Hi-

New to the hobby here and got my tank setup as follows:

Cadlights 22G
1 x 96W T5 HO with led moonlight (wired together into 1 plug with separate on/off switches)
2 x Ebo Jaeger 75W Heaters (1 in display tank and 1 in back chamber)
1 x stock return pump
1 x Vortech MP20
1 x refugium clip-on light
1 x cooling fan

I also got the RKL Level 3 yesterday hoping to automate my setup as much as possible. I am also going to order the ATO switch kit to setup an ATO.

My questions are as follows:

1. Can I put the 2 PC4 outlet strips inside my tank cabinet? The manual says it needs sufficient ventilation? Cabinet has two holes in the back for tubes and wires.

2. Can I plug the PC4 outlet strips direct to the wall outlet or do I need surge protectors?

3. What setup would you suggest given the tank specs above? Where to plug what?

4. Can the built-in wavemaker control the Vortech MP20 so I don't have to upgrade it to an MP40W?

I think I can handle the settings and calibration. Just need assistance on where to plug stuff and set it up correctly.

Thanks.

I personally would drill 2 more large holes and put some cooling fans in them to suck the warm air out. I have my PC4s plugged into a surge protector but they should work just fine plugged into the wall, although it needs to be in a gfi plug. The main thing about the PC4 is you need to plug low amp devices like your pumps into plugs 1 and 4. Plugs 2 and 3 dont seem to like to turn off low current items. FYI on your pump setup, be sure to turn the standby delay to 0 minutes on the individual outputs that you want to turn back on after the standby time has ended. If you don't then your pumps will not turn back on imediately after the standby is over. It took me a while to figure that out lol.

I dont know about the wavemaker though, sorry. Someone from DA will be around soon and they can help you with that.

1) Yes, but as as stated you will need air flow! As suggested you should install fans.

2) That's your call. You don't need to but it doesn't hurt. Make sure the surge protectors can handle the power you're pulling through them.

3) opy01 is correct on the install comments.

4) We can't directly control Vortex pumps, however, you can cut power to them via our unit when in feed mode and such.

Thanks! I think I'm better off just putting the PC4's on the floor beside the tank cabinet to ensure proper ventilation.

What rating should I get for a surge protector strip? Any suggested types/brands?

It's worth noting that you should never mount a PC4 on the floor. We've had customers that have experienced dripping or even flooding that caused major failure on the PC4. Always mount as high as you can and use drip loops.

Scott
DA

+1 on what Scott said. Mine were on the floor and I had a near miss with my ATO hose that was almost a shocking experience. You may want to just get a nice UPS so if power goes out your system will still run for a bit. You dont need a very big one unless your lights pull alot of power.

Thanks! I will most likely just bolt the PC4s on to the back wall of the cabinet. I was also thinking of setting up a mini-table on the side where I can plop down all the outlets.