Why does it seem that I am often going against the general flow of how most other people think?
Anyway, here is my opinion:
To use Kalkwasser for the purpose of raising pH is unwise, IMO.
The worst case scenario would be a pH probe/setup failure in the wrong direction, dumping so much Kalkwasser that it nukes the tank. What failsafe could be designed to prevent that catastrophe?
IMO, Kalkwasser should be viewed as just an "okay" and only mediocre method to supplement Alk and Ca in the top off water. Topping off only during the dark hours has the added benefit of helping the Refugium to keep pH up at a time when the tank is most vulnerable to the effects of low pH. The period of time when the display is asleep and photosynthesis has stopped.
As convenient as automation is, there is no substitute for the hobbyists task of visually checking both the appearance of the tank and the Alk and Ca levels with manual testing.
IMO, a better and much safer method would be to manually adjust the amount and speed of Kalkwasser top-off each night. Then, using automation, enable shut off of the Kalkwasser dosing system, when the pH probe senses pH > 8.4. The float valve or solenoid would keep the top-off system from exceeding the maximum water level.
I would place the effluent from the Kalkwasser system at the return pump or directly in the display.
That's my 2 cents.
Topic Options
Post Options
Thanks(0)
