I used an SMS122 until I moved over to an AquaController.
PH controller reliable for C02 injection?
A popular item, it seems, is the Milwaukee SMS122 PH Controller.
Is this device also unreliable as is the PH chemical test kit is?
Does the argument that if chemicals test kits are not reliable or accurate because the tank's water contains other elements, also applies to the digital PH controller readings, in the same water? Therefore, Drop Checkers are more reliable?
I'd really like to get a SMS122 but....
Is this device also unreliable as is the PH chemical test kit is?
Does the argument that if chemicals test kits are not reliable or accurate because the tank's water contains other elements, also applies to the digital PH controller readings, in the same water? Therefore, Drop Checkers are more reliable?
I'd really like to get a SMS122 but....
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
I have the SMS 122 pH controllers along with drop checkers with a known 4 dKH solution.
I have been trying to decide if I wanted a controller for some time, and finally decided to bite the bullet. I came to the conclusion that, if nothing else, it would be nice to see a value for PH at a glance so I hooked up a SMS122 on Saturday.
I calibrated the unit to 7.0 and put the probe in my tank. The reading I got was 6.6 while my test kit said 6.2. I don't know which is correct, but I suspect the SMS122 is closer to the correct figure. I can tell you that when I lowered the PH some more the fish started gasping, which is what I would get at that (6.0) reading on my kit. What does seem to work well is the ability of the unit to keep the PH (and the CO2) in the set range.
With my old setup of adjusting pressure and bubble count I could get it dialed in for a while, but eventually something would change and I would need to re-adjust. Since I didn't test PH every day I would run the low or high part of the time. Once I get the controller dialed in I hope the tank will be more stabil regardless of whether it is accurate or not.
I calibrated the unit to 7.0 and put the probe in my tank. The reading I got was 6.6 while my test kit said 6.2. I don't know which is correct, but I suspect the SMS122 is closer to the correct figure. I can tell you that when I lowered the PH some more the fish started gasping, which is what I would get at that (6.0) reading on my kit. What does seem to work well is the ability of the unit to keep the PH (and the CO2) in the set range.
With my old setup of adjusting pressure and bubble count I could get it dialed in for a while, but eventually something would change and I would need to re-adjust. Since I didn't test PH every day I would run the low or high part of the time. Once I get the controller dialed in I hope the tank will be more stabil regardless of whether it is accurate or not.
zelmo:
What test kit were you using and do you still use it?
What is you PH target setting on the SMS122?
How much calibrating liquid do you think I should buy?
How often do you calibrate it?
What don't you like about this controller?
tks
raul
What test kit were you using and do you still use it?
What is you PH target setting on the SMS122?
How much calibrating liquid do you think I should buy?
How often do you calibrate it?
What don't you like about this controller?
tks
raul
The controller is more precise in that it can read down to 0.1 increments of pH where a test kit can range 1-0.2 units. The accuracy depends on the calibration which requires use of solution periodically as mentioned below.
The actual CO2 in your tank depends on both the pH and hardness so you may find regular check of KH and/or drop checkers is required.
The actual CO2 in your tank depends on both the pH and hardness so you may find regular check of KH and/or drop checkers is required.
A popular item, it seems, is the Milwaukee SMS122 PH Controller.
Is this device also unreliable as is the PH chemical test kit is?
zelmo:
What test kit were you using and do you still use it?
What is you PH target setting on the SMS122?
How much calibrating liquid do you think I should buy?
How often do you calibrate it?
What don't you like about this controller?
tks
raul
Keep in mind that I have only had mine running for a few days.
I was using an API kit and I doubt I will use it very much going forward. Probably just a spot check if I think something is wrong.
I have the SMS122 set to cylcle between 6.7 and 6.8, but your setting will be determined by your KH. (Mine is between 5 and 6.)
I did not buy any calibrating fluid.
It would be nice if the unit had a digital display for setting the target PH instead of fiddling with the dial. This won't be a big deal if, once I am certain I have it set at the right spot for my tank, it doesn't need to be changed. Time will tell.
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
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