Reef Keeper or RKL or ??? for basic control features

[booth2010]

The only features I am wanting to control are: temp prob, salinity prob, my t5 lights off/on, skimmer off/on, heater shut off and 1 of my powerheads.

Will the RKL Plus or Reef Keeper Elite be alright for just those basic operations? I am trying to keep it under $400 for the controller.

If you can think of a different controller thats not over $400 let me hear it!

I will buy an Apex at some point i nthe future but that will be for my upgrade many years in the future for my 180+ lol.

 

[mangups]

A basic RKL will do the job except the salinity part. For salinity you will need a SL2V2 module + a probe. This will easily keep you under 400 USD. If you want net connectivity you will need another module - Net Module.

 

[booth2010]

That's what I figured. Anyone else? I think I may do the RKL + and after the salinity probe and module it'll be 485$ but I think it'll be worth it. I need the 2nd energy bar (90$) and which would put it over 400$ anyways so I might as well spend the extra 70$ on the plus to have the ph probe as well.

 

[steve&mari]

You could watch the used ads I got us a RKL plus with 2 pc4 and ph probe for 150 shipped on here then all you'd need the salinity probe ect. The new controller they offer is supposed to be really more like the apex functionality.

 

[ermartin]

why do you even need the salinity probe. Its kind of a waste of money if you keep your tank topped off at a regular interval and you test the water with a refractometer when you make it for water changes no reason to actually monitor it.... If you plan on going with an APEX long term i would just get the RKL

 

[ifarmer]

It a stupid wasting money for keep monitorimg the salinity
I only check the salt when i mix new water in the bucket that is it.
I dont recall the last time I check the salt level in my tank. 5+ yrs ago i guess.

 

[pickupman66]

I have the SL2v2 and I actually enjoy having it. Since I travel, it is nice to see what it is while I am on the road. also if the ATO sticks on ill notice that water influx and can have the wife address it.

 

[glweek]

Salinity is not needed. I got a RKL used for $80 and have no regrets, and don't have any need for anything with more features.

 

[Reefchris28]

I have the RKL and I love it. Has everything I need in a controller and like glweek, I got mine used with 2 pc4 for $90. Controls everything in my system and works pretty flawlessly. Hope that helps