Ph Controller - Pro's And Con's

[Bloo]

Hi guys. I'd like some opinions on these gadgets. I was speaking with BettaUK as he just got his new CO2 system and was thinking about also getting a pH controller now.
I'm usually quite good using the search function, but can't seem to find what I'm looking for - and that's people's experience with these gadgets.

When I got my JBL Profi 2 unit last year, I was thinking about getting one of these. But at the time was advised (can't remember by whom or exactly why) to leave it and just stick to the solenoid. I also seem to remember reading a couple of instances of malfunction and pH crash ?

So, what's the verdict on them ?

 

[George Farmer]

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=109557

Ring any bells?

 

[Bloo]

it does indeed thank you ! I searched for title controller - not controllers.....

 

[BettaUK]

Many thanks to bloozoo2, For starting this thread and for all the helpfull replies!

Reading these posts, I am going to give it a go with out purchasing a Ph Controller..


The kit I have purchased includes the following:

CO2 Bottle (Used & Empty - BZ2 has told me where I can get this refilled localy)

DIiffuser Regulator - New

Solinoid - Used

Bubble Counter - New

Silicon tubing - 3.2mm internal bore 2mm thick

Do you think I will need anything else.. to get this equipment running??

Can you also tell me if I have these bits of equipment correctly named incase I have the wrong bits?


TIA

Lawrence

 

[George Farmer]

You'll need CO2 proof hosing for the best results. Standard silcone will leak CO2 over time. Your LFS should stock it, if not then Google "CO2 proof hose" or similar.

 

[karlp]

Just to give the other side of the coin.

I would agree that a soleniod controller at £160 or however much the JBL ones are is far too much, but at £69 off fleabay, I wouldn't be without one.

I set the bubble count up so that it would naturally give about 45ppm CO2 and then use the PH controller to keep it at 30ppm. it gives me peace of mind that if something goes wrong with the CO2 injection, there's a secondary system preventing the fish being gassed. If the PH controller fails, worst case is I have a slightly higher CO2 for a day or two until I can sort it out.

IMHO it's much more likely that you'll gas your fish without it than with it. I've read so many posts now of people who've set their CO2 bubble count and left it only to find it's gone up wildly and come home to a tank full of gasping or dead fish or the other common problem is when the tank is nearing the end of it's CO2 supply and suddenly dumps the remaining contents of the cylinder into the tank similarly causing the demise of the fish.

The control on the JBL profi system to alter the flow is so fine that I've altered it unwittingly by brushing past it when fiddling with a filter.

 

[kamel_007]

You'll need CO2 proof hosing for the best results. Standard silcone will leak CO2 over time. Your LFS should stock it, if not then Google "CO2 proof hose" or similar.

You can fine it on the constructions supply store...

 

[George Farmer]

Just to give the other side of the coin.

I would agree that a soleniod controller at £160 or however much the JBL ones are is far too much, but at £69 off fleabay, I wouldn't be without one.

I set the bubble count up so that it would naturally give about 45ppm CO2 and then use the PH controller to keep it at 30ppm. it gives me peace of mind that if something goes wrong with the CO2 injection, there's a secondary system preventing the fish being gassed. If the PH controller fails, worst case is I have a slightly higher CO2 for a day or two until I can sort it out.

IMHO it's much more likely that you'll gas your fish without it than with it. I've read so many posts now of people who've set their CO2 bubble count and left it only to find it's gone up wildly and come home to a tank full of gasping or dead fish or the other common problem is when the tank is nearing the end of it's CO2 supply and suddenly dumps the remaining contents of the cylinder into the tank similarly causing the demise of the fish.

The control on the JBL profi system to alter the flow is so fine that I've altered it unwittingly by brushing past it when fiddling with a filter.

You bring up some good points there. It's always nice to hear the flip side.

The JBL design sounds poor, being able to adjust the flow accidentily. The Dennerle needle-valve has a protective cap to prevent such an incident.

 

[BettaUK]

You can fine it on the constructions supply store...

Any idea on the web address, can't find them anywhere on google?

Regards
Lawrence

 

[DaveW]

I brought my CO2 hose from here.