SantaMonica
Well-known member
Also for people who grow lots of macro, it will absorb some alk too.
Let's talk about Alkalinity, Calcium and Magnesium in an SPS Tank
- Thread starter JB NY
- Start date
So just to be clear, is the proper DKH level 7-8 for an ULNS?
If I am not dosing vodka, bio pellets etc. should I aim for a higher range for DKH?
Is there a best method to dosing ( 2 part with doser,kalk,calcium reactor)?
I've have learned very much from this thread. Thanks to all who contributed.
If I am not dosing vodka, bio pellets etc. should I aim for a higher range for DKH?
Is there a best method to dosing ( 2 part with doser,kalk,calcium reactor)?
I've have learned very much from this thread. Thanks to all who contributed.
JB NY
Active member
I have run my alk at 8 with just a DSB, also when carbon dosing, and also when using GFO. So I think that 7-8 would be fine with a variety of methods that you choose. I don't keep it at 7 mainly because if something were to happen and my dosing is off or the needs of the tank change, the alk can fall lower than I would like without me knowing.
Dose any way you want, the method doesn't matter as long as you can keep up with the demands and keep the tank stable.
Dose any way you want, the method doesn't matter as long as you can keep up with the demands and keep the tank stable.
NeverlosT
A bit fishy
I am having a hell of a time with ALK lately. One small dip in ALK burns the coral tips, they stop their growth, ALK consumption decreases, and the alk fluctuates the other direction.
What a pain in the neck. I am watching months of coral growth die off... hopefully I can get it under control ASAP.
Original issue was the effluent line of the CARX became clogged and since it was plumbed into the skimmer intake, I couldnt see it until ALK had already dipped.
If I can figure out how to get the damn CARX effluent to keep a steady drip rate over a long time period, I'll be in much better shape.
What a pain in the neck. I am watching months of coral growth die off... hopefully I can get it under control ASAP.
Original issue was the effluent line of the CARX became clogged and since it was plumbed into the skimmer intake, I couldnt see it until ALK had already dipped.
If I can figure out how to get the damn CARX effluent to keep a steady drip rate over a long time period, I'll be in much better shape.
The best way to keep a steady drip over time is to use a peristaltic pump which pulls the water from the calcium reactor (much better than pushing the water into it). However, such a pump must work 24 h a day, 7 days a week. Just a few peristaltic pumps are designed for continuous work, and they are not cheap. The cheapest option I have found is to use two (not the expensive Masterflex) alternating in periods of two hours. In that way you prevent them from going bad and start doing noises.
NeverlosT
A bit fishy
I was worried about a peristaltic pump, that it may burn out with constant use, then I looked at the ones meant to run constantly, and they have some hefty price tags. What I am shooting for is to raise the reactor pH so that the effluent is less concentrated, and increase it's flow rate a bunch. This makes the needle valves less likely to plug, since the fluid is flowing through a larger opening.
JB to answer your question I am using a special custom 45 degree gate valve that reef dynamics sells with their calcium reactors. It works well at higher flow rates (what I am doing now), but if you want a slower, or even a steady drip, it plugs over the course of a day.
JB to answer your question I am using a special custom 45 degree gate valve that reef dynamics sells with their calcium reactors. It works well at higher flow rates (what I am doing now), but if you want a slower, or even a steady drip, it plugs over the course of a day.
machodik
Active member
Let's talk about Alkalinity, Calcium and Magnesium in an SPS Tank
I have been thinking to use my Jebao DP-4 ( bought for a while have not using it yet) , all the 4 pumps hooked together pulling the water out from my calcium reactor , I have to run 15 ml / min or 900 ml / hour and or 21,600 ml per 24 hours , so it is impossible for a single pump of this cheap chinese dosing pump to do the Job but if I run 4 pumps alternately for this purposes perhaps It will somehow lengthening the life span and giving me to save money to buy a expensive one (may be 5 years later? I doubt it hahaha) . Now I am figuring how much ml per "X"mins for this 4 pumps to runs simultaneously in a day ??? I am not good in math , any math genius help me out on this ?
I have been thinking to use my Jebao DP-4 ( bought for a while have not using it yet) , all the 4 pumps hooked together pulling the water out from my calcium reactor , I have to run 15 ml / min or 900 ml / hour and or 21,600 ml per 24 hours , so it is impossible for a single pump of this cheap chinese dosing pump to do the Job but if I run 4 pumps alternately for this purposes perhaps It will somehow lengthening the life span and giving me to save money to buy a expensive one (may be 5 years later? I doubt it hahaha) . Now I am figuring how much ml per "X"mins for this 4 pumps to runs simultaneously in a day ??? I am not good in math , any math genius help me out on this ?
SantaMonica
Well-known member
My BRS pump (50 ml/min, which I don't think they have anymore) has been dosing kalk for 4 years now, and has never clogged. The outlet is about 2 inches above the water, and drops down into it.
It is not very quiet, however.
It is not very quiet, however.
kissman
New member
Mine has been running about 4 years aswell. I did decide to replace the hoses going in and out it. Then after looking at the hose inside it had some wear so i replaced it to.
SantaMonica
Well-known member
Ah they do still sell it. The thing I like about it is that even if the silicone hose breaks, the hoses running into and out of it will not let go. So if you have the pump placed at the highest point, nothing will drain or siphon out.
The REeFFers
New member
awesome information guys and girls, have a quick question. Right now I'm running a kalk reactor ( two little fishies ) and a jebo doser is there any down fall in doing this or am i just making things harder for myself using 2 devices that do the same thing :debi:
SantaMonica
Well-known member
What is the Jebo dosing?
