Best ways to reduce CO2

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I already knew my pH was running low, but I didn't realize how consistently high my CO2 levels are. I am looking into ways to reduce CO2. What ways have you found to be effective?

 

[COreef8]

I have 2 people and 2 large dogs in a 1200 square foot house so CO2 has always been an issue for me.

Here were my fixes in order of greatest effect on pH to lowest effect:
1- Going on vacation (got an Apex notification while on a road trip with my wife & dogs that pH was 8.6!)
2- Recirculating CO2 scrubber (raised pH to 8.2-8.4)
3- Windows open (up to 8.3)
4- Non recirculating CO2 scrubber (up to 8.2)
5- Outdoor air pump line to skimmer with CO2 scrubber (up to 7.9-8.2)
6- Outdoor air pump line without scrubber (up to 8.0)
7- Elevated alkalinity (raised pH ~0.1)
8- Small refugium (raised pH ~0.05-0.1)

It's worth noting for those thinking about a kitchen renovation, a propane stove has a HUGE effect on pH (at least in my small house). After making a full dinner on the stove, pH has dropped as low at 7.4. This was the main benefit of running a recirculating CO2 scrubber on the skimmer. I can cook now without any pH fluctuations.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I anyway knew my pH was running low, but I didn't realize how consistently high my CO2 levels are. I am looking into ways to reduce CO2. What ways have you found to be effective?

How hot is it outside?
Option 1. Open up some windows to get the CO2 filled air out and fresh air in
Option 2. CO2 scrubber
Option 3. Stop breathing so much (this one's my personal favorite ;Hilarious;Hilarious)
Option 4. Add a refugium and let macro algae consume CO2
Option 5. Add a bunch of plants to your home to consume CO2
Option 6. Run a skimmer line to the outside

 

[rushbattle]

I have a HRV, uses a bit of energy but it is good for your family as well.

Heat recovery ventilation - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jurgenph]

kalkwasser will consume CO2, so if you can dose/drip some, it'll help.
if you're already dosing CA and Alk, you may need to adjust your other dose.


J.

 

[Scorpius]

Only surefire consistent way to keep Co2 low is a HRV, open a window, or plumb fresh air line to your skimmer. Anything else leaves room for you to forget about and have resulting parameter swings.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Thanks guys! These are super helpful ideas!

 

[jaxredsoxfan]

I got a small single cartridge "CO2 Scrubber" (just a RO/DI tank filled with CO2 absorbant material) at BRS pretty cheap. Run out of it to the air line of skimmer. Raised my PH from 7.9-8.0 to 8.25-8.35 immediately and reduced nightly PH swings. Would highly recommend if running airline outside not possible.

 

[hart24601]

I installed (had installed) an HRV. $4,000 but hopefully will have other health benefits.

I have a co2 meter, bedroom hit 1200 often. Now no more than 600.

 

[Sm51498]

kalkwasser will consume CO2, so if you can dose/drip some, it'll help.
if you're already dosing CA and Alk, you may need to adjust your other dose.


J.

I second this. Kalkwasser is by far the most efficient method.

 

[hart24601]

I should say I have been running Jim's/Randy's new 2 part with hydroxide for over a year now and it's been great. Strongest pH boost there is for dosing.

 

[rushbattle]

I installed (had installed) an HRV. $4,000 but hopefully will have other health benefits.

I have a co2 meter, bedroom hit 1200 often. Now no more than 600.

1200ppm CO2 is arguably close to unhealthy in the long term. Certainly won't help. Glad you got the HRV installed!

 

[rushbattle]

I should say I have been running Jim's/Randy's new 2 part with hydroxide for over a year now and it's been great. Strongest pH boost there is for dosing.

Calcium hydroxide (lime) and sodium hydroxide will have equal effect on pH (CO2) levels in the tank, holding for the amount of alkalinity added.

 

[ScottR]

Thanks guys! These are super helpful ideas!

Best advice: stop breathing so much ;Hilarious

I guess you learned your CO2 levels are high from mindstream? Are you liking it so far?

 

[Brian_68]

I have an industrial CO2 detector and my CO2 levels in a closed well sealed house can approach 2000 ppm at times (6 people) and can jump 500-1000 ppm overnight after airing the house out the day before. I try and keep my house levels below 1500 ppm now but since I ran my skimmer air outside my ph jumped 0.2 in a couple hours and stays there now.

 

[rushbattle]

I have an industrial CO2 detector and my CO2 levels in a closed well sealed house can approach 2000 ppm at times (6 people) and can jump 500-1000 ppm overnight after airing the house out the day before. I try and keep my house levels below 1500 ppm now but since I ran my skimmer air outside my ph jumped 0.2 in a couple hours and stays there now.

 

[HotRocks]

I anyway knew my pH was running low, but I didn't realize how consistently high my CO2 levels are. I am looking into ways to reduce CO2. What ways have you found to be effective?

Best thing I did was get the CO2 cannister from BRS with the CO2 scrubbing media. Worked great for me.

 

[hart24601]

Calcium hydroxide (lime) and sodium hydroxide will have equal effect on pH (CO2) levels in the tank, holding for the amount of alkalinity added.

Yes but not being limited by evaporation to dose the saturated lime solution means you can add far more if the demand calls for it - the per unit effect is the same but the total number of units can be greater.

 

[motortrendz]

My biggest effect was getting the skimmer line or from inside the stand.it went from 7.4 to 7.9, Then when I ran the line outside it boosted it even more. Now I'm steady at 8.3-8.5

 

[Brian_68]

1200ppm CO2 is arguably close to unhealthy in the long term. Certainly won't help. Glad you got the HRV installed!

They say 2000 ppm is a concern longer term in a home, 1000 ppm is actually considered good ventilation.