Automated alk testing/adjusting schedule

[BAMatter]

In regards to automated dosing via test results via Kamoer KH Carer, Apex, Hydros, etc, how many times a day do you test and is there any rhyme or reason as to why? I have my KHC monitoring and dosing accordingly (I dose kalk 24/7 and really only test alk during lights on) but wanted to see what the masses are doing. I used to dose alk 24/7 but everything seems happier pumping it in during the photo period.

*I dose kalk 24/7 at 2ml/min and dose ESV B-Ionic 2 part via the KH Carer.

Mixed reef 75 gallon with about 1.50dkh daily drop.

Thanks

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

While I do not automate alk testing or dosing, I think the answer will depend on the demand and thus how many times a day you want to dose alk. Higher demand (faster depletion) will indicate a need for more frequent testing and dosing.

That said, with kalk, how are you dosing it based on the automated testing since dosing should be spread out over a long time?

 

[BAMatter]

While I do not automate alk testing or dosing, I think the answer will depend on the demand and thus how many times a day you want to dose alk. Higher demand (faster depletion) will indicate a need for more frequent testing and dosing.

That said, with kalk, how are you dosing it based on the automated testing since dosing should be spread out over a long time?

I dose kalk 24/7 at 2ml/min, and dose alk (ESV B-Ionic 2 part) based off of testing schedule. Well, the machine doses the adjusted amounts. I reread what I posted and it is not very clear. I’ll edit that to reflect correct additives. I essentially give the system a constant stream of alk/cal with the kalk, and use the ESV 2 part as the adjustable buffer, and also have a module to connect my KH Carer to my doser so I can dose calcium in a 1:1 ratio with alk so it doesn’t get away from me, or drop substantially, due to variation on alk consumption.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I dose kalk 24/7 at 2ml/min, and dose alk (ESV B-Ionic 2 part) based off of testing schedule. Well, the machine doses the adjusted amounts. I reread what I posted and it is not very clear. I’ll edit that to reflect correct additives. I essentially give the system a constant stream of alk/cal with the kalk, and use the ESV 2 part as the adjustable buffer, and also have a module to connect my KH Carer to my doser so I can dose calcium in a 1:1 ratio with alk so it doesn’t get away from me, or drop substantially, due to variation on alk consumption.

Ah, oK, I thought you might be adjusting the kalk.

I'd personally try the ESV adjustment at least once in the early AM and at least once in the mid afternoon. Most if the amount dosed is above 0.5 dKH each time.

 

[BAMatter]

Ah, oK, I thought you might be adjusting the kalk.

I'd personally try the ESV adjustment at least once in the early AM and at least once in the mid afternoon. Most if the amount dosed is above 0.5 dKH each time.

It seems to be keeping it pretty tight testing every 3 hours and then dosing correct amount over 15 min intervals until the needed ml’s have been reached at 2ml each dose. Ideally I’d like to lessen the amount of tests from a reagant/cost/wear and tear/etc standpoint.


*I know some folks consider “tight” a .01dkh swing, but this is satisfactory to me considering the results I’ve been seeing.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

It looks to me like you can drop the number of tests to half what you are doing now with no issue. Maybe 1/3.

 

[BAMatter]

It looks to me like you can drop the number of tests to half what you are doing now with no issue. Maybe 1/3.

Thanks Randy, I appreciate it!