Connecting equipment to a RKL and setup

[zyphen]

Hi all,

I have just recieved my new RKL-3 + Double float switch kit and am working on planning out how I will connect the following items to the 2 RKM-PC4s (4 plug power strips) to get the most out of the controller.
Could you review this setup and tell me if I have it right, or if there is anything I can not do this way / could do better in another way:

List of plugs:

In/On Tank
1. Powerhead #1 (10 Watts)
2. Powerhead #2 (10 Watts)
3. Lights (Actinic) plug #1 (2x54w T-5 = 108 Watts?)
4. Lights (Daylight) plug #2 (2x54w T-5 = 108 Watts?)
5. Fan transformer for Light Fixture (10 Watts)
6. Moon lights (R2 Dual Extreme LED Moonlight) (?? Watts)

In/On Sump
7. Protein Skimmer (20 Watts)
8. Return Pump (65 Watts)
9. Heater #1 (100 Watts)
10. Heater #2 (100 Watts)
11. ATO Pump using DA Float Switch kit (3 Watts)
12. Refugium Light (?? Watts)




First, Elimination: Items I think don't need to be plugged in to the RKL:

7. Protein Skimmer: Not sure on this one, but if the RKL puts the return pump from my Sump in Standby, do I need to set the in-sump skimmer to standby as well? (the water level in the sump's skimmer section will remain constant). The only reason (I am probably wrong on this) to shut off the skimmer seems to be skimmer cleaning, emptying the collection cup and maintenance.

12. Refugium Light which I plan on having on 24/7.





Second, Grouping plugs on a channel with powerstrips:

Channels (not in actual order, questions about this later):

A. Plug 1. Powerhead #1

B. Plug 2. Powerhead #2

C. Plugs 3 + 5. Actinic Lights and light fixture fan will go on 1 channel, as the fan doesn't need to be on when lights are out, and I would rather not have to take up a separate channel for the fan.

D. Plug 4. Daylight Lights

E. Plug 6. Moon lights

F. Plug 8. Return Pump

G. Plugs 9 + 10. Both Heaters will go on the same channel.

H. Plug 11. ATO Pump





Third, Channels: What goes where:

If I understand this correctly, low power (low wattage?) should go on channels 1 and 4 of the RKM-PC4, so here goes:

RKM-PC4 #1
Channel 1: A. Powerhead #1
Channel 2: F. Return Pump
Channel 3: G. Heaters # 1 and #2
Channel 4: B. Powerhead #2

RKM-PC4 #2
Channel 1: E. Moon Lights LED
Channel 2: C. Actinic Lights and fixture fan
Channel 3: D. Daylight Lights
Channel 4: H. Ato Pump




This is where I am at so far as I don't have my sump yet so nothing is connected. Please correct anything you see wrong here and I will summarize as I get responses.

Thanks all, hope this helps more than just me!

Matt.

[jubjub]

i think you ahve that backwards....on the pc4, port 1/4 are 8amp plugs while the 2/3 are 3amp i think...so your bigger items should be on port 1/4 i run my metal halides on 1/4 and fans/lights/ato pump on 2/3

[zyphen]

I read on the DA forum site that the solid state relays on channels 2/3 can make small pumps stay stuck on.

If I remember my high school physics right, Amps = Watts/Volts, so nothing in my list of devices uses more than 1 Amp? (except maybe the Heater combo)

Am I correct in assuming then that based on the Amperage allowance for each channel only, I can place any device on any channel?

Please correct this if I am mistaken. (I am not running any MH lighting, which seems to be the highest wattage and therefore amperage device for the aquarium).

What size/wattage ATO pump are you running on a channel 2/3, these seem to be the lowest wattage devices?

Thanks for your help.

[James77]

Originally Posted by zyphen

If I understand this correctly, low power (low wattage?) should go on channels 1 and 4 of the RKM-PC4

Channels 1 and 4 on the PC4s are mechanical relay outlets, they can handle up to 8 amps each. Channels 2 and 3 solid state relays, and are limited to 3 amps each. The whole strip cannot exceed 15 amps.

Channel 1 and 4 can switch lower wattage/draw equipment better because they are mechanical relays. If you were to use a CO2 solenoid on 2 or 3, it MAY stick open. Using it on 1 or 4 guarantees it will work.

[zyphen]

Thanks James77,

This should mean that my devices are pretty much in the right place.

Originally Posted by zyphen

...
First, Elimination: Items I think don't need to be plugged in to the RKL:

7. Protein Skimmer: Not sure on this one, but if the RKL puts the return pump from my Sump in Standby, do I need to set the in-sump skimmer to standby as well? (the water level in the sump's skimmer section will remain constant). The only reason (I am probably wrong on this) to shut off the skimmer seems to be skimmer cleaning, emptying the collection cup and maintenance.

12. Refugium Light which I plan on having on 24/7.

...

Another question I am still unsure of is whether or not to set the skimmer up on the RKL or leave it on permanantly and save the channel for the LED Moon lights? The skimmer is in the sump in a baffled section (fixed water height), so would turning off the return pump and leaving the skimmer on make a big difference? Or am I better off giving the channel to the moon lights and turning them off when the Actinics come on in the morning?

[James77]

ignore