@ReeferBud - I tried the OP method for a while (with Maxijet feeding CaRx), and had constant issues. However when you see the great work BRS has done in their videos they are basically sayin the same thing as OP. Effluent rate isn’t as important as PH. You just need it to be constant, and constantly the same. That way all you mess with is PH. I ended up getting a Kaomer pump. I set it at approx 30-35ml.min so it would not clog and forgot about it. Now all I change is PH. You will notice the BRS system proves the OP correct. The difference is that the effluent has to remain steady.
I was a CaRx newbie when I saw this post, and after my modifications its right on point.
They also mention measuring effluent DKH, but I always forget how to dilute it since Hanna DKH only goes to 20DKH. Anyone know how tro dilute for higher readings?
Additionally, and this might seem basic but: I always thought increasing effluent increased ALK. That’s not the case, decreasing effluent rate increases alk. Rationale is the lower the effluent rate the more time the water sits in the CaRx therefore increasing ALK output. It seems this is part of @ReeferBud problem ay 500ml/min. It doesn’t allow the dwell time.
To measure your effluent Alk, just dilute your water sample by half. Then test the Alk and multiply whatever result you get by 2.
You’re right that increasing the effluent rate should decrease the Alk concentration in the effluent. But if the increase in effluent rate is greater than the proportionate decrease in Alk concentration, the total Alk being delivered to the tank should increase [Alk concentration x flow] = Alk delivered to the tank. It’s this last value that I’m trying to calculate for my system and maximize out of my reactor.