Need PH Controller

aesp533262 · 10/25/2009, 04:07 PM

I am getting a good deal on a calcium reactor with almost new media, circulation pump, 5# co2 tank w/ regulator solonoid. All i need is a Controller. Im torn between current need vs. total available options. So Milwakee PH Controller (110 new) vs. ReefKeeper Elite (400 new)...I like the fact that the elite will take the place of my light timers and digital thermostat and ph contoller, and wavemaker....etc..but do i want to spend that much money? Second will i regret buying the Milwakee Controller afterwards.

Any thoughts greatly appreciated....Thanks in advance

tufacody · 10/25/2009, 04:35 PM

I generally feel you need two PH probes for a calcium reactor - one to measure inside the chamber and one to measure tank PH. I use a regular milwaukee PH probe inside the reactor so I can determine how much CO2 to inject, but the solenoid is controlled by the tank PH via Aquacontroller. Both the Milwaukee and the AC3 have done fabulous for me.

peiloy3196 · 10/25/2009, 05:38 PM

I use the RKE and could not be happier. I use two probes, one in the tank and one in the reactor for control. You will need and extra SL1 or SL2 module to have another ph probe as each module can only accomodate one.

The probe in the reactor keeps it between 6.5 and 6.9. The probe in the tank will shut off the CO2 if the PH drops below 7.8.

aesp533262 · 10/25/2009, 05:42 PM

sounds like what i need. Anyone know where i can get the best price on a RKE?

UWUALineman · 10/25/2009, 06:32 PM

My .02. Do not count out the AC3. You are able to add 2 pH montiors to the unit with no additional cost. You are able to utilize the orp outlet as a second pH probe and montior the tank and the reactor. This is what I do. These units are available quite often in the used forum as well.
Be sure to calibrate the probes and purchase extra calibration fluid as this coud save some headaches down the road.

Do the Elite if these are the two choices you have. A controller makes things much more simple.

Live Rocker · 10/25/2009, 06:56 PM

Rke

View Poll Results: Which Contoller? Economical vs Options
Milwakee Ph Controller	1	33.33%
Reef Keeper Elite	2	66.67%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 3. You may not vote on this poll

10/25/2009, 04:07 PM	#1
aesp533262 Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hickory, NC Posts: 8	Need PH Controller I am getting a good deal on a calcium reactor with almost new media, circulation pump, 5# co2 tank w/ regulator solonoid. All i need is a Controller. Im torn between current need vs. total available options. So Milwakee PH Controller (110 new) vs. ReefKeeper Elite (400 new)...I like the fact that the elite will take the place of my light timers and digital thermostat and ph contoller, and wavemaker....etc..but do i want to spend that much money? Second will i regret buying the Milwakee Controller afterwards. Any thoughts greatly appreciated....Thanks in advance

10/25/2009, 05:38 PM	#3
peiloy3196 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Trinidad, W.I. Posts: 599	I use the RKE and could not be happier. I use two probes, one in the tank and one in the reactor for control. You will need and extra SL1 or SL2 module to have another ph probe as each module can only accomodate one. The probe in the reactor keeps it between 6.5 and 6.9. The probe in the tank will shut off the CO2 if the PH drops below 7.8. __________________ "Do, or do not. There is no 'try.'" -- Jedi Master Yoda Tank: 230 Gal , 75 Gal Sump with Refuge, 3X250W MH, 4X54W T5, MP60QD's, SRO XP5000 Skimmer, Octopus Calcium Reactor, 1.5 HP Chiller, Apex. Current Tank Info: 250 Gallon Reef

10/25/2009, 04:35 PM	#2
tufacody Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,890	I generally feel you need two PH probes for a calcium reactor - one to measure inside the chamber and one to measure tank PH. I use a regular milwaukee PH probe inside the reactor so I can determine how much CO2 to inject, but the solenoid is controlled by the tank PH via Aquacontroller. Both the Milwaukee and the AC3 have done fabulous for me.

10/25/2009, 05:42 PM	#4
aesp533262 Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hickory, NC Posts: 8	sounds like what i need. Anyone know where i can get the best price on a RKE?

10/25/2009, 06:32 PM	#5
UWUALineman Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 704	My .02. Do not count out the AC3. You are able to add 2 pH montiors to the unit with no additional cost. You are able to utilize the orp outlet as a second pH probe and montior the tank and the reactor. This is what I do. These units are available quite often in the used forum as well. Be sure to calibrate the probes and purchase extra calibration fluid as this coud save some headaches down the road. Do the Elite if these are the two choices you have. A controller makes things much more simple.

10/25/2009, 06:56 PM	#6
Live Rocker Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Katy TX Posts: 63	Rke