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A bit of false advertising.... By Darrel on 4/24/13
Darrel wouldn't recommend this product to a friend
Digital Aquatics says this unit has 4 controllable channels. What they don't tell you is that only 2 channels work when using "small pumps". When I had issues with the controller not turning off an air pump, this is what DA said:
"This is a common problem with small pumps. It is caused by a small amount of voltage being sent back through the pump when it is turned off. This causes the triac drivers used on CH 2 & 3 to click back on. This is not a defect in the PC4 and is caused by the device attached to the module. Channels 1 & 4 use relay's while 2 & 3 use triac drivers to control the channels, each type have positive and negatives which is why both are included in the PC4. The easiest way of solving this issue would be to move the device to CH1 or 4, if that is not an option a surge protector will also solve the issue. Some have also used 1' extension cables that have the lighted socket on the end as a solution."
This may not be a defect but it surely is a poor design.
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good but. By jimminorm on 4/8/13
jimminorm would recommend this product to a friend
Very good controller I am using it for my heaters only first the moment and temperature is rock solid .my only problems with this is not much info on programming and using the pc software. I wish there was more instructions on programming.
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Disappointing and frustrating By Mike on 3/29/13
Mike wouldn't recommend this product to a friend
There are no instructions anywhere about programming using a PC. You can't program all your modules while you have your PC plugged in because the PC consumes one port and there are exactly ZERO extra ports. This means you always have to have a module or sensor unplugged in order to do any programming. Of course you cannot program any module or use any sensor that's not currently plugged in. This is a huge design flaw for me.
You also have to carry ALL your modules over to your PC to program them. I can't imagine why they don't allow you to take only your head unit to your desk for programming but instead make you disconnect and remove every single thing plugged into the head unit and move it all to your computer. If you have a laptop it's easier but still not easy as you have to fight with the lack of a PORT!
I can't mount everything in a safe location away from potential spalshes because the cords are so short.
In short I believe the end performance may be ok as long as I never have a splash that gets the items wet.
The terrible ergonomics of the unit including the interface, lack of documentation, lack of a programming port, and extremely short cords make this a DON'T BUY for me.
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Nice product By Jeff on 3/24/13
Jeff would recommend this product to a friend
This is a great "toy". Obviously you can have a successful tank without this product but it sure does add to the fun and does simplify things such as emperor urges, lighting and such. I was going to buy a digital thermometer control and a wave maker which would have came to more than this product alone. I like hooking up my laptop and making changes/ alarms. If there is one negative is that it only has 4 outlet slots with the lite series but I guess that is why it is the "lite" after all leading to the only reason 4 of 5 stars. I cannot control all the things I want with only 4 slots so I am already going to be purchasing a 2nd strip which puts me near the 200 dollar mark. I love it though that's for sure.
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Great Controller, Instructions lacking By mupchu on 3/23/13
mupchu would recommend this product to a friend
Controller was easy enough to install and program once I jumped online to get all the documentation that was not in the box. Also wish the USB cord was longer. Overall very pleased with the purchase, but DA could have done a much better job. Box should include CD, and manuals (including the myreef2.0).
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Good product By cdbstl76 on 3/14/13
cdbstl76 would recommend this product to a friend
My primary reason for this purchase was to run items in my sump/refugium. I feel the instructions were poor, but a guide non-the-less. I figured out what I needed to on my own by just scrolling through a d checking all the settings out on my own. I now trust my system to maintain a stable temp and for my lights to come on in the sump at the right times at night. The piece of mind this provides, with the possibility of expansion in the future makes it well worth the money to me.
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Great Controller! By Phil on 3/12/13
Phil would recommend this product to a friend
I love this controller! Easy to use and install! Only way I could be happier with this is if I would have bought the pH probe and NET module
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I like it By ryan on 2/28/13
ryan would recommend this product to a friend
Bought this last week paid for two day shipping got it in 4 days not brs fault, opend the box got what I expected but very nice system hard to figure out but once u do its a awesome product thanks brs
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Nice Product By JOSEPH on 2/6/13
JOSEPH would recommend this product to a friend
Have only been using this for a couple months, and I am sure that I am not fully utilizing itss potential. Not as easy as I thought it would be to program, and the box was smashed up from BRS - but the contents were just fine - had me a little freaked out at first, but no complaints. As the system that this unit is attached to grows, I hope to expand the RKL to perform more task (not just lights and heaters as I have it now, but it does do this flawlessly).
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Good unit mostly! By Joe on 1/4/13
Joe would recommend this product to a friend
Unit works well. I am glad I bought it. Although it could be better! All the electrical plugs should be able to handle whatever I need them to not just two of the four on each strip. Also the alarms are very poor. You cannot adjust the volume and they are barely audible!
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Worth it and then some! By Tim on 12/20/12
Tim would recommend this product to a friend
I was skeptical about getting one of these. Didn't figure I needed it. I have to say, though, that it makes things much easier. I have a 58-gallon mixed reef and have the RKL Basic set up to control my temperature, lights, and fan. It was easy to program (though I wish they had software for a Mac) and I'm no digital genius. Instructions? Not the greatest, but the quick start guide is really all you need for the "basic." And if you get into trouble, you can email DA or BRS. For about 7 years, I ran a kind of bare bones tank with pretty good success, but this thing is a game-changer. Probably the neatest thing I've ever purchased for my system.
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Must have By Robert on 12/4/12
Robert would recommend this product to a friend
The Reefkeeper is easy to setup and does everything mentioned in the BRS videos. I highly recommend this product to anybody. Thanks BRS!!!
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Awesome! but hard to connect to myreef 2.0 By Adam on 12/2/12
Adam would recommend this product to a friend
This product is amazing and i will never set up a tank without one again. Every aspect of this controller is incredible. From the dedicated timers, to the controllers, to the head unit. My only complaint is that the instrctions provided by digital aquatics suck. I had to use the wonderful online chat from BRS to connect my RKL to my computer correctly. After connected, programming is a breeze. I just wish i would have gotten the plus. Best controller and value on the market!! It would get 5 stars if it wasnt for the stupid instructions.
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Great Product. By James on 11/28/12
James would recommend this product to a friend
Bought this after purchasing the BRS Complete Alk/Ca/Mg dosing system. I needed something to control the pumps. Looking at digital timers and etc. I felt from a cost and flexibility perspective this was the easier chose. I found it hard to find a timer that would do less than a minute and various schedules I felt may be required for dosing. I already had a ReefKeeper 2 therefore knew Digital Aquatics made a good product. I have a unique setup where my sump is in the garage which made it impossible to use RK2.
Now that I have this and with the modular design I'll planning build this out enough to replace the RK2. With the RD1 I can have a panel in the garage and one in the house by the tank.
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Want piece of mine? BUY AN RKL By Alex on 10/6/12
Alex would recommend this product to a friend
I got a ReefKeeper lite Lvl 1 after finding out that 3 times with internal backup and a power strip would run me upwards of 70 bucks. This meant for another 45 I could get a device to control them to the T with the ability to monitor my heater (heater failure is one of the top causes for reef crash). The Modular design makes in easy to expand to your needs, no requirement to shell out hundreds at once. I have since added a PC4 and SL1 and couldn't be happier.
Seriously, stop thinking about it and make the purchase! Your one stuck heater away from a fried tank.
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best value hands down! By mike on 10/4/12
mike would recommend this product to a friend
this product is outright awesome, so happy with it. surperior functionality. has saved my tank more than once
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AWESOME STARTER CONTROLLER By Bo on 9/15/12
Bo would recommend this product to a friend
This is a great starter system for the price. You can always add more modules as you need but for most beginners into reefing, this is more than adequate to handle lights, protein skimmer, heater and pump needs. If you have more outlet needs as this comes with 4, you can always get another outlet strip (PC4) to handle your needs. Overall this is a great product, fairly straightforward, and cost effective way to get into automating your tank.
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WHY DID I WAIT THIS LONG? By Jason on 9/14/12
Jason would recommend this product to a friend
Just purchased the ReefKeeper Lite to control my lighting and temps. I was able to program two light cycles and set up my heater and cooling fans in only twenty minutes. I cannot believe I waited this long to do it.
Make sure to visit the DA website to download the product manual. It sure makes it easier to understand.
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Good controller, Bad instructions By Steven on 8/30/12
Steven would recommend this product to a friend
Have to say, I am happy with the controller, but the instructions are worthless. If I hadn't watched the BRS video setup, I might have returned it. But with their video and the digital aquatics forum, I figured it out. All in all it is a great product, and kudos to the BRS guys.
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must have! By mikey on 8/15/12
mikey would recommend this product to a friend
this unit does it all for half the cost of most other controllers! couldn't believe how well this worked and how easy it was to set up. and the fact that its fully expandable makes it a great purchase for a beginner looking to expand
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A Must Buy By Viet on 8/1/12
Viet would recommend this product to a friend
The Reefkeeper is easy to setup and does everything mentioned in the BRS videos. I highly recommend this product to anybody. Thanks BRS!!!
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ease of knowing By Bruce on 8/1/12
Bruce would recommend this product to a friend
this product has made tank management so easy i can finally just sit and enjoy the beauty which is this hobby.
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Good device overall By Alex on 7/31/12
Alex would recommend this product to a friend
I bought reefkeeper to automate my fans, lights, heaters, etc. I didn't have as many issues as some others reported here, but after 20 years in IT, I do agree that the software is quirky and sometimes unstable. The cost of accessories is also outrageous.
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Fantastic By Ron on 7/12/12
Ron would recommend this product to a friend
Great Product, I love this controller and the fact that it can expand with me and my hobby at a great price.