Daily Fluctuations

[Peter Bomberg]

Hello Everyone, I am trying to figure out if my daily fluctuations are normal or I need to worry. I have a 600 Gallon system 4 interconnected tanks, with over 3,000 Watts of light. I have a 175W MH on reverse time. I am seeing about 1.5 degree celcius dail swing 22.5 min at 7am with the max being 24 at 7pm. I am seeing a PH fluctuation from 8.55 to 8.75 in reverse to the temp swing. My salinity is pretty stable and my ORP has dropped from 380 to 325 lately. I have reduced the pump size a lot (need more surface movement no doublt). I guess the question is what are your thoughts is this normal, should I worry??? I can get additional info if it helps. All measurments are from my Neptune controller. I believe part of the reason my temp swings so much is that I lack the heating power needed when my lights are off.

I added a screen capture to give more info.

 

[olgakurt]

I'd be concerned with the pH and upper limit to the fluctuation. 8.75 is on the high side to me. What are you dosing, kalk?
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Honda CG125

 

[randy holmes-farley]

I agree that the amount of the pH fluctuation is fine, but it is overall too high (assuming that it is correct).

Here's an article on solving pH problems:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/ ... 2/chem.htm

 

[Peter Bomberg]

No Dosing only a Calcium Reactor (disolving at 7.0) however I have not calibrated the probes in ages and they have been moved so I am due to recalibrate them soon. I also have to change the location as they are starting to have algea growing on them.

Peter

PS. I guess this means adding powerheads to my sump.

 

[olgakurt]

Not sure the numbers have ANY meaning if the probes haven't been calibrated recently.

I would go through that process and then see what your readings and fluctuations are.
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china economy

 

[Peter Bomberg]

That is fair, I just wanted to know about the level of fluctuation. I'll check the absolutes some time next month.

Peter

 

[olgakurt]

Without the probes being calibrated, the fluctuations aren't even meaningful unless the error is biased to the high side (unlikely that's the only affect). It's likely the fluctuations will change too.

If my pH were that high, I would check right away with a quick bench top test.
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define recession

 

[Peter Bomberg]

Thanks for the info. I calibrated the probes and my flictuations now are 0.2 centered on 8.2. Now that I know not to worry about the pH fluctuations, I need to look at the water movement as my return pump got drastically reduced. Next problem but then hey if the system ran perfectly what would we do.

 

[Reefguide]

Can we see apic of the set-up and tank?

 

[Peter Bomberg]

I should be able to do that, I have some kicking around and can take more. I am guessing I should post them in the tank spec forum but I'll place an update here when I do.

 

[Reefguide]

kewl !! Thanks

 

[Peter Bomberg]

okay, I am starting to describe the system, take a look for pbx tank system in the members spec forum.