Hydro and Aero PH fluctuations put to rest. An econically viable solution!

Well, I think I'll try hydro finally. My concern was always the PH fluctuations. Even after searching many different forums, I could not find a solution I was happy with. I figured I would be stuck with 3k in costs just for a good PH controller (http://www.amhydro.com/index.php/Nutrient-Controllers/74-Nutri-Dose-I-System-with-Peristaltic-Pumps/flypage.tpl.html)

After some research, I have found this alternative for any (r)dwc, hydro, aero grow... no more worries about ph fluctuations while you're out at the movies with your girl (or man)
http://www.aquacave.com/pinpoint-ph-controller-brby-american-marine-1799.html#

Manufactures web site:
http://www.americanmarineusa.com/

Users guide:
http://www.americanmarineusa.com/phcontroller.html

Cliff notes on users guide:
Calibrate PH probe.
Set lowest acceptable PH (with small screwdriver)
Set highest acceptable PH ^^^ Same
Connect two pumps... Like these:

http://www.fish.com/item/oscar-enterprises-aqua-lifter-vacuum-pump/710478/?srccode=MRFSGOOG&mr:trackingCode=761384E5-0F82-DE11-9973-0019B9C2BEFD&mr:referralID=NA

to one of the plugs on the back of the PH pinpoint. Run a small air line from the pump to your res and a second line to a gallon of PH UP. Repeat for second plug and run to PH down.


I hope you guys find this $250 PH solution as useful

Glad you posted here 3k is A LOT to spend on this setup. I have setup many automated coral aquariums and you can get complete controllers (temp, ph, lights, fans, ORP, calcium, co2, and more) and spend less than 3k. Anyway, sounds like you found the way I'd recommend. Few things though, they cost more, but you might look into dosing pumps. They are really what you want to be using for PH up/down.

Dosing Pumps:
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3675+9965&pcatid=9965
http://premiumaquatics.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PA&Product_Code=SP-LM3-RPM&Category_Code=Dosers
http://premiumaquatics.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PA&Product_Code=AM-70100&Category_Code=Dosers
http://premiumaquatics.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PA&Product_Code=AM-70105&Category_Code=Dosers

Pinpoint make good equip (I have a refractometer and calcium meter from them). Milwaukee are good as well, I have a ph/tds/temp monitor of theirs: http://premiumaquatics.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PA&Product_Code=MIL-SM122&Category_Code=Milwaukee

Those links were just quick to find, look around, you might find better prices. Those two and marinedepot.com are kinda the big dogs in the fish hobby.

Why dosing pumps instead of regular vacuum pumps?

Thanks for the info!

They are just more accurate. Those dosing pumps I linked are the same concept used in the dosers that hospitals use. They have ml precision. With a normal low output pump you have no idea really what is being put in, and concentrations will vary based on where the probe is, real dosing pumps can be setup to safeguard against over or under dosing. They work great for auto toppoff too, and are less prone to malfunctions causing floods. Not saying you can't do it with the cheaper pumps, but dosing pumps will be easier and have less chance of malfunction.

Thanks! I'll look into them. I was thinking filling the gallons of PH up/down, with 50% solution and 50% water to slow down possible over dosing.

Watercooled, I've been lookin' for ya..........just bought a Marey and was thinking about Ice Boxes attached to a large reservoir, but have some questions I'd love your input on - lemme know when you've got a minute, if you don't mind.

I'm currently testing Dyna-Gro nutes and will update my grow journal later today with this info; but I've found that the DynaGro nutes do not need pH adjusted. Granted, I've only been flowering with them for one week but in the same time frame where DynaGro's pH never left the 5.6-5.8 range, the General Hydroponics reservoir needed adjusted 3 times. No need for pumps or fancy systems, just quality nutes.

Another place you may find used dosers at good prices is the restaurant biz. They're used to inject chemicals into dish machines. Should be a dime a dozen at some used equip. sites. I'll do some searching and get back to you. I could use a set for my MPB's.
Fred

fred flintstoned said:

Another place you may find used dosers at good prices is the restaurant biz. They're used to inject chemicals into dish machines. Should be a dime a dozen at some used equip. sites. I'll do some searching and get back to you. I could use a set for my MPB's.
Fred

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Would love to see some good prices on dosers.

Glad I came across this thread tonight. Been thinking about getting a doser for my aerocloner. I grow in soil. I love DIY so i might see about making my own shit too.......