Others here have suggested that using a pH controller is not advisable because of the resulting CO2 fluctuations. I recently added a drop checker and keep it at a steady green with automated CO2 injection using a PinPoint controller (pH ~6.4-6.5). I also modified my AM 1000 reactor with a venturi loop to increase misting and removed about 1/2 of the bioballs to increase flow. The response has been great so far, but I'm wondering if the on/off cycles caused by the controller are somehow limiting. The misting, obviously, only occurs when the CO2 is on.
Until now, I had assumed that the CO2 fluctuations were OK as long as there was always "enough". Does variation in CO2, even if it's, for example, a cycling swing from 30-35ppm or so have a negative/limiting impact on plants? I'd like to have a steady misting, regardless, so am considering removing the controller from my setup and relying instead on manual control. I'm concerned, however, about removing this level of automation...without constant attention how can I be certain that I don't end up with too much CO2 and a tank full of floaters?!
Any thoughts, pointers and/or links to further reading are greatly appreciated!
Until now, I had assumed that the CO2 fluctuations were OK as long as there was always "enough". Does variation in CO2, even if it's, for example, a cycling swing from 30-35ppm or so have a negative/limiting impact on plants? I'd like to have a steady misting, regardless, so am considering removing the controller from my setup and relying instead on manual control. I'm concerned, however, about removing this level of automation...without constant attention how can I be certain that I don't end up with too much CO2 and a tank full of floaters?!
Any thoughts, pointers and/or links to further reading are greatly appreciated!