Digital Aquatics ReefKeeper

[Dragon52]

Would a used Digital Aquatics ReefKeeper Lite be worth the money to buy at this time even though they are not making or supporting them anymore.
What would I need to look for & what would be a decent price to pay.
TIA

 

[plankton]

Would a used Digital Aquatics ReefKeeper Lite be worth the money to buy at this time even though they are not making or supporting them anymore.
What would I need to look for & what would be a decent price to pay.
TIA

I would look at the ReefKeeper Elite setup and yeah the company went out of business so no support other than from fellow reefers which by the way is substantial. If you are going to go this route you want the RKEv2 because you can add unlimited modules and it is very configurable. How many modules you need depends on what you want to monitor and/or control with it.

I have one RKE, have four mix of PC4/PB4, SL1/SL2 and NET module (for internet access to tank) and use it to monitor two tanks.

You will pay a fraction of what another controller setup would cost you BUT you have NO manufacturer support - no bug fixes, no updates, nada.

 

[robbyg]

If it works and can do it what you want then I think it’s worth getting.

 

[plankton]

The apps guide may help... If nothing else lots of pretty pictures!

 

[Dragon52]

Thanks everyone for the Info.

 

[n2585722]

The RKE and RKL are stable platforms. Most of the firmware has been out for years. Make sure you can get the SID with the system. It is needed to update firmware and use the myReef software. If you do need firmware for a module several of us have the firmware we can send to you. You would just need to copy it to the correct folder for the myReef software. Each module type has its own folder. Also the company did not go out of business. They closed the Digital Aquatics line to concentrate on their avionics. Their name is Dynon Instruments. Digital Aquatics was a part of that company.

 

[Dragon52]

The RKE and RKL are stable platforms. Most of the firmware has been out for years. Make sure you can get the SID with the system. It is needed to update firmware and use the myReef software. If you do need firmware for a module several of us have the firmware we can send to you. You would just need to copy it to the correct folder for the myReef software. Each module type has its own folder. Also the company did not go out of business. They closed the Digital Aquatics line to concentrate on their avionics. Their name is Dynon Instruments. Digital Aquatics was a part of that company.

Ok, Thanks I tried looking & found some RKL but not the RKE but I'll keep looking.

 

[n2585722]

Ok, Thanks I tried looking & found some RKL but not the RKE but I'll keep looking.

The main difference other than the display and keypad is that the RKL has a 4 module limit. The NET and HUB modules do not count toward the 4 module limit though. I do not remember what the module limit is on the RKE it is pretty high. I don't think anyone unless they have lots of tanks is going to hit that limit. The modules can be used with either the RKL or RKE and also with the Archon. So you can alway replace the RKL head unit with either the RKE or Archon later if you come across a good deal on one later.

 

[Dragon52]

The main difference other than the display and keypad is that tye RKL has a 4 module limit. The NET and HUB modules do not count toward the 4 module limit though. I do not remember what the module limit is on the RKE it is pretty high. I don't think anyone unless they have lots of tanks is going to hit that limit. The modules can be used with either the RKL or RKE and also with the Archon. So you can alway replace the RKL head unit with either the RKE or Archon later if you come across a good deal on one later.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Dragon52]

What does everyone think a good price to pay for either one?
Thanks

Edit: Just posted this to the wanted Forum.

 

[n2585722]

Sorry, I am not good at pricing, but it would depend on what comes in the system. Have you checked to see what they are selling for.

 

[Dragon52]

Sorry, I am not good at pricing, but it would depend on what comes in the system. Have you checked to see what they are selling for.

Yes I did some searching & the price seems to $200-$300 for the RKL & found an Archon on offer up that wanted around $700 if I remember right.

 

[Skynyrd Fish]

You can get a used apex for 200 that you can still get probes for. I also have a reef keeper lite and it’s still working.

 

[n2585722]

What is with the RKL that would make it $200-$300? Be careful with the Archon make them give you a screen shot of the system webpage with the firmware and software versions like below. You want to make sure the firmware is close to being up to date. It is not easy to update one of these now. There are several of us that can let you know how close it is. Also make sure it comes with the USB stick. The stick has the software on it and it has to match what is in the head unit to work correctly.

 

[n2585722]

You can get a used apex for 200 that you can still get probes for. I also have a reef keeper lite and it’s still working.

What probe are you having trouble getting?

 

[Dragon52]

What is with the RKL that would make it $200-$300? Be careful with the Archon make them give you a screen shot of the system webpage with the firmware and software versions like below. You want to make sure the firmware is close to being up to date. It is not easy to update one of these now. There are several of us that can let you know how close it is. Also make sure it comes with the USB stick. The stick has the software on it and it has to match what is in the head unit to work correctly.

I don't know much about any of the controllers but the ones at those prices have some of the other stuff like Net, PB4s & SLX with probes. I saw 1 for $99 that had 1 PB4 & SLX

 

[n2585722]

PC4's and PB4's are the power bars. Each has 4 outlets. The PC4 is the original. The PB4 replaced the PC4 a few years back. The PC4 has a current readback, but it is total current. The PB4 does not have the current readback, but it has a lager power supply for the buss and also has built in circuitry that allows use of low power pumps on CH2 and CH3 of the power bar. The SLX has a pH input, a pH or ORP input, temp input and two switch inputs. The SLX replaced the SL1 module. The SL2 module has a pH input, salinity input, temp input and two switch inputs. The SW5 module has four switch inputs and a relay output. The SL1 has a pH input, ORP input, temp input and two switch inputs. The HUB module is just a 5 way splitter for the buss. The NET module is a web interface to the system. It also will graph selected ports up to 16 I believe. It also has a email function for alarms, but it is hard to find a email service that supports it since it does not use the newer security protocols. It does allow some programming of ports. You cannot program timers or alarms via the NET. Also the NET module is not compatible with the Archon. It is not needed with it since the Archon is already web based. I left out several modules if you run across one the ones I left out let me know. I just covered the most common ones.

 

[n2585722]

Also the pH and ORP probes have to remain wet
If they are dry then odds are they will have to be replaced with new ones.

 

[Skynyrd Fish]

What probe are you having trouble getting?

None as I don’t need any yet. However if you have a source for temp and ph probes please share. I have an apex also so once I feel up to switching and making a mess I’ll do it. I have been happy with my RKL for many years. I only use temp, ATO, and light timer. If someone is going to buy a used unit I would recommend an apex only because you can still get support and parts. I bought an apex classic with 2 EB8’s, probes, WXM and controller for $280. And I feel that today all this could be had for less. To sum this all up reef keepers are great, going forward I feel money is better spent on apex.

 

[n2585722]

Pinpoint pH and ORP probes will work with the DA modules. I also have used the BRS branded pH and ORP probes. I would think that even the Apex pH and ORP probes would work. As for the temp probe there is no direct replacement but it is a commonly used thermistor. You would need to get the correct connector connected to it to use it. I started a thread for probes and parts for the DA controllers here https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/alternatives-to-digital-aquatics-probes-and-parts.439573/ There are quite a few discussions about the temp probes along with the connectors. Hope this helps.

I have plans on integrating the new Hydros controllers into my system along with my Archon when they become available. I will probably continue to use my Archon to control lighting and my dosing pumps for long term. The Archon has PWM outputs needed to control my lighting. My dosing pumps are DA pumps and need a DA controller to control them. I will have plenty of inputs and outputs to get signal sent between the two systems.