just go up to the level 3 with 2 PC4s. That will run 8 A/C jacks that you can program. I personally am waiting on the SL2 to be released before doing a ATO but if you dont need SG tested then the level 3 with the SL1 would be fine.

dtfleming

Jun 30 2009, 09:27 AM

+1. I would upgrade my RK2 with a new RKL if they would take a trade in on it..............

Weetabix7

Jun 30 2009, 09:40 AM

Ok, I have some stupid noobish type questions here.
I've been interested in Reef Controllers, but I find myseld constantly confused by the terminology.
So give it to me in Layman's Terms here.
What exactly, specifically is the $99 RKL capable of doing?
It looks to me as if it has 4 outlets, can monitor your tank temp and turn lights or heater on or off depending on temp, and that's it.
Am I missing something?
Does it do more than this?

dtfleming

Jun 30 2009, 09:47 AM

the unit itself can do alot of things, but you would need to add modules on to it. ie , it can control temp, it can control ph. ATO, Fans, Moonlights. wavemaker, standby mode for feeding. Alarms to let you know show thing is wrong. Turn off lights if the tank temp gets too high. etc, if you look at their site, it tells you what function the unit can do.

The different version's come with different modules i.e. SL1, PC4, MC1.

LivingStrong08

Jun 30 2009, 09:53 AM

QUOTE (opy01 @ Jun 30 2009, 06:13 AM)

If you are not going with the RKL level 1 for $99 I would just go up to the level 3 with 2 PC4s. That will run 8 A/C jacks that you can program. I personally am waiting on the SL2 to be released before doing a ATO but if you dont need SG tested then the level 3 with the SL1 would be fine.

Ok, so I am a few weeks old to all this stuff...so pardon the questions.

I would love to get the $99.99 reefkeerper, especially since I am looking at the JBJ ATO system...

http://www.jbjnanocube.com/index1.html?lan...ato.html#p10776

I am going topless and live in AZ with hot temps and refrigerated air that sucks all moisture out of the air, so a chiller and ATO are essential.

Here is the chiller that I am planning on getting (Current 1/15)
http://www.aquadirect.com/store/product.ph...t=0&page=89

Now can avoid the JBJ controller if a get the 99.99 Reefkeeper, or do I have to upgrade?

What does this mean?
"you dont need SG tested then the level 3 with the SL1 would be fine"

Thanks!

Weetabix7

Jun 30 2009, 09:53 AM

Well I've looked at the site a couple of times, but I keep getting confused by the terminology!

I wish someone would put up a Noobish Introduction with Layman's terms, or something.
Ok, so the $99 unit can control just temp, right?
To control more than that would you need to add on an SL1 and the necessary probes, like a PH probe or whatever?

LivingStrong08

Jun 30 2009, 10:06 AM

QUOTE (Weetabix7 @ Jun 30 2009, 06:53 AM)

Well I've looked at the site a couple of times, but I keep getting confused by the terminology!

I wish someone would put up a Noobish Introduction with Layman's terms, or something.
Ok, so the $99 unit can control just temp, right?
To control more than that would you need to add on an SL1 and the necessary probes, like a PH probe or whatever?

Hahha, I will join the boat on this.. I went to the site and added the RKL (99.99) and the SL1 module, also the temp prob, however I didn't see anything for the ATO, and I know that fellow reefer's say you can use this for an ATO, so im lost... lol..

dtfleming

Jun 30 2009, 10:10 AM

RKL1 can control temp, lights, fans, chiller, ato, standby mode for feeding,

to monitor ph or control it, you would need the SL1 which would also let you monitor and control orp, and be able to hook up two float switches.......

If you need to plug in more than four devices, you will need to get an extra PC4.

QUOTE (LivingStrong08 @ Jun 30 2009, 11:06 AM)

Hahha, I will join the boat on this.. I went to the site and added the RKL (99.99) and the SL1 module, also the temp prob, however I didn't see anything for the ATO, and I know that fellow reefer's say you can use this for an ATO, so im lost... lol..

ATO can be used two ways with it. First you plug in your own ATO and control it with the RKL, ex: JBJ ato, autotopoff.com kit. The ATO can be put on a multi-timer to come on at certain times. This is how I have my ATO's hooked to the control, kinda like an extra backup to the float switches.

Second- you can buy the float switches from DA and hook them up to the inputs on the SL1 and control a pump such as the aqualifter as your ATO.

LivingStrong08

Jun 30 2009, 10:25 AM

QUOTE (dtfleming @ Jun 30 2009, 07:10 AM)

RKL1 can control temp, lights, fans, chiller, ato, standby mode for feeding,

to monitor ph or control it, you would need the SL1 which would also let you monitor and control orp, and be able to hook up two float switches.......

If you need to plug in more than four devices, you will need to get an extra PC4.

ATO can be used two ways with it. First you plug in your own ATO and control it with the RKL, ex: JBJ ato, autotopoff.com kit. The ATO can be put on a multi-timer to come on at certain times. This is how I have my ATO's hooked to the control, kinda like an extra backup to the float switches.

Second- you can buy the float switches from DA and hook them up to the inputs on the SL1 and control a pump such as the aqualifter as your ATO.

Hmmm.. Ok. Bare with me and correct me if I am wrong... So if I want to controll a Sunpod, Chiller, and ATO (JBJ system w/o controller) I then would buy the following:

RKL(L1)
DA Temp probe
Float switch (they only offer single right now)
RKM-SL1

Am I on track? Missing anything?

deepdvnarq

Jun 30 2009, 10:45 AM

QUOTE (LivingStrong08 @ Jun 30 2009, 08:25 AM)

Hmmm.. Ok. Bare with me and correct me if I am wrong... So if I want to controll a Sunpod, Chiller, and ATO (JBJ system w/o controller) I then would buy the following:

RKL(L1)
DA Temp probe
Float switch (they only offer single right now)
RKM-SL1

Am I on track? Missing anything?

you don't need to buy to temp probe. it comes with the RKL

LivingStrong08

Jun 30 2009, 11:12 AM

QUOTE (deepdvnarq @ Jun 30 2009, 07:45 AM)

you don't need to buy to temp probe. it comes with the RKL

Awesome thank you! =)

FiRsT-aNd-LaSt

Jun 30 2009, 01:25 PM

If you buy a JBJ ATO then you don't need DA floatswitches the JBJ comes with 2

See what Im going to do is I was originally gunna get a JBJ ATO, but instead I I decided I'd get DA floatswitches and a SL2 when it comes out so I can eventually monitor my salinity which is what the SL2 does different than a SL1.

MLK

Jun 30 2009, 03:36 PM

i just placed an order for one today. kinda bummed though that there arent anymore until july 17th though

reeftankguy

Jun 30 2009, 03:47 PM

QUOTE (MLK @ Jun 30 2009, 03:36 PM)

i just placed an order for one today. kinda bummed though that there arent anymore until july 17th though

MarineDepot has them for the same price... Ordered One last Thursday and just recieved it today at work... very Nice Unit... Cant wait to get home!

Jon...

opy01

Jun 30 2009, 03:55 PM

I have mine doing 4 things right now: DT lights at one time, fuge lights at another time, heater when it hits 78.9 then shuts off at 79.1 and fans when it hits 79.2 then shuts off at 79.0. I am ordering another RKL just for the PC4 so I can run my ATO when the SL2 comes out and also my pumps then I will have a spare head. I am waiting for the SL2 to come out because I want real time SG and PH testing so I can get rid of my hydrometer. I dont care to monitor orp so I dont need the SL1 right now.

MLK

Jun 30 2009, 04:26 PM

QUOTE (reeftankguy @ Jun 30 2009, 12:47 PM)

MarineDepot has them for the same price... Ordered One last Thursday and just recieved it today at work... very Nice Unit... Cant wait to get home!

Jon...

thanks for the info. hopefully they have some in stock still and they arent drop shipped from DA

*edit- I just received an email saying that they are still in stock, and mine will be shipped out tomorrow!

NanoReefNovice

Jun 30 2009, 04:28 PM

QUOTE (reeftankguy @ Jun 30 2009, 12:47 PM)

MarineDepot has them for the same price... Ordered One last Thursday and just recieved it today at work... very Nice Unit... Cant wait to get home!

Jon...

FYI you order from some place other then DA then you wont be eligible for their trade in option.

reeftankguy

Jun 30 2009, 05:09 PM

QUOTE (NanoReefNovice @ Jun 30 2009, 04:28 PM)

FYI you order from some place other then DA then you wont be eligible for their trade in option.

Trade-In-Option?

ermartin

Jun 30 2009, 06:28 PM

QUOTE (NanoReefNovice @ Jun 30 2009, 02:28 PM)

FYI you order from some place other then DA then you wont be eligible for their trade in option.

Trade in option is only on the RKE not the RKL

dtfleming

Jun 30 2009, 06:43 PM

QUOTE (ermartin @ Jun 30 2009, 07:28 PM)

Trade in option is only on the RKE not the RKL

I know wish the would offer it for the RKL

NanoReefNovice

Jun 30 2009, 06:53 PM

QUOTE (ermartin @ Jun 30 2009, 03:28 PM)

Trade in option is only on the RKE not the RKL

Im pretty sure you can trade in your RKL for a RKE credit. $50 or somthin, lemme go check again...

basser1

Jun 30 2009, 06:58 PM

Here you go:

http://www.store.digitalaquatics.com/produ...php?pid152.html

If you want to get the RKE, it's $250 upgrade price, plus you get an extra $50 trade-in for thr RKL head unit.

NanoReefNovice

Jun 30 2009, 06:59 PM

Pretty sure you can!

http://www.forum.digitalaquatics.com/viewt...f=34&t=1206

Edit: Basser beat me

dtfleming

Jun 30 2009, 08:39 PM

silly, noobs............

the other trade in I was talking about is the trade in your old controller ac, rk2 etc. Its only good on a purchase of the RKE and not the RKL

NanoReefNovice

Jun 30 2009, 08:42 PM

QUOTE (dtfleming @ Jun 30 2009, 05:39 PM)

silly, noobs............

the other trade in I was talking about is the trade in your old controller ac, rk2 etc. Its only good on a purchase of the RKE and not the RKL

I brought up the subject, ermartin told peeps its not available... and you two were wrong, now im the noob

QUOTE (NanoReefNovice @ Jun 30 2009, 01:28 PM)

FYI you order from some place other then DA then you wont be eligible for their trade in option.

dtfleming

Jun 30 2009, 08:44 PM

QUOTE (NanoReefNovice @ Jun 30 2009, 09:42 PM)

I brought up the subject, you told peeps its not available... and you were wrong, now im the noob

wut? I never said is wasnt available. Scroll back through and look at who posted that.............................

FiRsT-aNd-LaSt

Jun 30 2009, 08:51 PM

Ordered mine yesterday and they shipped it today, can't wait.

dtfleming

Jun 30 2009, 08:58 PM

QUOTE (NanoReefNovice @ Jun 30 2009, 09:42 PM)

I brought up the subject, ermartin told peeps its not available... and you two were wrong, now im the noob

We were, OMFG. you dont know what the hell your talking about.............................

GO to DA;s website. two options on the trade in..

1. upgrade the RKL to RKE

2. trade in old controller, i.e. AC III, RK2 to RKE

If you read my first post I was joking and said that I wish the would do the trade in my RK2 for an RKL, which they do not allow

holy chit man

NanoReefNovice

Jun 30 2009, 08:59 PM

QUOTE (NanoReefNovice @ Jun 30 2009, 05:42 PM)

I brought up the subject, ermartin told peeps its not available... and you two were wrong, now im the noob

dtfleming

Jun 30 2009, 09:00 PM

hahahah. lol

carry on

ermartin

Jun 30 2009, 09:43 PM

QUOTE (NanoReefNovice @ Jun 30 2009, 02:28 PM)

FYI you order from some place other then DA then you wont be eligible for their trade in option.

this statment is still incorrect ^^^^^^^

and what I said is the rebate is for the elite not the lite and Im correct you can get a rebate if you trade in the lite or any other of 5 controllers and it doesnt matter where you buy the original equipment but there is NO trade in option when you buy the RKL

quote from the link provided
http://www.forum.digitalaquatics.com/viewt...f=34&t=1206

All upgrade units must be purchased directly from the Digital Aquatics online store to qualify for this program. The original RKL (that's being upgraded,) can be purchased anywhere.

NanoReefNovice

Jun 30 2009, 09:47 PM

QUOTE (ermartin @ Jun 30 2009, 06:43 PM)

this statment is still incorrect ^^^^^^^

quote from the link provided
http://www.forum.digitalaquatics.com/viewt...f=34&t=1206

All upgrade units must be purchased directly from the Digital Aquatics online store to qualify for this program. The original RKL (that's being upgraded,) can be purchased anywhere.

Tushe

Now the score is 1 to 1

deepdvnarq

Jul 28 2009, 12:16 AM

did i read correctly on the website? is the rkl finally compatible with the alc?! i hope it is awe baby, it's reef keeping time with controlled LEDs!

Digital Aquatics

Jul 28 2009, 11:19 AM

The 1.03 firmware WILL give the RKL the ability to interface with any module with the exception of the NET module. The release is in test and should be posted soon!

So, yes, you read correctly.

Scott
DA

NanoReefNovice

Jul 28 2009, 11:23 AM

and the SL2??

Digital Aquatics

Jul 29 2009, 12:06 PM

QUOTE (NanoReefNovice @ Jul 28 2009, 08:23 AM)

and the SL2??

Yes, 1.03 includes the SL2 ability.

If you're asking about the release of the SL2, you'll need to subscribe to the thread on our support forum.

http://www.forum.digitalaquatics.com/viewt...?f=18&t=675

Scott
DA

Digital Aquatics

Jul 29 2009, 06:27 PM

Update:

RKLs are back in stock... Units have started rolling off the line again and they are active on the store. They still are in limited supply but units are coming in daily now.

Thanks for waiting!

Scott
DA

nimrod

Jul 29 2009, 07:04 PM

Are there any plans of having the RKL interface with the NET module in the future? That's the only thing preventing me to pull the trigger.

QUOTE (Digital Aquatics @ Jul 28 2009, 12:19 PM)

The 1.03 firmware WILL give the RKL the ability to interface with any module with the exception of the NET module. The release is in test and should be posted soon!

So, yes, you read correctly.

Scott
DA

Digital Aquatics

Jul 30 2009, 07:09 PM

That is not currently an option for the RKL... Only the RKE has that ability.

Sorry,

Scott
DA

opy01

Jul 31 2009, 10:47 AM

QUOTE (nimrod @ Jul 29 2009, 07:04 PM)

Are there any plans of having the RKL interface with the NET module in the future?

QUOTE (Digital Aquatics @ Jul 30 2009, 07:09 PM)

That is not currently an option for the RKL... Only the RKE has that ability.

So basically, that's a no to future plans of adding it lol.

Muggz

Jul 31 2009, 11:01 AM

QUOTE (opy01 @ Jul 31 2009, 11:47 AM)

So basically, that's a no to future plans of adding it lol.

Well otherwise they'd just be producing the one unit instead of two...
They gotta make money on the Elite somehow.

Digital Aquatics

Jul 31 2009, 11:40 AM

Interfacing with the NET takes special code and would be a big undertaking for the RKL. It's never as easy as it sounds, if can even be done the way we'd (you'd) want it done! The ReefKeeper Lite is just that, a "lite" version of the RKE. At $99.99 it's not meant to operate at the same level.

Hope this helps.

Scott
DA

lilmonster

Aug 3 2009, 02:55 AM

I just ordered one.

FiRsT-aNd-LaSt

Aug 3 2009, 03:01 AM

QUOTE (lilmonster @ Aug 2 2009, 11:55 PM)

I just ordered one.

You won't regret it.

lilmonster

Aug 3 2009, 06:32 PM

Wow! it hasn't even been 24 hours and i've got my tracking number. I'm very Impressed.

MLK

Aug 3 2009, 07:06 PM

i love my RKL! ive had problems with heaters not shutting off more than once, so this gives me more peace of mind for my tank stability.

davidr2340

Aug 4 2009, 02:38 PM

Mine will be here Thursday!!!