Alkalinity question

[Anirban]

I have few questions.

1. My system generally runs with a steady NO3 of 5-10 ppm. So to keep my alkalinity low or steady (like 8dkH) what should be my prime measurement? Looks like my denitrification process is more than efficient and now I need to slow it down a bit.Any good idea how to do that?

2. What is the best and efficient way to take out dissolve CO2 from the water?


Any suggestion @Randy Holmes-Farley

 

[Anirban]

So now interesting observation,

I measured NO3 yesterday and today. It reached almost 0 and constant since then. My alkalinity is now dropped a bit like 0.5dkH. Probably @Randy Holmes-Farley you are right what the heck the correlation between NO3 consumption and alk level. I will observe it closely and report further.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I have few questions.

1. My system generally runs with a steady NO3 of 5-10 ppm. So to keep my alkalinity low or steady (like 8dkH) what should be my prime measurement? Looks like my denitrification process is more than efficient and now I need to slow it down a bit.Any good idea how to do that?

2. What is the best and efficient way to take out dissolve CO2 from the water?


Any suggestion @Randy Holmes-Farley

CO2 is easiest to remove by aeration with normal air.

Are you doing anything to reduce nitrate specifically?

 

[Anirban]

CO2 is easiest to remove by aeration with normal air.

Are you doing anything to reduce nitrate specifically?

Not specific but I dose 10ml 5%acetic acid usually everyday (system volume 45 gallon).

I tried aerating water with wooden aerator but did not see much difference, I am currently trying a DIY CO2 scrubber which again is of not much help. My pH generally stays in between 7.7 to7.9. So wondering what will help me to bring that up a bit to pH-8

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

OK, so I'd greatly reduce the vinegar if nitrate is becoming undetectable.

Aeration won't raise pH if it is with indoor air that has elevated CO2 in it. Was that indoor air or outdoor air?

If the CO2 scrubber didn't help enough, then my expectation is that only more fresh air in the house will really help.

 

[ycnibrc]

run your air intake of the protein skimmer outside the house that help me a lot to keep ph above 8 cause I'm running a cal reactor.