RD3 80watt and a external controller

mfinn · Dec 24, 2017

I use a RD3 80 watt as a return pump and was thinking about using a separate controller to create a feed mode.
Does anyone else do this?

mfinn · Dec 28, 2017

Specifically with the RD3 pumps.

mfinn · Dec 31, 2017

Anyone?

JLowder · Dec 31, 2017

I have the same need as well. Hopefully somebody knows how to program.

mfinn · Dec 31, 2017

JLowder said:
I have the same need as well. Hopefully somebody knows how to program.

The controller on the RD3 80watt doesn't have the ability to do anything except change the speed of the pump, and that is a manual adjustment.
I want to use a totally separate controller with mine, so I can have a feed mode.
But someone said that it's not a good idea to stop and start the pump that often.
It's just once per day and it seems to me a pump that expensive should be able to take it.

JLowder · Dec 31, 2017

mfinn said:
The controller on the RD3 80watt doesn't have the ability to do anything except change the speed of the pump, and that is a manual adjustment.
I want to use a totally separate controller with mine, so I can have a feed mode.
But someone said that it's not a good idea to stop and start the pump that often.
It's just once per day and it seems to me a pump that expensive should be able to take it.

I’ve got mine controlled through an APEX so programming to a feed mode to operate at a slower speed should be possible.

mfinn · Dec 31, 2017

JLowder said:
I’ve got mine controlled through an APEX so programming to a feed mode to operate at a slower speed should be possible.

I wasn't planning on going with a Apex.
I have so little use for one than it wouldn't make sense.

mfinn · Jan 7, 2018

What I have found out so far is the very first thing I need to get from Royal Exclusiv is the $187 module that allows the pump to communicate with the desired controller.
The most like candidate is the Apex or Profilux, with a 0-10v module.
The Reef Keeper might do it, but haven't confirmed it yet.
Any way you look at it it will be very expensive to achieve a feed mode with the RD3 80watt pump. Maybe even come as close as the original price of the pump.