RKL

[creefer]

Santa got me an RKL for Christmas. I received the head unit, SL1 and one PC4 with the iTemp probe and the pH probe. I have the 2 of them set up currently as well as a time for my fuge light. I'm looking to hear how others have thier RKL's set up? What are you controlling and what benefit are you receiving from how you have it installed?

I'm looking in the future to automate 2 part dosing as soon as I get dosing pumps. I can already tell I need to order another PC4. I'm also toying with the idea of using the SL1 with float switches to either fill my top off tank (already have a top off system) or maybe think about an automated water change set up.

So, let's hear it. How are you using your RKL?

[Manoj's Reef]

I am controlling my lights, dosing pump and power heads.

[creefer]

My lighting system has it's own controller, so I have left that out of the equation related to the RKL. Right now I have the powerhead hooked up to a DJ powerstrip but it will be hooked up to the RKL soon so I can control day / night cycles.

What are you dosing with your RKL?

[EMUreef]

I have the RKL + which comes with the extra PC4, and im glad i went with it cause i'd rather be able to control most of my stuff, i have my skimmer, return, 2 power heads, 2 MH, heater, and a makeshift top of pump for now plugged into it.

I really wanted it to control the heater as a week before my heater stuck on and almost cooked my tank, thankfully i caught it in time, I need to get the float switches to set up to get a proper top off.

[creefer]

I will be ordering the additional PC4 pretty soon. That way I can get the skimmer and return plugged in. ATO for me right now is good. I just want to try to supplement by either continuous water changes, or using a solenoid to keep the top off tank full. Lots of options and lots to figure out.

[cg5071]

For ro/di I read you want to run it for 1/2 hour min to get the best use out of it. Cleanest water, otherwise I think some nasties flow through when first started. Plus wear and tear on equip I would guess. So I think for top off you would want to program it in a way that it will make a good amount of water whenever it comes on.

Lucky bugger :) I will be getting my own present soon though, santa wasnt nice to me this year. The RKL's come with sure-on now? or did they always? The stats never mentioned it before except for on the elites but now with the new changes the lites even say they come with sure-on. To let your halides cool down for 15 min before coming back on after a power outage or surge. I just want to make sure I order from someplace that doesnt have older back stock so I for sure get that option.

[cg5071]

There is a thread not too far back about this exact subject.

[rmalone]

I have 2 pc4's. I have return, skimmer, 2 halides, and 4 250w heaters this time of year. By mid may-sept it is one less heater and the chiller. Vortechs, t5s, and ato run seperate.

[tankdude]

I only have 1 pc4 and I use it for lights. I wanted to use it for dosing two pumps but I couldn't get it to work right. It didn't come with instructions, and when I did find them they were VERY confusing. I will eventually expand on the system when I figure out how to program this thing better.

[creefer]

I only have 1 pc4 and I use it for lights. I wanted to use it for dosing two pumps but I couldn't get it to work right. It didn't come with instructions, and when I did find them they were VERY confusing. I will eventually expand on the system when I figure out how to program this thing better.

Yeah....that's a **** of a drawback with the RKL. I did download the directions from the DA site and they do lack some clarity. I have not yet set up dosing pumps, but when I do, I'm sure it will be a long evening getting everything to work correctly. It seems that once you get it up and running, it may work well but getting to that point takes some time.

I have heard many others preach the virtues of the Apex system but for me, with a small system, it was hard to dump the cash on it. If I had multiple systems, or one large system, then I may think differently.

[cmaxwell39]

Getting dosing pumps set up is not that difficult on the RK system. The first thing to remember is that the dosing pumps need to be plugged in to channels 1 & 4. If you plug them into channels 2 or 3 they may stick on because of the relays used.

After that programming is not too bad. When you get ready to do it check out the digital aquatics website. Their support forum is pretty helpful.

[t.michael]

I have had a Elite system for about a year or so. I have the RKE with 6-PC4's, SL1,SL2,MLC,NET,HUB, 2 PH Probes, and a Temp Probe. I have my complete system running except my MP40 ES's because of the battery back up system. As long as you plug into the right outlets for controlling the things your looking to control the system works great. Another thing..... Every 3 months or so download the new firmware off the DA website in the forums to make sure that your system is fully updated. Digital Aquatics try's to fix the problem that the customer have with new software updates. If anyone has any questions feel free to ask. This system take a little getting used to but ounce you get it figured out its amazing.

[creefer]

Thanks cmaxwell and t.michael. You have both provided some helpful information. I'll be growing in the use of the RKL as the system grows. Right now I'm using channels 1 & 4, so once I get the other PC4, I can use 1 & 4 on that to avoid issues with dosing pumps once I get them as well.

[creefer]

Getting dosing pumps set up is not that difficult on the RK system. The first thing to remember is that the dosing pumps need to be plugged in to channels 1 & 4. If you plug them into channels 2 or 3 they may stick on because of the relays used.

After that programming is not too bad. When you get ready to do it check out the digital aquatics website. Their support forum is pretty helpful.

Thanks for the info. Related to channels 2 & 3, if it is not a good practice to use them for dosing pumps, can they be used for powerheads and / or return pumps? If I understand correctly, channels 1 & 2 allow for higher wattage equipment while 2 and 3 are reserved for lower wattage equipment. Is this correct?

[fawkes]

I have a RKL that controls my 10K and actinic lights (different schedules for each), my heater and a fan (for cooling in the summer). I added a net module and can watch all of those from my phone or pc while at the office. Frankly, I know more about the temperature while I am in the office than when I am in the room with the tank.

I want to get another PC4 - mostly for the circulation pumps - I turn a couple off when feeding, and I don't always remember to turn them back on :( :doh: There is a setting for that on the RKL.

[creefer]

I will be getting another PC4 before I get the net module. I would like the net module though because when I travel for work I hate leaving the tank for my wife to maintain....scary.