Reefkeeper - couple of issues

[johnvlahos]

Hi Folks,

I own a Reefkeeper and I have two questions:

1. When the power goes out the clock gets reset. Is that normal?

2. I'm moving into a new tank/sump and I need to extend both the temperature probe and the controller cable. Is that okay to do and what kinds of cables are they?

Many thanks,
jv

[Entropy]

Sounds like your battery is dead on the controller unit. I had the same problem and had to exchange my head unit.

As for the other questions, you would probably be best off sending DA an email directly.

[johnvlahos]

Entropy - thanks - I already have a replacement unit on the way...

However, I found another issue. Just hooked up the Reefkeeper to MH lights for the first time. It appears to reset itself when it tries to start the second ballast. I'm hoping that the replacement unit will solve this problem as well.

Regards,
jv

[Entropy]

What kind of ballasts?

Mine still does that occasionally (maybe once a week), and I haven't figured out why. For a while my VHO (Workhorse 7) ballast was not grounded, and after I fixed that, the problem seemed to go away for quite a while, but since I switch tanks last week it has happened twice. I didn't add anything to the normal load, but I did switch all the plugs around. Kind of frustrating, but it hasn't happen in the last couple of days so I am hopeful.

[johnvlahos]

I'm running 3 - 250w Reef Fanatic ballasts with XM bulbs. Unfortunately the replacement unit has the same issue.

DA is working on it - but I'll recheck the grounding - good idea.

Thanks,
jv

[johnvlahos]

Entropy - is your system simply grounded to the reflectors?

I should add that the ballasts and lights work flawlessly with simple analog timers.

Thanks,
jv

[Entropy]

I am using PFO magnetic ballasts for my halides and a Fulham Workhorse 7 for my VHO's. The PFO's have a three prong grounded cord, but my WH7 just had a two prong, so I added a three prong cord and grounded the case. My reflectors/mogul sockets are ungrounded.

On thing I did do was to move all the pumps off the reefkeeper since all of mine run 24/7. This way if the RK does cut out, the pumps continue to run. I think of it as a cloud covering the sun, but am not happy with it by any means. Still it happens very rarely so I can live with it. Hopefully DA will figure out the issue.