Question: 

 

My KH Manager buffer pump does not seem to be dosing enough and the hose has come loose.

 

Answer: 

 

Over time precipitation can cause blockages or restrictions in the KH Buffer (KH Rise Reagent) tubing. Failure to keep these tubes clear can cause the amount being dosed to be incorrect or in extreme cases the hoses to become disconnected from the outlet side of the dosing line.

When checking the hoses make sure the complete line is checked from the dosing bottle, through the machine, to the sump/aquarium where the buffer is dosed. Look for any discolouration in the lines or air bubbles as these can be a sign of restrictions. It is also necessary to disconnect the hose where it goes through the back of the KH Manager completely to check inside the fitting attached to the end of the hoses and the fitting on the machine itself, these can be cleared with an unfolded paperclip. Likewise, the connections to the pump head itself should be disconnected, checked and cleared in the same manor. If heavy deposits are found it may be necessary to initially break up and clear the blockages as above and then run some clean RO water through the pipework to remove any loose debris.

Over time the head and tubing in the KH Rise reagent should be replaced as this will wear, the time scale is dependent on usage, but it is recommended that this is replaced every 18 months on average.