Please help with programming

[bljohnson]

I just purchased a ACIII Pro for a 180 Gal AGA. I just purchased a GEO Calcium Reactor and Nielsen Reactor - I am also new to these pieces of equipment. Please evaluate my program. I have a Pinpoint pH MONITOR for Calcium Reactor Effluent and I will be using the Neptune to CONTROL the CO2 Solenoid based on TANK pH.

ACT = Actinic lights
LT1 = Outside Halide lights (I have a 72" Maristar)
LT2 = Center Halide
NRX = Nielsen Recirculation pump
CRX = CO2 Solenoid
FAN = Canopy Fans
HET = Heater

If time > 1200 then ACT = ON
If time > 2400 then ACT = OFF

If time >1700 then LT1 = ON
If time < 2330 then LT2 = OFF

If time > 1800 then LT2 = ON
If time < 2230 then LT2 = OFF

If temp > 80.3 then FAN = ON
If temp < 80.3 then FAN = OFF

If temp < 79.7 then HET = ON
If temp > 79.7 then HET = OFF

If temp > 81 then LT2 = OFF
Max Change 45 M
then LT2 OFF

If temp > 81.5 then LT1 = OFf
Max Change 45 M
then LT1 OFF

If pH < 8.2 then CRX = OFF

OSC 10/50 ON/OFF
then NRX ON

If pH > 8.4 then NRX = OFF

Please feel free to comment on program/set points as I am new to most of this equipment. Thanks.

 

[Slickdonkey]

So you're planning to keep LT1 on 24hrs per day?

 

[szwab]

does your GEO reactor have a probe holder?
and yep need to change your "< >" for the lighting set them like you did for the ACT

also may want to set the fan to have a max change to keep it from cycling on and off
i'd also give yourself a 1/2 degree for the heater before fipping to on or off

 

[bljohnson]

Slickdonkey:
That was a type, I meant to put:
If time >1700 then LT1 = ON
If time < 2330 then LT1 = OFF

szwab:
Yes, the Geo does have a probe holder. I currenly plan to use the Pinpoint Monitor to just monitor pH. When Neptune comes out with the expansion modules I plan to use both the effluent pH and tank pH to control the CO2 solenoid (CRX). I also see the typo you are talking about. I meant to say:
If time >1700 then LT1 = ON
If time > 2330 then LT2 = OFF

If time > 1800 then LT2 = ON
If time > 2230 then LT2 = OFF

Thanks for the comments. Please keep them coming. I want to get this going by next week. A couple more questions:

1) I have the alarm module - do I just plug this into the DC4/8 or do I need to use a X-10 controller for this?

2) What about my NRX (Nielsen Reactor) recirc pump programming... is this possible? 10 minutes on then off for 50 minutes. Is this too frequent? Is this programming statement correct? Geo only recommends 4 times daily then more often depending on Nielsen Reactor pH. What is the Nielsen Reactor pH supposed to be? Is it ok to just leave the recirc pump on 24/7 and pump the "milky white" kalk into the tank?

3) Is this statement correct?
If pH < 8.2 then CRX = OFF

OSC 10/50 ON/OFF
then NRX ON

If pH > 8.4 then NRX = OFF

 

[szwab]

alarm module can goe into the Dc4 just give it the appropriate name in the program.

typically you want to run the calcium reactor 24x7 once you get the effluent dialed in it should be fine you'll just need to check it periodically. I would reccomend using the probe holder and measuring the ph in the reactor and controlling it that way. once the expansion module comes out then add a probe for the tank. And for right now monitor the tank with the pinpoint. To me that would make more sense and be the easiest way to do it.
I do not ave a nielson reactor but will give it my best shot. you do not want the water to mix all the time. the whole premise is so that the kalk doesn't make it into the tank. UI would set up 4 time statements that would turn the pump on and off.

the statement: If pH > 8.4 then NRX = OFF that will turn the mixing pump off, unless you are feeding the reactor with a pupm won't turn it off. the nielson should be set up to replace evaporated water. or am i reading this wrong.

 

[bljohnson]

The Nielsen Reactor will be used with a Tunze ATO... I forgot to mention that.

So are you saying I should make "If Time" statements that turn the Nielsen on/off at 4 designated times throughout the day?

My Calcium Reactor was at 6.5 since when I set it up... about 3 days ago. I am running the "large sand" media that Schuran and Geo recommends to use. I am trying to get the pH to 6.3-6.4. I turned the effluent drip down yesterday and that only decreased my pH from 6.6 to 6.5. My effluent is at about 80ml/min. My bubble count is at about 70/min. I am thinking of turning the bubble count up a little.

 

[szwab]

yep do the if time statements to mix the nielson.
I would increase the the CO2 a bit. check the effluent from the reactor to see where the cal. and Alk. levels are and the tank to make sure you are adding the proper amount. when you adjust though do one thing at a time and give it about 6 hrs to balance out before making another change.

GL sounds like you have things under control.

 

[bljohnson]

What about the pH set points for my solenoid? I noticed my pH was about 8.0 in the AM. Are swings of 8.3 to 8.0 too much? How much should the tank swing with Calc Reac and Nielsen? I thought that the Kalk should increase the pH to offset the Calc reactor decreasing the pH. Do I need to add some of the SeaChem Buffer?