GEO Club...

[RokleM]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8207696#post8207696 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bkv1997
What are you guys running your PH at in the chamber because I'm trying to setup my PH controller. Also whats the highest I can run the ph and still have it work as I would like to start off slow only because i'm a bit cautious about PH swings and my alk going sky high.

I've got mine running at 6.7-6.9, and my alk testing shows it's working. I'm glad I got hte 618 so I have plenty of room for growth. I've heard of running the GenX (what I use) all the way down at 6.0.

I balance the PH with a kalk reactor though, just FYI.

 

[bkv1997]

I have a MRC Kalk reactor also. Thanks for the info.

 

[cward]

I heard from some people at MACNA that dolomite needs a pretty low PH (6.0) to dissolve it.

 

[bkv1997]

I don't hope I have to run my PH that low, but i'm still dialing the unit in.

So I'm guessing if the PH has to be 6 and most medias turn to mush at that PH it really isn't useful?

Thanks

 

[cward]

You only need to run the ph that low if you plan on putting dolomite into your reactor. Otherwise the dolomite will just be taking up space.

 

[Phyxius]

Just wanted to give an update on my post above. It came to my attention that George may have been at a show and thus no email replies. Got an email this a.m from him apologizing for being out of town and sending no replies. He stated that he will get the new manifold out today
GEO will stand behind their product and I jumped the gun a little and apologize about that. George is a stand up guy about this isuue I had.

 

[cward]

Yep, we were at MACNA in Houston since last Thursday. Didn't get back until 11:30 last night.

 

[bkv1997]

Cward thanks:

I already have about an inch and a half of my 618 filled with dolomite.... guess we will see if it desolves at higher PHs or not.

Brandon

 

[RGibson]

Cward did you see anything really new and different at the show?

 

[cward]

I saw some really cool aquarium controllers and the new led lighting systems. One company even had a controller that simulated lightning flashes with their led system. The technology looked very promising for the future.
The one big thing that I noticed was how many American companies are having their products built in China. Euro Reef (should be Asian Reef) and Pacific Garden (LA-III reflectors) and PFO's new led lighting system were just a few of them.

 

[Infinitereef]

If I am using the ARM media, I should be dialling the pH to be at 7.5 right??

 

[cward]

I would have to think the ph needs to be under 7.0 to make the media dissolve. I would try 6.9 to 7.0 for a while.

 

[ReefDent]

Hey Brandon, where'd you get your dolomite?

Thanks,
James

 

[bkv1997]

premium aquatics sells it for 1$ per pound, but they don't have it on the site... Just ask for jay he new what I was talking about.

 

[Infinitereef]

Thx cward

I am using the Geo 618. I set my effluent rate to be 25mL. then I set my bubble rate to be around 40 bubbles/min. The ph in the Reactor is around 7.3 after 30mins when I set the Bubble rate.

Do i need to increase the Bubble rate even more? Or does the pH take a while to get down to 6.8??

 

[cward]

It will take a couple of hours for the ph in the reactor to drop, but if the ph doesn't get down to the level you are trying to reach, then increase the bubble count a tad. If you're using a ph controller, this will help you to keep the ph getting too low.

 

[Infinitereef]

Thanks.

I am using the RF Deluxe regulator and it seem that I can only adjust it for 10 bubbles per increment of the needle wheel.

 

[bkv1997]

infinitereef:

I'm using the same setup and a ph controller made things so much easier to get it dialed in. Just thought I would let you know incase that is an option for you.

Brandon

 

[Infinitereef]

Yes, I do have a Milkaukee pH controller set to shutoff at 6.5.

 

[bkv1997]

Then all you should have to do is set your effluent to 25ml and your bubble count at around 90 per minute.

then just set your controller to kick the CO2 off at say 6.7 and on at 6.8.

if you need more just slowly walk the ph down if thats to much walk it back up using your controller. Thats basically what I did and mine was dialed in in about 3 days. On my tank I needed to keep the ph between 6.65 and 6.60, using shuran media.

Hope this helps you.