*ReefKeeper Alarm Triggered*

Well my aquarium has been giving me grief, off and on, for some time now. Between float switches sticking, temperature fluctuations, and faulty/clogged Aqualifter dosing pumps I've had my aquarium overflow already. After the overflow, I added a float switch to my aquarium that will 1) trigger an alarm and 2) shut off the return pump.

Today while in class, I was notified by my ReefKeeper Lite by email that one of my float switches had activated, triggering an alarm. This float switch is located in my display, and is only activated when the water level gets dangerously high.

Upon notification, I was able to completely shut down the return pump and my ATO pump. I was also lucky enough to have someone close by to check on the tank. Sure enough, the tank had filled up and my sump was full to the rim, but no water had spilled out on the floor; a disaster was averted! Floors were dry, fish were safe, and I could breathe a sigh of relief.

While I'm going to have to do some investigation and tinkering to see what I can do to prevent this issue from happening again, I was lucky that my ReefKeeper emailed me. I didn't have to leave class, and I didn't have to worry all night about what was happening. it also prevented I'd come home to in 9 hours had I not been able to catch this.

While aquarium controllers aren't necessary for every tank, I'd have to say that today my ReefKeeper earned its spot as the best (and coolest) gadget on my aquarium.

Digital Aquatics RKM SL-1 Module

In preparation for my vacation, I decided that there was no better time than now to set up an auto top off system. After looking at my options, I decided to purchase the Digital Aquatics RKM SL-1 module for my ReefKeeper Lite system.

My ReefKeeper Lite system features the ReefKeeper Lite head unit, 2x PC4's, iTemp probe, float switch kit, and an SL-1 module. Without getting too much into the ReefKeeper Lite system, I will say that it controls my lights, skimmer, return pump, and heater. So far, so good!

The SL-1 module can be used with both the ReefKeeper Lite and Elite systems. The module enables one to connect a pH probe, ORP probe, temperature probe, and has molex slots for two switches. I purchased one float kit (with mounts) to set my water level. When the float switch is "closed", or down in my particular setup, it turns on the Aqualifter pump that pumps water out of an RO/DI reservoir (currently an old salt bucket with a hole drilled in the lid) and into the sump. I don’t have to manually top off my system, or come home to a pump that’s blowing micro bubbles because I didn’t top off enough the night before.

The float switch

After talking with a fellow reefer about his worries of a sticking float switch, I plan on purchasing a second float switch kit to set as a back-up shut off switch. Whenever the water level triggers the second float switch, it will tell the auto lifter pump to turn off. This would be helpful in the event that the first float switch fails. I will also be purchasing a pH probe to monitor pH. I’m not interested in monitoring ORP at this time, however it’s not bad knowing that I can monitor that.

To finish the install, I mounted everything to my aquarium stand with Velcro, which helped organize some of the wiring behind and alongside my aquarium stand. Job well done if I may say. Until next time...