D-D The Aquarium Solution has teamed up with Kamoer to produce their own tailored version of the upcoming KH Carer alkalinity-controlling device for Europe. The KHManager is an app-controlled, stand-alone device, which automatically samples and tests your tank water, then calculates and doses KH solution to maintain a constant alkalinity level. And it’s due for release this year.
App integration
Built-in software enables users to integrate the KHManager with specific D-D dosing pumps (also made by Kamoer,) allowing other elements such as Calcium and Magnesium to be automatically calculated and dosed relative to the measured KH usage. So if you use the Balling Method or variations of it, and run a D-D doser, this one controller should have Alkalinity, Calcium, and Magnesium dosing covered, and in balance. Which is what many reefers strive for.
To do this KHManager comprises three stepper motors for taking sample water from the aquarium or sump, dosing the test reagent, and for the addition of the KH buffer solution. The fourth head is for removing water from the test beaker during the pre-test flushing and washing cycles.
A precision pH probe, twin optical sensors, and automatic stirring and flushing protocols ensure each test sample is collected, tested, and dosed, and unexpected high or low readings are automatically retested to safeguard against sample errors.
Flexible testing schedules
Regular, automated testing can be set up via the app, or an immediate test can be performed there and then. Automatic schedules can be programmed to test between 1 and 24 times per day and can be every day of the week, certain days of the week, or a set number of days, giving the user flexibility.
After each test, the result is shown on the unit’s digital display for quick reference along with the time and date the test was performed. If an automatic schedule is set the time and date of the next test will also be displayed. In the app, a full data log is shown for both pH and KH along with any automatic additions of KH buffer solution if the dosing option is activated.
Automated dosing of KH Buffer
The amount of buffer added in one dose can be limited to avoid any large single additions, and if the volume to be dosed is high it will break the dose into smaller increments over a period of time and display in the app. Any brand of KH buffer solution can be used. The hose connection ports on the back of the unit are color-coded to match the hoses provided, allowing you to identify each hose without having to chase it back through your cabinet.
Push notifications
KHManager will alert when attention is needed and various alert parameters can be set or made active. Push notifications can be enabled for test results that are out set range, like if a test result is abnormal compared to the last, if the reagent is not detecting properly or if the pH probe is not reading correctly. There is also an in-app notification that prompts you to recalibrate the unit.
The KH Manager can also be set to perform an automatic second test to confirm an abnormal reading or automatically increase the rate of testing until the KH is within the desired range. The LCD display on the front of the unit will show high, low, or normal with the last tested KH and pH readings for quick reference.
A considered approach to KH controllers
KHManager is the latest in a broadening range of KH-controlling devices available to the reefkeeper, but a delayed start brings its own advantages. It means that it has the benefit of hindsight when it comes to rectifying errors or shortcomings by other manufacturers over the years, as well as being made by the company that supplied some others with the dosing pumps for their own controllers.
If KHManager is straightforward to set up and program and launches at the right price, it may be as big a hit in the UK and Europe as D-D’s dosing pumps. We anticipate that CoralVue will cater for the Kamoer KH Carer in the US.
