Ph controller

[matt 76]

I just got a milwaukee sms 122 ph controller. I don't understand how it is supposed to shut off the co2 if the ph goes too low in the tank. It says it shuts off the power when the ph rises above the set point. How would this work? Is this for a kalk reactor?
This is the link http://www.milwaukeetesters.com/pdf/...120-SMS122.pdf

[Ehaze]

get a dosing pump (REALLY weak one like a aqua lifter) and dose kalk, then have it shut off then the ph gets too high. 8.5 or so... very simple.

[matt 76]

I think I figured it out. The ph controller plug in is normally on.The co2 solonoid is normally closed. I set the ph around 7.8 on the controller so when the tank ph goes below 7.8 it shuts off the co2 solonoid.
So when the normal tank ph is 8.0 the alarm light stays on on the controller; leaving the power outlet on. The tank ph drops below 7.8 the controller outlet loses power thus shutting off the co2 solonoid. ( I have a separate ph monitor in my calcium reactor to read it's ph)
I think this is backwards of how it should work?
I'm confused

[Theron]

I use this controller to control the ph inside the calcium reactor. When the ph rises above the set point (6.5) then the co2 solenoid is on and the ph will slowly lower until it reaches the set point and turns off the co2.

Theron

[2thdeekay]

Hey Matt. I haven't used a milwaukee controller before, but my aquacontroller Jr. controls the CO2/pH with 2 values for parameters. Shuts off CO2 below a set pH, and turns on CO2 above a set pH.

I was considering a milwaukee pH controller for the tank at home... Let me know how you like it.

-M

PS. Theron, would you recommend the milwaukee? Thanks.

[Theron]

Originally posted by 2thdeekay
PS. Theron, would you recommend the milwaukee? Thanks.

I have had no problems with it, so yes I would recommend it.

Theron

[tgreene]

Matt76,

In your original post you've described your particular SMS-122 controller in 2 different manners, and I think you are somehow confused...

The typical SMS-122 pH controller is designed to work w/ a Ca reactor and turn ON the solenoid when the pH level gets above your specific set point. For example, if the pH reading in your Ca reactor goes above 6.5, then in turns ON the CO2 and drops it back down, thus dissolving the reactor media.

The SMS-122 REVERSE pH controller works in exactly the opposite way. If you're using it for Kalk dosing, and your detected system pH level reaches 8.5 (again, an example set point), then it will turn off your Kalk dosing or auto-topoff in order to prevent a Kalk overdose which generally results in a tank with that Nuclear Winter look.

I use both types of controllers for their specific applications.

-Tim

[matt 76]

Wow thanks everyone! Seems like I am using it backwards.The ph monitor probe should be in the reactor,not in the tank water.

[LuisC]

Originally posted by matt 76
Wow thanks everyone! Seems like I am using it backwards.The ph monitor probe should be in the reactor,not in the tank water.

Nop the PH probe goes in to the sump or tank.

[Big Boy69]

No, if you use a ph controller, it should be in your reactor to turn off and on when needed. The monitor could be setup in the tank to see what your ph is at.

[tgreene]

Originally posted by LuisC
Nop the PH probe goes in to the sump or tank.

You would be incorrect!

When using a pH probe to regulate the CO2 being injected into a Ca reactor, the probe must either be placed into a drip cup in a sump which some do and is considered more old skool, or placed directly into the Ca reactor via a probe port.

This is critical because the pH necessary to dissolve reactor media is often set as low as 6.5, which is clearly acidic. If the probe is simply placed into the sump or tank, and the CO2 set point is 6.5, you will have a very dead tank full of Carbonic Acid!

If on the other hand you're simply wanting to MONITOR your system pH, then you would be correct in placing the probe in the sump or tank in order to read the system pH.


Luis C: Based upon the actual context of his posts, Matt was seeking information in regards to using this for his Ca reactor and regulating CO2 (I received a PM from him hours before I posted to this thread) so it's vitally important that you provide complete answers which cover all bases, which you did not do. I'm not bashing you, but this is one of the reasons that so many people fail in regards to reefkeeping. They follow through with things that they read here or there, without a complete understanding of how everything works. A quick look back and forth between the "n00b" and "For Sale" forums will paint a very clear picture in regards to the number of people that fail very quickly and are looking to sell everything for pennies on the dollar. The #1 thing that I see is that they first and foremost refer to this as a "hobby". By considering it anything less than a LIFESTYLE, they are all too often doomed for failure before they ever get started.

The best way to fully educate yourself is to read, read, read, RESEARCH, and read some more. personally I suggest the Borneman "Corals" book (green cover). Open it up to Chapter-8, skipping all the pretty pics in the first 7, and memorize everything that is stated in the Husbandry chapter. Your own system will be the final test in regards to what you have learned.

-Tim

[matt 76]

Thanks Tim for providing such complete information I understand completely how it works now. Now I just need to get a solenoid that works for my co2 regulator.
Matt

[tgreene]

It's what I do for a living.........

-Tim