I have a somewhat "academic" question on how the APEX/DOS adapts a dose program in response to unplanned shutdowns ...
THE PROBLEM -
I simply created a virtual outlet that turns ON whenever both my return pumps are shut off, and then added a line in the program for the DOS to turn off the 2-part program whenever that virtual outlet is ON. It seems to work - my TRIDENT makes sure my Alkalinity stays within a very narrow range.
THE QUESTION -
How does the APEX deal with the small amount of 2-Part that DOESN'T get dosed whenever the program is interrupted by the return pumps being off? Does it simply "ignore" this amount and assumed it happened? Or does it "adjust" the remaining dosing rate for the rest of the program to compensate. Would it do this without the TRIDENT unit being installed?
The amounts of dosing that get "missed"when the return pumps are off (a maximum of 90 mins per day, but usually only 60 mins) is very small ... so I don't think it really makes a difference. Furthermore, given that the TRIDENT is controlling the total amount dosed each day, the APEX is adjusting the total amount to dose to maintain my target alkalinity anyway.
At the same time, I'm always interested to understand what's going on behind the scenes ... hence why I called this an "academic question".
Thoughts?
THE PROBLEM -
- I am using a DOS unit together with a TRIDENT for controlled 2-part dosing. My 2-part solution is added to my sump. Normally, with both my return pumps running there is enough flow in the sump to prevent precipitation
- I also use another DOS unit for ReefEnergy AB+ and Phyto ... both of which get dosed directly into the display tank. When I do so, I have the APEX shut down the return pumps for 30 mins to give my livestock plenty of opportunity to feed.
- I also have a feed mode that shuts off both return pumps for 30 mins whenever I target feed my corals
- However, I've noticed that - over an extended period of time - I end up getting precipitation in my sump as a result of my 2-part dosing program continuing to run whenever the return pumps are shut down
I simply created a virtual outlet that turns ON whenever both my return pumps are shut off, and then added a line in the program for the DOS to turn off the 2-part program whenever that virtual outlet is ON. It seems to work - my TRIDENT makes sure my Alkalinity stays within a very narrow range.
THE QUESTION -
How does the APEX deal with the small amount of 2-Part that DOESN'T get dosed whenever the program is interrupted by the return pumps being off? Does it simply "ignore" this amount and assumed it happened? Or does it "adjust" the remaining dosing rate for the rest of the program to compensate. Would it do this without the TRIDENT unit being installed?
The amounts of dosing that get "missed"when the return pumps are off (a maximum of 90 mins per day, but usually only 60 mins) is very small ... so I don't think it really makes a difference. Furthermore, given that the TRIDENT is controlling the total amount dosed each day, the APEX is adjusting the total amount to dose to maintain my target alkalinity anyway.
At the same time, I'm always interested to understand what's going on behind the scenes ... hence why I called this an "academic question".
Thoughts?