What can you tell me about the RKL?

[banshee]

Now that I have done some serious investing in my tank I want to make sure I don't lose everything over something stupid like a stuck heater. So I was looking at controllers, specifically the RKL. It has so many options and things I don't even understand yet that I'm not sure it will be what I need. I upgraded my stock compact fluorescents to two Ecoxotic Panorama Pro Modules (RGB + 12k/445nm) and I plan to add another 12k/445nm next month. I run an Eheim Jagr 50W heater, Maxi Jet 900 return pump, and Koralia 425 powerhead. I only dose calcium as of now but I'm hoping to switch salt mixes and maybe not even have to do that anymore. All I really want is to protect my tank and keep an eye on params plus maybe control the LEDs so I can do the dawn/dusk effects. What do you recommend? Thanks!

[acropora1981]

I find the RKL quite difficult to program, specifically the multi timer function; I've never been able to get it to work properly. Temperature control, simple on off lighting, feed mode, wave maker, ATO etc are all good and easy to use functions, I just cannot, for the life of me, set the darn multi timer. The interface, because its a 'discount' controller, isn't amazing compared to the higher end controllers.

 

That being said, its what I use, and I find it useful and economical.

[metrokat]

Banshee, what params exactly do you want to keep an eye on and have you checked vendors like BRS to see the options available?

[andrewguilfoy]

I think it's pretty easy.. definitely very universal. I don't think it's that hard, but I wouldn't say it's the best though. A RKL is a nice way to organize everything. Most controllers are limited to the amount of parameters your can monitor. They still have a wide range, but I wish it would tell me things like ammonia, or nitrates, thatd be sweet. As far as the heater goes, I never have to worry about it. My temp probe goes in, I set my heater, and forget it. It's a beautiful thing really compared to setting and using the sensors on the actual heater. My temp is consistent at 79. Not a degree hotter or colder.

 

Lighting controllers will really depend on how much money you want to dish out on top of the initial cost of the RKL. Most of the add-ons are pricey if you have to buy in combination just to do one thing. For instance needing an SL1, float kit, and an extra PC4 just for an ATO, you're looking at around 180. And the only thing I hate is most retail stores/online stores, do not vary. The price is the price set by digital aquatics. Sales are hard to find on that stuff.

[Islandoftiki]

I use mine for controlling heater, daylight, actinic and moonlights in my 10 gallon.

 

I just ordered another one for my 2 gallon because heater thermostats suck in small heaters and I can't get it to maintain a constant temperature like it did back when I had the RKL on the 2 gallon. I originally had one in my 2 gallon and robbed it for my 10 gallon. Now I'm finding I still need it in the 2 gallon despite having tried multiple heaters.

 

If for nothing else, having it control your heater is worth the cost. And that's simple to set up.

 

Then on top of that, you can set it to control your lights, pumps, etc. Also easy enough to set up.

 

It's also expandable if you want to add things like ATO's and other things.

 

That said, I'm not going to use my RKL to control an ATO, I just ordered a Tunze Osmolator for that.

 

One thing I've tried to do with my tank is have various systems independent and/or redundant.

[acropora1981]

I think it's pretty easy.. definitely very universal. I don't think it's that hard, but I wouldn't say it's the best though. A RKL is a nice way to organize everything. Most controllers are limited to the amount of parameters your can monitor. They still have a wide range, but I wish it would tell me things like ammonia, or nitrates, thatd be sweet. As far as the heater goes, I never have to worry about it. My temp probe goes in, I set my heater, and forget it. It's a beautiful thing really compared to setting and using the sensors on the actual heater. My temp is consistent at 79. Not a degree hotter or colder.

 

Lighting controllers will really depend on how much money you want to dish out on top of the initial cost of the RKL. Most of the add-ons are pricey if you have to buy in combination just to do one thing. For instance needing an SL1, float kit, and an extra PC4 just for an ATO, you're looking at around 180. And the only thing I hate is most retail stores/online stores, do not vary. The price is the price set by digital aquatics. Sales are hard to find on that stuff.

 

you think this is easy: ?

 

Multi-Timer

Multi-Timer allows for the linking of one or two unique timers to an output. This is a very versatile

function and can be used for such things as dosing pumps, advanced pump, light functions and

more. Please see page 32 for more information about programming Timers.

To set up the Multi-Timer function

1 From a Module’s Port Menu, select “Function” and press [Enter].

2 Press the [up] or [Down] buttons to scroll to “Multi-Timer” and press [Enter]

The fi rst prompt will be for “Timer A” with “00” flashing.

3 Press the [up] or [Down] buttons to select the first timer that will trigger the on state

and press [Enter] to confi rm.

The next prompt will be for “Timer B” with “00” fl ashing.

4 Press the [up] or [Down] buttons to select the second timer that will trigger the on

state and press [Enter] to confi rm.

The next prompt will be for “In Standby” with the options of On/Off /Ignore. This sets the

state of the output when you enter Standby mode on the head unit.

5 Press the [up] or [Down] buttons to make your selection and press [Enter] to confi rm.

The next prompt will be for “Standby Delay” time with 00:00:00 and the fi rst fi eld (hour) will

 

See thats just not really helpful... select the first timer that will trigger the one state? Why? What? Why not just let me select when they come on and off? What does that mean? What is a Port Menu?

[banshee]

Banshee, what params exactly do you want to keep an eye on and have you checked vendors like BRS to see the options available?

 

Temp mostly, maybe salinity. I enjoy testing ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, calcium, etc so I don't mind doing those myself. Mostly I just don't want to risk missing a major swing in something that could crash my tank.

[Salty_Snack]

Apex Jr > RKL

 

It can be easily programed with a computer and can be connected to your LAN for monitoring outside the home. Also, it will data log so you can look back over time and see whats been going on with your tank. I purchased the apex lite and love it. However, I never use the display/controller since I always check and change things with my computer.

 

IMO the apex Jr is worth the extra $30.

[chucktdbm321]

I know the da salinity probe is junk or at least was. And let's be serious if you have a nice ato its really not needed. I got the marinedepot.com special it was 199 at the time. Came with head unit, pcr, sl1, and a temp and ph probe.

[acropora1981]

Apex Jr > RKL

 

It can be easily programed with a computer and can be connected to your LAN for monitoring outside the home. Also, it will data log so you can look back over time and see whats been going on with your tank. I purchased the apex lite and love it. However, I never use the display/controller since I always check and change things with my computer.

 

IMO the apex Jr is worth the extra $30.

 

+1 Apex JR will be my next controller Thats if I ever have to buy another controller lol

[Daniel Name]

It depend on your needs. I had a RKE and it was too much for me. I sold it and bought a RKL.

 

I think is a pain in &ˆ%ˆ& to connect to the computer every time I want to change something, that's why I chose RKL over Apex Jr.

[banshee]

What are the pros and cons of the Apex Jr. vs. the RKL? I don't have an ATO. I don't really top off much as the hood of the BC14 keeps evap under control, maybe every other day. I really just want simplicity now and may upgrade later.

 

Demands:

1. Control heater - don't cook tank

2. Control lights - my timer/powerstrip sucks

3. Tell me some other stuff to make it worth the purchase - what is yet to be determined

[metrokat]

Apex Jr > RKL

 

It can be easily programed with a computer and can be connected to your LAN for monitoring outside the home. Also, it will data log so you can look back over time and see whats been going on with your tank. I purchased the apex lite and love it. However, I never use the display/controller since I always check and change things with my computer.

 

IMO the apex Jr is worth the extra $30.

Where are you getting the $30 price difference? Links to vendors?

 

I think is a pain in &ˆ%ˆ& to connect to the computer every time I want to change something, that's why I chose RKL over Apex Jr.

so with an Apex you can only control it with a computer, not manually?

 

What are the pros and cons of the Apex Jr. vs. the RKL? I don't have an ATO. I don't really top off much as the hood of the BC14 keeps evap under control, maybe every other day. I really just want simplicity now and may upgrade later.

 

Demands:

1. Control heater - don't cook tank

2. Control lights - my timer/powerstrip sucks

3. Tell me some other stuff to make it worth the purchase - what is yet to be determined

Banshee, for your needs look at a simple temperature controller for $80, I think JBJ makes one. For lights buy either the $30 coralife aquarium timer or $6 manual timers from home depot. These all in one controllers are really meant for more complex functions such as PH, wave maker control, auto off for feeding, etc etc.

[banshee]

Banshee, for your needs look at a simple temperature controller for $80, I think JBJ makes one. For lights buy either the $30 coralife aquarium timer or $6 manual timers from home depot. These all in one controllers are really meant for more complex functions such as PH, wave maker control, auto off for feeding, etc etc.

 

I have the coralife aquarium timer and one of the timer wheels has crapped out already. I emailed coralife and didn't even get a response so F them. Maybe I'll pick up a manual timer from HD for now. I would like to get a controller so that I can expand as I get more into the finer points of reefing. I'd like to upgrade to a larger tank in the next year or so and I'm reading up on sumps/overflows/etc. I'd like to have a really nice setup in the next few years.

[Islandoftiki]

The RKL's are only like $109.00 these days.

[solefald]

+1000 for Apex.

 

@metrokat: you can control Apex from a computer and iPhone/Android or the display module, which is optional. RKL only includes display by default because they know MyReef software is a pile of crap that does not even run on Macs and the only other way to control it is the display module. Apex gives you more ways to control their devices.

[Pickle010]

I have the RKL and RKE - they are reliable and do what you ask them to do. Once you get past the initial getting aquainted period (which is longer for some then others) it is a great system.

 

I referred to the instructions once to get an understanding of the programming sequence and after that it was relatively simple. I have seen some people struggle with getting them set up but it's really not that hard.

 

The apex comes highly recommended but I couldn't pass up the Reefkeepers for the money I saved - I purchased both of my units second hand and you can't be too choosey buying used.

[Veng]

Banshee, for your needs look at a simple temperature controller for $80, I think JBJ makes one. For lights buy either the $30 coralife aquarium timer or $6 manual timers from home depot. These all in one controllers are really meant for more complex functions such as PH, wave maker control, auto off for feeding, etc etc.

RKE is 109 at BRS. Easily worth it for just the temp probe, power strip, feed mode, timers, and cross functionality of all of it.

 

I've got an RKE, and I'm happy with it. All I'm using it to do currently is time tank light and fuge light, feed more, temp alarm, and heater protection. If I wanted it to do more, I may have gone with a different controller.

 

Now, if you want pH probes, LED dimming contoller, computer connections you should look around.

 

My suggestion would be to go look at the RKE and the Apex (non-jr) and see what functionalities you want as those have everything that's avaliable. You'll find stuff like the Apex (non-jr) has 4 LED dimming ports, computer connection and other features built in to the base unit which is why they are so much more expensive, but if you're going to add 4 modules to the RKL to get the same functionality.... Also, the RKL has a limit of 4 expansion modules IIRC. Something to keep in mind. But make a list of what you want, then look at the various controllers and see what it would take to get those features and revise from there. Someone who wants to control 4 LED dimmers may find a very different solution than someone who is running MH lights.

[halcyonism]

Banshee, for your needs look at a simple temperature controller for $80, I think JBJ makes one. For lights buy either the $30 coralife aquarium timer or $6 manual timers from home depot. These all in one controllers are really meant for more complex functions such as PH, wave maker control, auto off for feeding, etc etc.

 

I hate to disagree, but with RKL basic packages at $110 these days spending $80 just on a temp controller is almost a waste of money. For just $30 more you get your temp controller and three more ports to control whatever you want, be it lights, pumps, what have you.

 

The great thing about the RKL, IMO, is how modular it is. You can start out with the basic unit and just add more modules as you go. Pick up an SL2 and you can add a PH and salinity probe (when they fix the salinity probes that is) and have the ability to control two float switches, one for your ATO and another set to turn off your skimmer if it gets too full, and so on... there are really tons of possibilities.

[banshee]

I'm trying to look at the Apex but their website is giving me an error. Grrrr! Oh well, I'm not making a purchase for two weeks at least so I have lots of time to research!

[Chrisl1976]

I'm trying to look at the Apex but their website is giving me an error. Grrrr! Oh well, I'm not making a purchase for two weeks at least so I have lots of time to research!

 

The cheaper $150 Apex JR has no display unless you pay the extra $100 for the head unit.

 

No head unit to me kind of defeats the purpose of being able to monitor your stuff digitally.

 

http://www.marinedepot.com/Neptune_Systems...ITEMOMI-vi.html

 

I like the RFL head unit function of turning off the powerheads and pumps during feeding time.

[metrokat]

+1000 for Apex.

 

@metrokat: you can control Apex from a computer and iPhone/Android or the display module, which is optional. RKL only includes display by default because they know MyReef software is a pile of crap that does not even run on Macs and the only other way to control it is the display module. Apex gives you more ways to control their devices.

Does the controller have to be physically connected via a wire to computer to be controlled?

And also does the apex jr have this functionality or are you talking the advanced net modules?

 

I guess my question would be, apples to apples as in apex jr to RKL, which does more, and more easily?

They both have a temp probe, and 4 ports. So which one out of those 2 and why?

[andrewguilfoy]

you think this is easy: ?

 

Multi-Timer

Multi-Timer allows for the linking of one or two unique timers to an output. This is a very versatile

function and can be used for such things as dosing pumps, advanced pump, light functions and

more. Please see page 32 for more information about programming Timers.

To set up the Multi-Timer function

1 From a Module’s Port Menu, select “Function” and press [Enter].

2 Press the [up] or [Down] buttons to scroll to “Multi-Timer” and press [Enter]

The fi rst prompt will be for “Timer A” with “00” flashing.

3 Press the [up] or [Down] buttons to select the first timer that will trigger the on state

and press [Enter] to confi rm.

The next prompt will be for “Timer B” with “00” fl ashing.

4 Press the [up] or [Down] buttons to select the second timer that will trigger the on

state and press [Enter] to confi rm.

The next prompt will be for “In Standby” with the options of On/Off /Ignore. This sets the

state of the output when you enter Standby mode on the head unit.

5 Press the [up] or [Down] buttons to make your selection and press [Enter] to confi rm.

The next prompt will be for “Standby Delay” time with 00:00:00 and the fi rst fi eld (hour) will

 

See thats just not really helpful... select the first timer that will trigger the one state? Why? What? Why not just let me select when they come on and off? What does that mean? What is a Port Menu?

 

Yeah but that just doesn't bother me. It's a lot to take in, but like pickle said it just takes some getting acquainted with. It's not like their trying to make it difficult for the user, it's just detailed. You're going to have to answer many of those questions anyway, how wouldn't you on any other controller?

 

I think many people just get annoyed with the two line display, and having only like 4 buttons to control. The reason you have to push through so many prompts is BECAUSE you have limited control and read out. But all in all, you only pay the 109 price tag for a unit that does what it does. It's not terrible until you get into like I mentioned earlier the "add ons".

[Red Sea Reefer]

I have the apex light and love it. Comes with a display module but I have never used it. Monitor with my phone and program with the computer. Much easier to program with the computer as oppose to the display module.

 

Apex jr is nice but upgradibility for future application you might want is limited.

 

You can't image all the possibilities of a controller. I use my for much more than originally intended and will be hooking PC fans to the back chambers of my BC29 soon to aid in evaporative cooling. Set it and forget it. If temp gets over 77.3 I will have the PC fans come on.

 

If you go RK I would get elite for net compatibility. It was nice to check on the tank durring my last vacation.

[gerbilbox]

Does the controller have to be physically connected via a wire to computer to be controlled?

And also does the apex jr have this functionality or are you talking the advanced net modules?

 

I guess my question would be, apples to apples as in apex jr to RKL, which does more, and more easily?

They both have a temp probe, and 4 ports. So which one out of those 2 and why?

 

The Apex Jr. and RKL have mostly the same features, with the main differences being:

 

1. RKL has a head unit that lets you monitor, program and control it without a computer. Doesn't have built-in Internet capability without a separate module.

2. Apex Jr. has built-in Ethernet port to connect to the Internet / local network, send emails / texts. A network connection is actually required to monitor, program, control since it lacks a head unit.

3. RKL has software that's Windows only, while Apex Jr. has a web interface that works on any modern browser.

 

Otherwise, their functionality is mostly the same. Having been in the rare position to have owned both, I take the Apex Jr. any day. I found its web interface much more useful, which I mostly do through my iPod Touch (runs the same apps as an iPhone), and so far it's been more reliable. I also found it program complex settings. It's just generally easier and more capable. Plus I've gotten great customer support for the Apex Jr. and support was almost non-existent for the RKL.