How do you do KalkWasser Mixing?

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Paul_Velasco
Posts: 127
Joined: Thu Sep 19, 2013 7:46 am
Location: Saint Cloud, FL

How do you do KalkWasser Mixing?

Post by Paul_Velasco »

I want to start dosing Kalk to tank through the ATO Tank. Would like some way to mix in my ATO Tank only when I add new water to ATO Tank. Automate process so I am just not plugging in Pump and letting it mix. I will always forget to turn the pump off.

SET-UP:
10 gallon Tank
Maxi-jet 400
Reef Angel ATO Pump
Water Level by 4 Channel sensor

WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO DO:
When I fill the ATO Tank I will add the correct amount of Kalk
Would like to push joystick (like feeding) and go to "Mix Kalk' option
Mix tank for 10 mintues

FLOW CHART:
1. Add Water
2. Add Kalk
3. Use Joystick navigate to 'Mix'
4. Turns on Pump and mixes Kalk for a set time
5. Turn off pump
6. Return to normal operation

Unsure how to make screen and code to run for 10 minutes?
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lnevo
Posts: 5430
Joined: Fri Jul 20, 2012 9:42 am

Re: How do you do KalkWasser Mixing?

Post by lnevo »

The timing pieces would work well with my new TimedPort class... I'm working on the implemenation but should be ready with some documentation soon...

As far as new screens, I'm not sure the best method. If you have wifi though I would recommend using unused relays (even an unused relay bar) to implement virtual port macros instead of using the joystick and having to deal with not being in the default modes. I do this in my own code. I reference Box2_PortX where Box2 doesn't even physically exist, but once you declare it, it will show up in the portal and on android devices.
Paul_Velasco
Posts: 127
Joined: Thu Sep 19, 2013 7:46 am
Location: Saint Cloud, FL

Re: How do you do KalkWasser Mixing?

Post by Paul_Velasco »

Ok you lost me. I am willing to learn. Any sample code I could try and decipher and piece something together
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lnevo
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Re: How do you do KalkWasser Mixing?

Post by lnevo »

Sorry, i'll try and give you something this weekend.
Paul_Velasco
Posts: 127
Joined: Thu Sep 19, 2013 7:46 am
Location: Saint Cloud, FL

Re: How do you do KalkWasser Mixing?

Post by Paul_Velasco »

Any help on this? I would hate to have to manually trigger this action. With all the automation I have invested in this would be a shame.
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Sacohen
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Joined: Sun Apr 21, 2013 6:25 am
Location: Davie, FL

Re: How do you do KalkWasser Mixing?

Post by Sacohen »

I'm sure Lee will come up with a better way than I have, but you can do it so that when the WL is at 100% or above turn on Relay 3 (or whatever the Maxi-jet 400 is on) for 10 min and then turn off.

I'm not sure how to code it.

I set mine up to just act like a dosing pump and turn on for 15 min every 8 hours.

Code: Select all

ReefAngel.DosingPumpRepeat( Kalk_Pump,0,480,900 );
rimai
Posts: 12881
Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2011 6:47 pm

Re: How do you do KalkWasser Mixing?

Post by rimai »

Try something like this:

Code: Select all

#include <Salinity.h>
#include <ReefAngel_Features.h>
#include <Globals.h>
#include <RA_Wifi.h>
#include <Wire.h>
#include <OneWire.h>
#include <Time.h>
#include <DS1307RTC.h>
#include <InternalEEPROM.h>
#include <RA_NokiaLCD.h>
#include <RA_ATO.h>
#include <RA_Joystick.h>
#include <LED.h>
#include <RA_TempSensor.h>
#include <Relay.h>
#include <RA_PWM.h>
#include <Timer.h>
#include <Memory.h>
#include <InternalEEPROM.h>
#include <RA_Colors.h>
#include <RA_CustomColors.h>
#include <RF.h>
#include <IO.h>
#include <ORP.h>
#include <AI.h>
#include <PH.h>
#include <WaterLevel.h>
#include <ReefAngel.h>

unsigned long StartMix=now();
boolean Mixing=false;

void setup()
{
  ReefAngel.Init();  
}

void loop()
{
  if (ReefAngel.Relay.isMaskOn(Port1) && !Mixing) // Check if Port 1 is overriden and is not mixing
  {
    Mixing=true; // we are mixing
    StartMix=now(); // gather the start time of mixing timer
  }
  if (now()-StartMix>600) // if 600s are passed since the start mixing timer
  {
    Mixing=false; // we are no longer mixing
    ReefAngel.Relay.Override(Port1,2); // Clear override
  }
  ReefAngel.ShowInterface();
}
Roberto.
Paul_Velasco
Posts: 127
Joined: Thu Sep 19, 2013 7:46 am
Location: Saint Cloud, FL

Re: How do you do KalkWasser Mixing?

Post by Paul_Velasco »

Going to try both ways. Let you know how it goes.
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Sacohen
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Location: Davie, FL

Re: How do you do KalkWasser Mixing?

Post by Sacohen »

Mine just mixes for 15 min every 8 hours.

Robert's is more along the lines of what you asked for.

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rimai
Posts: 12881
Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2011 6:47 pm

Re: How do you do KalkWasser Mixing?

Post by rimai »

What is best for the kalk mix?
Mix every so often or only once when you initially add the powder?
Roberto.
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Sacohen
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Location: Davie, FL

Re: How do you do KalkWasser Mixing?

Post by Sacohen »

I've been told to mix once.
Let it saturate the water and the power falls to the bottom.
Then put your drainage hose just above the sediment so you are only taking in saturated water and no powder.

I've never been able to get it saturated where the water remains clear and the powder falls to the bottom so I just do mix it every so often.
Paul_Velasco
Posts: 127
Joined: Thu Sep 19, 2013 7:46 am
Location: Saint Cloud, FL

Re: How do you do KalkWasser Mixing?

Post by Paul_Velasco »

Doing some research Mix once and let it settle.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/index.htm

Potency of solution is reduced with constant mixing or aeration.
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ReEfnWrX
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Location: Houston TX

Re: How do you do KalkWasser Mixing?

Post by ReEfnWrX »

Mix once (not much) and let it settle for 4+ hours. Impurities in the water (even with RO-DI at 0 ppm) will fall out of solution. This should not be stirred up again and should definitely not be introduced into the tank as it will cause severe pH and alkalinity spikes.

Also, the more the water mixes the more O2 is removed from the water and replaced with CO2. The potency of kalkwasser is decreased as CO2 levels rises and O2 levels drop. Minimal mixing is highly recommended based on the many studies I have read, the kalk dissipates very quickly.

Just like water changes and mixing saltwater, it is recommended to make the water as you need it and begin using it within 24 hours, don't keep batches of fresh water sitting around for days as it will become saturated with CO2.
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