KH Guardian: Automatic Alkalinity Controller- My Experiences

[Rick.45cal]

And Skynet advances on our reefs!

I feel fortunate I am not dealing with HAL 9000

 

[samparker]

Yeah I added port forwarding and dynamic dns so that I can log into my KHG from anywhere. Just because, you know :)

 

[JonasRoman]

Test 5: 7.0 dKH (think I should believe it yet?)

I recalibrated the pH probe to be sure, it comes up with 7.0 dKH very consistently. It also made it's bicarbonate additon (which at the moment I have going back into the sodium bicarbonate reservoir).

I need to figure out what I want to do for the maximum dosage and make those settings to that system so I can measure in a graduated cylinder what it's additions are.

I am very happy it is running and giving me consistent results, even if they are different from my hanna checkers.

I have experienced that Hanna checker could measure about 0.2dKH too high sometimes, so it seems that your true value could be around 8.0dKH, if you haven't done something major wrong when handled the Hanna-checker? Did I get you that the Hanna checker was brand new? and also the reagent?

 

[tankstudy]

SPS. Alk 7.5
qDTKkar by watsonj0, on Flickr

Looks like you were doing fine with out one.:D

 

[Rick.45cal]

@JonasRoman One of the checkers was brand new (hanna dKH meter), with new reagent. The other Hanna (ppm) was one I have used for 9 months or so, with reagent that hadn't been open more than 2 weeks. ( I test everyday, same methodology, same routine). The ppm meter never gives me the same answer twice, though it is always very close. The new meter reads 8.2 dKH no matter the sample I put in it. (From the ppm meter reading 138 ppm, dKH meter: 8.2 dKH).

Meanwhile Salifert KH titration yields a result every time that Hanna checkers are high by amost 1 dKH! Both hanna checkers read acceptable results for Hanna's alkalinity standards. Now maybe there was mishandling, it's always possible. But these readings fall within my ordinary readings. They are higher than I was trying to keep the tank (target of 7.5 dKH).

Based off of what I know, and had at my availability to test the checkers against suggests that they are wrong. Even the other checker agrees that the other hanna instrument is nearly .45 dKH off consistently from the other meter. For me, that's all I need to investigate this mystery.

Judging by my tank's inhabitants conditions, low alkalinity makes sense too me, and that's ultimately what made me decide to trust the KHG over the Hanna checkers (besides the fact that the Salifert titration consistently agrees with the KHG).

So there you have my reasoning for ditching the hanna checkers. I felt I was getting very precise (I wasn't), consistent readings (I was) from them, they were just very high (apparently). Shame on me for not cross checking with the Salifert titration constantly.

I'm not trying to bash Hanna Instruments, just share my experience, and reasoning as to why I have chosen to eliminate their use from my testing regime.

 

[NCreefguy]

Looks like you were doing fine with out one.:D

People were doing fine without cars but we still drive them. :)

 

[Jstn]

So cool, thanks for sharing your experience with us !

 

[cigarshark]

I am setting mine up tonight or tomorrow. I have been trying to figure out what tank to put it on, plus I need to set one up in my store so people can see it in action.

 

[fishguy21]

Ok, since everyone who uses it seems to have a good experience... I need help. Have had it set up and keep getting different error messages, at first it needed a sw in purge, completed that. Tested it manually (with computer) and keep coming up with a reading- but it says ACC_err! I have checked everything I can and can't get it to work correctly. Any help would be appreciated- thanks!!

 

[Rick.45cal]

I am setting mine up tonight or tomorrow. I have been trying to figure out what tank to put it on, plus I need to set one up in my store so people can see it in action.

Feel free to share/ask any questions. I can't promise I can answer them, but hopefully someone here will be able to. Anything you can provide will likely help someone else too. :)

 

[Rick.45cal]

Ok, since everyone who uses it seems to have a good experience... I need help. Have had it set up and keep getting different error messages, at first it needed a sw in purge, completed that. Tested it manually (with computer) and keep coming up with a reading- but it says ACC_err! I have checked everything I can and can't get it to work correctly. Any help would be appreciated- thanks!!

That means there is an error in the Accelerator (stirrer)

Here's what the manual says:

1. AC_ERR = KH accelerator error
   
   1. Please gently open the “Reaction Chamber” and check if the small white agitator is missing.
      
      
   2. Please check if the pH probe are secured at proper depth.
      
   C.
   

Accelerator may be malfunctioned. Please contact your dealer.

 

[Rick.45cal]

@fishguy21 looks like there are a couple possibilites, the little stirrer is missing. Or the pH probe may be pushed too far down and is blocking it.

 

[fishguy21]

Where do you have the probe? I had it up, then raised it, then lowered it... Still same error.

 

[thakid]

following

 

[Rick.45cal]

The bottom of the cap of the probe needs to be about the middle of the big square metal part next to it.

 

[fishguy21]

yeah, that's where I currently have it- I have taken the black bottom off of it- The white "cap" is floating on the water but seems to have water on it, and there is a red piece on the metal shaft looking thing in there which is way above the water line....

 

[Carlos@CoralVue]

I also noticed that it's IP address changed during the night. Took me a minute to figure out why I couldn't logon to it. To solve this, I went into my router settings and set it up as a fixed IP address. This should solve the problem. I've also noticed that If I am not on my router's network (if I am on the cable modems wireless network) then I can't sign on. (This isn't a big deal, so if it happens to you don't freak out). It can be solved (correct me if I am wrong Network gurus) by setting up "port forwarding".

Yes, you will need to configure your router to first assign the IP address using the KHG MAC address. Then you need to do port forwarding for that IP address. Finally, dynamic IP address service if you are on a home connection that constantly changes your public IP address.

 

[Carlos@CoralVue]

Ok, since everyone who uses it seems to have a good experience... I need help. Have had it set up and keep getting different error messages, at first it needed a sw in purge, completed that. Tested it manually (with computer) and keep coming up with a reading- but it says ACC_err! I have checked everything I can and can't get it to work correctly. Any help would be appreciated- thanks!!

Have you submitted a ticket at coralvue.com/support? Please submit a ticket and we will be happy to help you with any issues you have with the unit. Be sure to include your phone number in case we need to call you!

 

[fishguy21]

Carlos- I need help!! issues with AC_ERR! ready to return this thing right back to you ;-)

 

[Carlos@CoralVue]

Carlos- I need help!! issues with AC_ERR! ready to return this thing right back to you ;-)

I am sorry about that. We can definitely help you get the machine running. Can you please head over to www.coralvue.com/support and submit a ticket? That way I can get personal information from you and we can get this resolved right away!