Reefkeeper questions

[intenzity]

Hi, I am currently in the process of building a new lighting system for my 72G bowfront reef. My plans consist of building a suspended/hanging fixture fabricated out of aluminum and covered in 1/4" black acrylic. I recently came across the ReefKeeper digital controller and it has interested me into possibly integrating this controller into my new lighting fixture. I am planning on using Reef Fanatic 250W HQI ballasts to drive 2 14k 250W Phoenix DE bulbs, as well as a ARO-220 Electronic VHO ballast to drive 2 110W VHO bulbs.

Have you encountered any compatibility problems using these ballasts?

Also, instead of using the temperature probe inside the tank to measure water temperature, would it be possible to use the temperature probe inside of the lighting fixture instead, simply as a control for the fan control feature? The reason I ask is because I would not be able to run the temp. probe into the tank from the ceiling without seeing it hang down into the tank and besides having a digital water temp. readout is not that important to me. My plans are to have 5 total fans installed in the new fixture, 1 fan on each end of the fixture blowing cool air across the bulbs, and 3 fans in the back of the fixture used for exhaust of hot air. I don't necessarily think I will need to have all 3 exhaust fans running simultaneously at all times, therefore I would like to be able to program them (using this controller if possible) to turn on and off when the inside of the fixture reaches a certain temperature. Would this be possible with the temp. probe that this controller comes with, or would the excessive/high heat be too high of a reading for the controller/probe to handle?

I think this controller would be perfect for a flush mount into my new lighting system!! Please let me know!

Thanks,

Scott

[PrangeWay]

Wow that is really an ingenious use of a ReefKeeper. I'd like to know how it turns out. The only question I'd have is how high the temp setting on the RK goes. I think it may only be 99.9, but someone at home or near one would have to check quick. But you could set as many of the ports to heater/chiller as you want so no problem having in run the fans.

I think the Reef Fanataic Ballast are the same as the EVC ballasts, which are just a chinesse import, though their magnetic so I wouldn't think they're woudl be an issue. Though hopefully someone with one stops by.

If you use this, make sure to post an update or two, that's a very neat idea that I might steal for my next tank.


PW

[intenzity]

I thought it would be a great idea if the controller temp. probe could handle the excessive heat, or as you said, if the RK controller goes past 99.9, still waiting to find out! :)

Are you sure the reef fanatic ballasts are magnetic? They are listed as being "An advanced electronic ballast". I may not use them if they are magnetic...Which leaves only ARO and IceCap ballasts, or my first choice, the SLS BlueWave HQI ballasts...magnetic, but HQI...

Scott

[digitalaquatics.com]

intenzity,

Your question is a good one. We actually have considered coming out with dual temperature probes for one RK. That way you could get water and canopy temps at the same time. Currently the RK will go up to approx. 125degF. As far as the ballasts go, I think the ones you mentioned should be o.k., I don't know of anyone who is having problems with those you mentioned. Hope this helps!

Nick