I’m starting to make plans for using a GHL Controller to regulate Alk and Ca levels (as well as Mg and possibly pH). Before going too far with my programming, I want to make sure that I am not missing any key concepts or details, so I’d like to present my plans and see if anyone sees any flaws in my design, from the standpoint of chemistry (@Randy Holmes-Farley) as well as practicality. If any of the statements I make throughout the presentation are not accurate, please chime in. It is important to note that I am using a relatively “young” (4 mo old) 40 gal cube for SPS only and, at the moment, have about 30 small frags. (A mature, heavily loaded tank may require a modification as explained in the next paragraph).
I am currently using pH to control Kalk vs “non-Kalk" ATO additions. I believe I read in one of the threads that it is better to use pH as a control of Kalk vs “non-kalk", but I’ve come to the conclusion that it might be better to use Alkalinity to control these additions (at least in a relatively new tank with little SPS mass. This is because the almost constant use of Kalk in the ATO water (to raise pH) raises the alkalinity too high because of the relatively little alkalinity “usage” compared to a heavily loaded SPS tank. (In my former 200 gal tank, loaded with SPS colonies, constant use of kalk in the ATO water wasn’t enough to keep adequate Alk levels and other buffers were needed so perhaps pH could be used in a “mature” system). Can it be agreed that it is best to use Alk rather than pH to control Kalk additions in a “new” tank (that isn’t “using” much Alk)?
I will start with a balanced ratio of Alk = 8.0 and Ca = 420 with the goal of maintaining these levels. (Mg and pH will be discussed later). I will use the following solutions:
-Triton 4-Part (must be dosed in equal portions)
-Kalkwasser (Kalk)
-Buffer
-CaCl
-Mg solution
The Controller will be programmed as follows to regulate additions of these solutions:
A) I will first set the dosing for the 4 Triton parts so the “Limiting Part” (Alk, Ca or Mg) will not rise above its desired level. (“Limiting Part” = whichever parameter reaches its desired level first).
-- If both Ca and Alk are low, then Kalk will be added until either Ca or Alk reaches its desired level
-- If Ca is at desired level (420) but Alk is low, then Buffer will be added
-- If Alk is at desired level (8.0) but Ca is low, then CaCl will be added.
B) On a separate control, if Mg is low AFTER Ca and ALK are at desired levels, then Mg will be added.
C) pH: It would be nice to maintain the pH at the highest and most stable level (not to exceed 8.3) if possible. Which would be better for SPS growth (using theoretical examples, assuming that best growth is at 8.3):
-- a pH ranging from 8.1-8.3 (with a 0.2 daily swing), or
-- a more STABLE and constant pH of 8.15 (and thereby sacrificing the benefits of 8.3 at least during part of the day) (@Lasse?)
The only way I can think of controlling pH, at the moment, is by using a solenoid to control CO2 scrubbing. (@Lasse?) (I will work on this step after mastering the first two….hopefully!)
Although not relative to this discussion, I will mention that I am a huge fan of Zeovit additives (at a fraction of the recommended dosages for many of them) and will use ICP testing to regulate them (and trace elements in general). N-DOC testing will also be implemented.
Also, a GHL kH Director (for Alk readings multiple times a day) is being used and I have the ION Director coming for Ca, Mg (and other parameters.)
If anyone sees any flaws in any of my “thinking” and/or can make any suggestions, your comments will be most appreciated! Thank you.
I am currently using pH to control Kalk vs “non-Kalk" ATO additions. I believe I read in one of the threads that it is better to use pH as a control of Kalk vs “non-kalk", but I’ve come to the conclusion that it might be better to use Alkalinity to control these additions (at least in a relatively new tank with little SPS mass. This is because the almost constant use of Kalk in the ATO water (to raise pH) raises the alkalinity too high because of the relatively little alkalinity “usage” compared to a heavily loaded SPS tank. (In my former 200 gal tank, loaded with SPS colonies, constant use of kalk in the ATO water wasn’t enough to keep adequate Alk levels and other buffers were needed so perhaps pH could be used in a “mature” system). Can it be agreed that it is best to use Alk rather than pH to control Kalk additions in a “new” tank (that isn’t “using” much Alk)?
I will start with a balanced ratio of Alk = 8.0 and Ca = 420 with the goal of maintaining these levels. (Mg and pH will be discussed later). I will use the following solutions:
-Triton 4-Part (must be dosed in equal portions)
-Kalkwasser (Kalk)
-Buffer
-CaCl
-Mg solution
The Controller will be programmed as follows to regulate additions of these solutions:
A) I will first set the dosing for the 4 Triton parts so the “Limiting Part” (Alk, Ca or Mg) will not rise above its desired level. (“Limiting Part” = whichever parameter reaches its desired level first).
-- If both Ca and Alk are low, then Kalk will be added until either Ca or Alk reaches its desired level
-- If Ca is at desired level (420) but Alk is low, then Buffer will be added
-- If Alk is at desired level (8.0) but Ca is low, then CaCl will be added.
B) On a separate control, if Mg is low AFTER Ca and ALK are at desired levels, then Mg will be added.
C) pH: It would be nice to maintain the pH at the highest and most stable level (not to exceed 8.3) if possible. Which would be better for SPS growth (using theoretical examples, assuming that best growth is at 8.3):
-- a pH ranging from 8.1-8.3 (with a 0.2 daily swing), or
-- a more STABLE and constant pH of 8.15 (and thereby sacrificing the benefits of 8.3 at least during part of the day) (@Lasse?)
The only way I can think of controlling pH, at the moment, is by using a solenoid to control CO2 scrubbing. (@Lasse?) (I will work on this step after mastering the first two….hopefully!)
Although not relative to this discussion, I will mention that I am a huge fan of Zeovit additives (at a fraction of the recommended dosages for many of them) and will use ICP testing to regulate them (and trace elements in general). N-DOC testing will also be implemented.
Also, a GHL kH Director (for Alk readings multiple times a day) is being used and I have the ION Director coming for Ca, Mg (and other parameters.)
If anyone sees any flaws in any of my “thinking” and/or can make any suggestions, your comments will be most appreciated! Thank you.