RKL

[srkdaz]

I am planning on buying a RKL system. Marine depot has this item for sale: http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem.asp...841&isKit=0

 

RKL Lite + SL1 + Temp probe + pH probe for $170

 

do you think it's a good deal? or would you recommend just starting with a basic RKL for $99 that comes with just a temp probe?

 

I want to use the RKL for my lighting, heater, pumps, ATO, temp monitoring, pH monitoring, salinity monitoring.

What does it cost to add a salinity monitoring too?

 

I am all confused with these PC4, SL and other modules...

 

Thanks!

[bananahands]

You need the SL2 to monitor salinity. So if you want that then id go with the $99 version and add the sl2

[srkdaz]

is it possible to add temp, and pH probes to SL2???

 

You need the SL2 to monitor salinity. So if you want that then id go with the $99 version and add the sl2

[msujeff]

The SL2 can track ph, salinity, and temp but only works with the RKE

 

The RKL basic comes with one PC4 which has the 4 outlets to control the lights, pumps, heater and what not.

 

For everything you want to control minus salinity, you'll need the RKL L3

[srkdaz]

ok...i sure dont want to buy the basic and later pay extra to upgrade...it is best to take time up front to buy what is needed...i must start saving for this item now...

 

what's the main advantage of RKE over RKL???

[StevieT]

DA will actually track salinity

 

When pigs fly

[clownfish14]

take a look at the aqua controllers they are a little more expensive but they can do alot more then the reef keepers

[Shard]

I have the RKE, RKL, and the Apex. Look at the Neptune Apex. It blows the RKE/RKL line out of the water. The hardware is superior and you get more hardware options for less cost. The firmware (software) is also miles ahead of the RKE/RKL firmware.

 

Someone mentioned the SL2 will monitor salinity. Yeah right. DA came out with that module over a year ago, and they STILL don't have a working Salinity probe, nor does it look like they will for a few more months. People spent over $200 on a probe/module combo back in September of 2009 I think, and at the earliest it will be January 2011 before they actually get a working probe. Haha. Their warranty expired before they even got to use it.

 

Take the advice of someone who owns both. Don't end up with buyers remorse like I did. Go ahead and buy the better product to start with. Go with the Neptune Apex or Apex Lite.

 

Landon

[rklontz]

The SL1 will only work for temp, ORP, float switches and Ph. As it stands now no DA product will monitor salinity, but slanity really is the easiest thing to check. The PC4 has only 4 outlets so you are going to be limited by the number of items you can control.

 

The Apex Lite might be a better product but it is also 200 dollars more for 4 more swtiches it also doesnt come with a Ph probe or salinity probe so add another 100 and Aquacontroller Jr with a Ph probe is going to be close to 100 more and still not monitor salinity. With a quick scan of the specs for the Apex lite and the AQ Jr I didnt see if they could control and ATO it could be an omission by Marine Depot not sure but some thing to watch for.

[srkdaz]

whew! so much to think abt...i have just ordered mp10 and JBJ ATO. would have to hold my plans for a controller for some time...hopefully digital aquatics guys get the salinity probe working by the time i am ready to buy a controller...apex controller are way too expensive for sure...

[pweissma]

Sl2 and sl1 both work with rkl and rke. I think brs writes on their website that the sl2 won't work a rkl but this is wrong. Both work worth temp and pH probes and can integrate a float switch into the system. The temp probe that plugs into an sl1/sl2 is different from the iTemp probe that the rkl uses. Sl1 also can use an orp probe and the sl2 can use a salinity probe. DA has recalled the salinity probe and hasn't yet released the new one.

[shan]

Sl2 and sl1 both work with rkl and rke. I think brs writes on their website that the sl2 won't work a rkl but this is wrong. Both work worth temp and pH probes and can integrate a float switch into the system. The temp probe that plugs into an sl1/sl2 is different from the iTemp probe that the rkl uses. Sl1 also can use an orp probe and the sl2 can use a salinity probe. DA has recalled the salinity probe and hasn't yet released the new one.

 

 

The Neptune aquacontroller is worth saving for. I bought a used AC3 and it's awesome. Not only does it control almost everything (ac3 doesn't do salinity, apex does) but with my aquanotes iPhone app, I can control my tank from anywhere with my phone. And now with skype video on iPhone not only can I control my tank but I can watch it live on my phone as I do it!

[William]

I am very happy with my RKL on my 40 br. it controls every aspect of tank temp, operates my ato, measures and corrects my ph, allows me to turn my pumps and skimmer off with a single button and turn them on in a staggered form. It controls my lights and will turn them off if the tank gets too hot. It also costs alot less than the other controllers. If this is all you need then i would say that it would be a good option. if not then go for one of the more costly controllers. Yes apex are better, but do you need one. If so then get one, if not then go with the cheaper alternative.

 

Although i must say that im not very happy with the fact that myReef (DA's software) does not run on a mac, and that their network module*($119) uses an Ethernet and is not wifi capable.

[wmo168]

I am very happy with my RKL on my 40 br. it controls every aspect of tank temp, operates my ato, measures and corrects my ph, allows me to turn my pumps and skimmer off with a single button and turn them on in a staggered form. It controls my lights and will turn them off if the tank gets too hot. It also costs alot less than the other controllers. If this is all you need then i would say that it would be a good option. if not then go for one of the more costly controllers. Yes apex are better, but do you need one. If so then get one, if not then go with the cheaper alternative.

 

Although i must say that im not very happy with the fact that myReef (DA's software) does not run on a mac, and that their network module*($119) uses an Ethernet and is not wifi capable.

 

I got the Marine Depot Special with RKL SL1 and free PH Probes, it works great, I then bought the NET Module and a wireless gaming adapter. I now can use the iReef (Iphone APP) to monitor the condition on my tank real time, also it allow me to turn module off and on on my PC4 thru a website (Built in webserver) Now myreef 2.0 is out, I can program everything with a browser. I also have the ORP probe and 2 Float switch and setup as ATO so I don't have to get the JBJ ATO which I sold. to pump the water and it email me if any of ATO is in action etc...

 

I didn't get the SL2 and Salanity probe as I don't think I need that yet.

[William]

You said you got myReef to work via the web? do you have to have the net module for this?

[wmo168]

You said you got myReef to work via the web? do you have to have the net module for this?

 

The only way to get my reef over the web is to hook up a PC to the SID and connect it using remote desktop or PC anywhere... otherwise to monitor, you need NET module since it has built in web server.

[Shard]

Now myreef 2.0 is out, I can program everything with a browser.

 

Programming with a web browser is not possible with the RKE/RKL line, but is with the Apex. You are confused here, as you would need a computer with a remote desktop link back to the computer running myReef to program the system. This is a very slow, laggy method that really isn't possible via a simple browser. I use both the RKE and the Apex, and by far prefer the Apex web interface to myReef and the NET module.

[jcieutat]

I am glad you guys are discussing this. I am looking at getting a budget controller. I want something that will control my lighting, heater, and powerheads. I also want to get an ATO. I was looking at the RKL and Tunze Osmolator. Any suggestions? How does the RKL work with regards to an ATO?

[csal1-175]

So if you add the wirless adaptor to the net module there would be no way to program it remotely?Or is it possible through your home network? Wondering about the float switches as well have 2of them but haven`t used them through the SL1 yet...

[wmo168]

So if you add the wirless adaptor to the net module there would be no way to program it remotely?Or is it possible through your home network? Wondering about the float switches as well have 2of them but haven`t used them through the SL1 yet...

 

You need the float switch from digital aquatics then you can use one of the PC4 to control the ATO pump to fill in water.. Of course you can use another switch as a safety...

 

 

Using a wireless adapter and a net module, you can turn any PC4 power on and off (i.e. turn off skimmer remotely or turn on the light)... but not to do additional program like set time, etc... you need MyReef software with a direct PC connection using the USB (SID) to do the actual programming.

[csal1-175]

You need the float switch from digital aquatics then you can use one of the PC4 to control the ATO pump to fill in water.. Of course you can use another switch as a safety...

 

 

Using a wireless adapter and a net module, you can turn any PC4 power on and off (i.e. turn off skimmer remotely or turn on the light)... but not to do additional program like set time, etc... you need MyReef software with a direct PC connection using the USB (SID) to do the actual programming.

How about just getting your tanks parameters remotely like some have with other controllers in their sig`s?

IE: ph,temp,mh on /off ect...

[Trolldoll]

I am glad you guys are discussing this. I am looking at getting a budget controller. I want something that will control my lighting, heater, and powerheads. I also want to get an ATO. I was looking at the RKL and Tunze Osmolator. Any suggestions? How does the RKL work with regards to an ATO?

 

 

Ive been using the the RKL with float switches and the only issue is that make sure you use outlet 1 or 4 on the PC4 for the pump. If you use 2 or 3 they will NOT turn off when using low power pumps or powerheads and WILL flood the display. Put your heaters, lights, or skimmer on 2/3.

[Chyendra]

I'm trying to learn more about controlers so I can save up for one in the future.

 

Ideally, I want to be able to control my temp with my heater and fans and run an ATO.

So in order to do this I would need the RKL head unit, PC4 to plug in my heater, fans, and pump for ATO, a temperature probe (where does this plug in? what type of probe is needed?) and 2 float switches (again where do these plug in and what kind do I need?) Is this all?

What is an SL1?

[chrishayes]

I'm trying to learn more about controlers so I can save up for one in the future.

 

Ideally, I want to be able to control my temp with my heater and fans and run an ATO.

So in order to do this I would need the RKL head unit, PC4 to plug in my heater, fans, and pump for ATO, a temperature probe (where does this plug in? what type of probe is needed?) and 2 float switches (again where do these plug in and what kind do I need?) Is this all?

What is an SL1?

 

I believe you would be good with the basic RKL1 which has a pc4(1 for heater, 1 for fan, 1 ato pump and 1 for light which can be added to the temp control since you can program to shut lights off with high temps) then I think it comes with a sl1 which you have to have for the relay switches for the floats. I know I got the 169$ deal at marine depot and it came with the sl1 and ph probe as well. The itemp probe is included in all RKL packages and plugs into one of the system ports which you with have on the pc4 or sl1. OH the sl1 is just a module that has a input for an orp probe a ph probe and 2 relay switch inputs(your float switches). Hope this helps

 

For what its worth, with the recent price hike of the RKL basic to 120 I believe the marine depot special that I got was a freakin steal!

[Chyendra]

Thank you, that helps alot. Do I have to buy specifc float switches for the SL1?