Please help me dial in my CalRX

[gideon2086]

I would increase co2 bpm and recheck every 12hrs. Its not a fast process. Once you get 20+ then check alk and adjust manually to whatever alk you want to run.
Measure alk daily and if its low increase bpm.
Thier is a relationship between co2 and effluent. Once found its easy to raise or lower your alk level.
For now just adjust co2 until you get 20+dkh.

Ok, so raise the BPM. Do you have a number suggestion if I am currently at 1 per 3 secs on the CsrbonDoser?

 

[X-37B]

Ok, so raise the BPM. Do you have a number suggestion if I am currently at 1 per 3 secs on the CsrbonDoser?

Ok start 1 bubble every 2 seconds.
That will increase co2 from 20bpm to 30bpm a 50% increase.
You want 20-25 effluent dkh and keep it above 20.

 

[GarrettT]

Someone else had already said my flow was half of what it should be.

That would be impossible to determine without one knowing what your dkh is and what orifice size your co2 is coming out of. I like low flow so that I can conserve co2. Some like it higher, especially if their using a feed pump and not a peristaltic pump.

 

[GarrettT]

Ok start 1 bubble every 2 minutes.
That will increase co2 from 20bpm to 30bpm a 50% increase.
You want 20-25 effluent dkh and keep it above 20.

I’m sure you already knew, but he meant every 2 seconds.

 

[gideon2086]

Ok start 1 bubble every 2 minutes.
That will increase co2 from 20bpm to 30bpm a 50% increase.
You want 20-25 effluent dkh and keep it above 20.

Ok, will do. Thank you for the guidance. I was under the believe that adjusting the co2 simply effects how fast the PH is brought down and that it is the PH level that actually melts the coral, not the speed of reduction.

 

[gideon2086]

I’m sure you already knew, but he meant every 2 seconds.

I did, but still appreciate the clarification!

 

[X-37B]

I’m sure you already knew, but he meant every 2 seconds.

Oops! Its not fun getting old. Nice catch and fixed, lol

 

[GarrettT]

Ok, will do. Thank you for the guidance. I was under the believe that adjusting the co2 simply effects how fast the PH is brought down and that it is the PH level that actually melts the coral, not the speed of reduction.

Increasing the co2 count will lower the ph in the reactor, which in turn, will dissolve the media. The effluent will only determine how much dkh is dosed (think ml/day when using 2 part), but keep in mind, the flow of your effluent affects your reactors ph, if that makes sense.

Ok multiple edits but I think this one will make the most sense.

 

[X-37B]

Ok, will do. Thank you for the guidance. I was under the believe that adjusting the co2 simply effects how fast the PH is brought down and that it is the PH level that actually melts the coral, not the speed of reduction.

Yes thier is a ratio between co2 input and effluent output. Once known you can adjust both to keep the ratio.
We are focusing on effluent dkh.

I do not monitor ph in the reactor or use a controller. Knowing dkh is one factor.

 

[gideon2086]

I’m not running co2 constantly - it’s controlled by my Apex based on PH readings.

 

[GarrettT]

Wish I could be of help, but that’s not how I run my system. I’m sure someone else will be able to help you.

 

[X-37B]

Ok well you need someone who does the same.
For reference carx's, imo, need to run 24/7 for stability.
It can be done your way but its not the way I would even if I had a controller for everything else.
Good luck.

 

[Snoopy 67]

Read the article I linked on the previous page.
It explains it all.

 

[gideon2086]

Read the article I linked on the previous page.
It explains it all.

Thanks - he also recommends constant co2. Everything I read and watched while piecing this together strongly suggested a controller and probe. Le sigh…

 

[Snoopy 67]

Not the one I linked.

 

[gideon2086]

Also, what media do you use?
Different media, different melting point.
Arm is good at 6.4 but that is lower in the melting point than other media typically is.

Sorry, missed this. I use reborn.

 

[gideon2086]

Not the one I linked.

From the article you linked:

 

[GarrettT]

Not to distract you from your immediate concern, but have you considered self tuning the reactor instead of relying on a ph probe? In all honesty, it sounds like you are doing it already, yet not benefiting from the initial labor.

I use a ph probe in my reactor, but only to monitor my ph (not control). It’s a MUCH better and efficient way to run a reactor.

Sounds like you kinda already figured out how to tune it, but unintentionally.

 

[gideon2086]

Not to distract you from your immediate concern, but have you considered self tuning the reactor instead of relying on a ph probe? In all honesty, it sounds like you are doing it already, yet not benefiting from the initial labor.

I use a ph probe in my reactor, but only to monitor my ph (not control). It’s a MUCH better and efficient way to run a reactor.

Sounds like you kinda already figured out how to tune it, but unintentionally.

What does the PH in your reactor land at? I fear just leaving it on while cause the PH to plummet, but I suppose I can adjust the BPM accordingly.

 

[GarrettT]

What does the PH in your reactor land at? I fear just leaving it on while cause the PH to plummet, but I suppose I can adjust the BPM accordingly.

I use reborn and mine is around 6.8ish, but honestly I have no trust in a ph probe. It could be 6.5 for all I know. Dkh is a much more reliable source. That said, very rarely do I ever check it. If my ph swings a lot I will, but other than that, it’s pretty much hands off. I just have my apex alert me if the ph inside the reactor rises too much (co2 empty) or too low (co2 count off or feed pump off).