Expansion Socket/Setting Questions

[algaeguy]

Hi There:

Even though I'm an experienced hobbyist, I'm very new to the world of controllers, so I've been doing lots of research. Nonetheless, I have a few questions, even after studying the manual!

I'm about to purchase an RK2 for my new system, but I had a few questions regarding function of the unit. I plan on purchasing the Expansion Socket to run my chiller through the RK2. I understand that control of the socket is handled by the RK2.

My question is this: I have a dedicated electrical circuit for my chiller. Is there any problem with me plugging in the 6' cord on the Expansion Socket into the wall outlet this dedicated circuit, rather than the wall outlet that is powering the RK2 and the rest of the equipment.

I was also a bit confused (sorry- simple mind!) about setting the heater/chiller controls for these items. The manual advises "setting the thermostat on your heater to no more than two degrees above the threshold temperature on the RK2. This provides redunant protection."

What is "threshold temperature" , and why not just set the control on the heater to the same setting as on the RK2 menu? I know that there is a logical explaination for this, and I know that my mind is anything but logical at times!

Also, in regards to the chiller control- the manual recommends that you should set the chiller no more than 3 derees below the chiller turn off temperature on the RK2. Again, is there any problem with setting the temperature on my chiller (a JBJ Arctica) to the same target temperature as the RK2?

I've noticed that instructions for some other controllers recommend setting your heater at it's maximum setting and the chiller at its minimum temperature so that the controller has complete control over these items. Is this recommended with the RK2?

Sorry again for the seemingly lame questions, but I want to have a thorough understanding of this unit before I buy it!

Thanks again. The product looks great!

Scott

[digitalaquatics.com]

Expansion Socket question:

That is the beauty of the expansion socket the control and the main power line can be totally independent so the answer to your questions is yes.

Temperature control question:

Our temperature control is basically the same as other controllers. Our recommendations are slightly different. The reason you would turn your heater thermostat to a little above the RK2 setting is that if the RK2 wants to turn the heater on, it can. But, if the RK2 ever gets water on it or your temp probe falls out of the tank or something screwy like that, then the heater may be left on too long. You have the redundant thermostat, the heater will turn itself off if you set it a little above the RK2 setting. If you cranked your heater up too far then you would cook your tank. Since it doesn’t benefit you to crank it all the way up, it seems silly to us to do so. Does that help?

Now that being said, you can certainly crank the heater up or the chiller down if you want. It will work just fine.

Please let me know if you need more clarification.

Nick

[algaeguy]

HI Nick:

You've really sold me on the RK2...I love the idea of placing the chiller via expansion socket on the seperate circuit!

Thanks for the fast response. So I think I'll just follow the manual. It makes sense to me now!

Final question: Would it be okay to plug in my Tunze Stream drivers and 7095 Controller into a couple of the sockets designated "always on", or would there be some kind of interference issue? I can always plug these devices into a seperate power strip if necessary.

Thanks again for the fast response. I'm looking forward to working with this controller!

Scott

[digitalaquatics.com]

Yep, should be fine. Don't just consider the RK2 as an aquarium controller, also consider it a "power distribution center".

Nick

[reeftalker]

What is the benefit of plugging the streams and controller into the RKII if you are setting it to always on? Seems like a waste to use it this way since you could plug all of that into a separate outlet and use the channels on the RK for something else.

[digitalaquatics.com]

reeftalker,

That is a good question. Our basic philosophy is not just to offer an aquarium controller, but a “power distribution center”. So if someone has an extra outlet and they have a device that needs to be always on, then we are still helping you to simplify your wiring.

Nick