Automated Alk testing/dosing requirements

[Protodad]

Hey all, I’m looking for an understanding of what it would take (equipment wise) to fully automate testing and dosing for alk.

My understanding is that with hydros I could use a X10 + salinity kit + IV and between all 4 dosing heads on the X10 I could automate testing and dosing.

For Neptune, would the requirement be a base unit + trident + dos?

I’m trying to get a clear picture of what is needed for each ecosystem (Hydros and Apex). It seems the Apex is more things (and cost) but I potentially get more things tested (calc and mag).

Hope this all makes sense, I care about automated testing and dosing of alk, but want to make sure I have a full understanding of everything that needs to be purchased

 

[n2585722]

Hey all, I’m looking for an understanding of what it would take (equipment wise) to fully automate testing and dosing for alk.

My understanding is that with hydros I could use a X10 + salinity kit + IV and between all 4 dosing heads on the X10 I could automate testing and dosing.

For Neptune, would the requirement be a base unit + trident + dos?

I’m trying to get a clear picture of what is needed for each ecosystem (Hydros and Apex). It seems the Apex is more things (and cost) but I potentially get more things tested (calc and mag).

Hope this all makes sense, I care about automated testing and dosing of alk, but want to make sure I have a full understanding of everything that needs to be purchased

I had my X10 setup stand alone to do this with a KH buffer. The alkalinity testing requires 3 dosing pumps. The X10 has 4 pumps. I added a simple doser to one of the drive ports and used it as the drain pump on the iV so that cleared up 2 of the dosing pumps on the X10 for dosing. I used one to dose All For Reef and the other for dosing the KH buffer using dynamic dosing based on the alkalinity testing. You don't really need the salinity probe for alkalinity testing unless you just want it for the readings for other things. The salinity reading is temp sensitive so I ended up adding a temp sensor in the beaker of the iV and also do a couple of drain and refills before the test.

 

[Protodad]

That’s a good idea. I was looking at an x4 but figured I would need 4 more dosers to make it work. Good to know I don’t need the salinity probe.