What is a PH controller?
A PH controller in the aquarium ensures that the pH stable remains by controlling the CO2 supply. The set consists of a computer that controls the function and a probe. The probe are sold individually.
This is because they age over time and then need to be replaced. The set also includes a magnetic valve. The controller is connected to this. A complete set therefore consists of the computer, the probe and a solenoid valve for the CO2 system.
The pH gives the acid or base value of the water. The scale ranges from 0 to 14. The value 7 therefore represents neutral.
PH controller in comparison:
JBL PROFLORA CO2 CONTROL
Can be combined with a solenoid valve?
Special feature:
Export of the data to the PC, retrieval via smartphone possible
Incl. temperature sensor, set with CO2 bottle and reactor available
Can be combined with a solenoid valve?
Special feature:
Export of the data to the PC, retrieval via smartphone possible
Recommendation:
Can be combined with a solenoid valve?
Special feature:
Incl. temperature sensor, set with CO2 bottle and reactor available
Can be combined with a solenoid valve?
Why do you need a PH controller?
© piai Fotolia.com
You need a PH controller for the pH regulation. It is the heart of the system and therefore sits in the middle. This controller is powered by a plug. This is then sent to the controller magnetic valve connected via an adapter cable.
The solenoid valve does not have its own power supply. The temperature sensor and probe are also connected to the computer and then placed in the tank. A PH controller only works in Combination with a CO2 systemsince the pH value is regulated by the CO2 system.
From the measured values and the target data the computer calculates when to open the solenoid valve. When the desired value is reached, the computer automatically closes the valve again. In this way, the pH value always remains very stable.
How does CO2 affect pH?
Any duplication the crowd carbon dioxide takes care of one in the aquarium water Lowering the pH by 0.3. Likewise, every halving of the amount of carbon dioxide increases the pH by 0.3. The carbonate hardness does not change.
A pH of 0 to 6 is an acid, a pH of 7 is neutral, and a pH of 8 to 14 is a base. The value depends on the hydrogen ions in water. They are present as H3O+ and face the OH- ions.
If as many H3O+ and OH ions are in the water, then the water is neutral. If there is more H3O+ in the water than OH ions, then the water is acidic. If there are more OH ions in the water than H3O+ ions, then the water is basic.
The KH value also plays a role. The KH value is determined by dissolved alkaline earth metals bound to carbonic acid. To the alkaline earth metals belong calcium and magnesium.
The total hardness refers to all alkaline earth metals present in the water. The number of HCO3 ions is measured. HC03 stands for bicarbonate. The carbonate values are strongly influenced by calcareous rocks in the basin.
CO2 is also in the air we breathe. However, the value is only 0.04%. Carbon dioxide is an important part of photosynthesis in plants.
Therefore, many aquarists add artificial CO2 to their tanks. The plants then grow much faster. You can do more glucose form.
The CO2 dissolves in the water. Carbonic acid is then formed in the water from a small part. In warm water there is less oxygen. It is therefore important that the water is not too warm.
This carbonic acid then reacts with water too H3O+ and HCO3-. As mentioned, H3O influences the pH value. HC03 is known from the carbonate value. In this way, all values influence each other. The pH value can therefore be lowered by adding CO2.
The PH sensor
The aging process starts on the day of manufacture. Usually they hold sensors 12 to 24 months. Therefore, the PH sensor is offered separately from the controller and the solenoid valve.
As soon as the pH increases, opens the computer the magnetic valve, so that CO2 flows into the pool. The CO2 lowers the pH value again through a chemical reaction. The computer has to calibrated so that he can also precisely determine the temperature and the pH value.
The kH value must also be entered into the computer for the calculation to be correct. From the values, the computer calculates how much CO2 it needs to add to the pool to stabilize the pH value.
The CO2 value cannot be adjusted. When calibrating, the sensors must first be flushed. Then you give 10ml of each of the liquids in the test tubes. The small plastic bottles contain deionized water, pH 4 water and pH 7 water.
The computer then guides you step by step through the individual steps. The probe has to go into the several times immersed in different liquids become. After calibration, the system can then be put into operation.
The probe should be placed in a location in the tank where lots of water movement takes place. There is usually a good place near the filter. The Probe must not be completely in the water be.
One third of the probe should remain above the water surface. This is sometimes difficult for pools with a lid. A good attitude is Auto pH. Then he will pH to 6.5 set.
You can also set the desired pH value separately…