What is a good PH Range? And how many bubbles per min.?

[jeemann99]

1. I just installed my Milwaukee SMS ph monitor/controller and Calcium Reactor and after I calibrated to (7) I put it into the sump and am now it was reading flickering between 8.4 - 8.5 and then stayed on 8.5. Is this OK? If not, how do I lower the PH or raise it if needed?

2. New to calcium reactor scene and want to know how many bubbles per min. people are doing. Mostly LPS and sofites with 3 clams and a few pieces of SPS.

Thanks
Garrick

 

[aurorafish]

Check out the sticky's in the chemistry forum on RC, you will most likely want to start with your tank parameters in generally accepted ranges, and then dial it in. You will want to test for Calcium, Magnesium, and Alkalinity alot till you get it dialed in. Most tanks PH will swing due to photosynthesis. Mine swings about .3-.4 daily.

 

[Sullyman]

Where's the probe?

 

[jeemann99]

The probe is in the sump. In the return section that goes back into the tank. I just checked it and it is at 8.2.

 

[Sullyman]

What does your Ph normally test at? Was the Ph probe capped with solution when you got it, if not did you calibrate it? 8.5 during the day and 8.2 at night is on the high side.
Basicly what you want to do is to lower the Ph in the reactor to 6/6-6.8, so you can use your probe to test a small cup of water/effluent coming out of your reactor. If it reads higher than the 6.6-6.8 range, open up the co2 valve slightly, more bubbles per minute. If it's lower than the 6.6-6.8 range close the co2 valve a little, fewer bubbles. Having the Ph in that range in the reactor will start to dissolve the media, adding calcium to your tank.
You have to wait a good few hours between adjustments to see what you have changed.
You will also need to set the drip rate on the return from the reactor to your sump. You should have instructions as to what is advised for your size tank. Start with that rate and adjust according to the effluent(return water).

 

[jeemann99]

No instructions got it used it is a Milwaukee sms controller/monitor

 

[jeemann99]

Sullyman -

I did calibrate to 7.0

My ph out of my reactor is 8.1 currently and in my sump is 8.2. my 1/4" return water from the reactor is currently placed in my sump that returns into my tank and is streaming out no drip at all. I just put on a control valve so it is now at a fast dribble.

Is it faster the bubbles in my bubble counter add more or less ph?

How do you lower ph in the reactor? When you say to adjust the valve on the co2 tank/bubbler. Is the bubbler on the regulator only suppose to go on if the solidnoid is lit? I just adjusted to 55 bubbles min.



I bought these units used with no manuals. Knop C (no bubble counter) using the one on the regulator, 20lb tank, regulator w/solinoid and bubble counter, and Milwaukee SMS probe

Thanks

 

[Sullyman]

It should be dripping back into your sump. If you run water through the reactor too fast it won't work properly. The water has to saturate with co2 to disolve the media, creating the calcium.
I'd go online to the Knop web site and get the instructions for the reactor.
You lower the Ph in the reactor with the CO2, more bubbles of co2 per minute lowers the Ph in the reactor.
Adding co2 to the tank via the reactor lowers the tank Ph.
Adjustments have to be made slowly, waiting a few hours after an adjustment to see what changes you've actually made.

 

[jeemann99]

Thanks Sullyman.

So, the return tube from the reactor should be dripping instead of streaming or fast dribble? Like dripping kalk speed at nite?

 

[jeemann99]

I do not think Knop even has a website

 

[RRafael]

www.knop.de

 

[Sullyman]

The rate of return from the reactor is usually based on the size of your tank, they should recomend a starting point and then you will have to fine tune it to your tank.
Send them an email requesting an owners manual/instructions for your model.
Mine drips about the same as my kalk does at night, but I have a different reactor.

 

[jeemann99]

Sullyman -

Should I monitor the water in the sump or the water from the reactor? and just have the water from the reactor overflow into the sump?

 

[Poppy828]

I can't believe with all the advice and help you got Garrick...you still decided to waste your money on another piece of un-needed equipment. LOL )

 

[jeemann99]

:lol: ya ya ya I know :mixed: Gotta try it though

 

[RRafael]

He is the "CORALINE KING"

 

[Poppy828]

Too each there own I guess. I have spent my fair share of money on crap I did not need. I think we all do at one point. It's your turn now...

 

[Sullyman]

I keep my Ph probe in an overflow but I do use it to set the effluent Ph. Just fill a small cup with the effluent and probe it.
Once it stabilizes, you don't have to check it often.