CO2 Scrubber Configurations

[Mwhitedesigns]

Good morning!
I have a question regarding CO2 scrubbers and skimmers.

I see two different kinds of configuration and am wondering the pros/cons to each.

The first kind I am seeing, there is an inflow and outflow to the scrubber. The airline from the pump goes on the inflow, and the outflow goes to the skimmer.

The second configuration I see has only one outflow on the scrubber, with a cap with holes etc. on the other end to allow air to be pulled through. This outflow then connects to the skimmer line using a T connector.

I would think the first configuration would be best as it would maximize the air ratio exposed to the soda lime.

Can anyone chime in and advise?

 

[RobZilla04]

Mine simply utilized the skimmers air intake line to pull the air through the scrubber. No input line, just the open threaded hole where air flows into the canister, through the soda lime, out of the canister through the tube and directly to the skimmer air intake nipple. No "T" either.

 

[Mwhitedesigns]

Thanks Rob. So yours in essence was "in line"?

AIR PUMP --> Scrubber IN --> Soda Lime -->Scrubber Out --> Skimmer In

 

[BestMomEver]

Mine simply utilized the skimmers air intake line to pull the air through the scrubber. No input line, just the open threaded hole where air flows into the canister, through the soda lime, out of the canister through the tube and directly to the skimmer air intake nipple. No "T" either.

Same here. Exactly as you described but no air pump. One side of the CO2 scrubber is open to the air and the other pipes directly into the skimmer. Easy greasy!

 

[RobZilla04]

Thanks Rob. So yours in essence was "in line"?

AIR PUMP --> Scrubber IN --> Soda Lime -->Scrubber Out --> Skimmer In

No air pump, but the rest is correct.

 

[Mwhitedesigns]

Thanks guys. Much appreciated! Is there a benefit at all to having the air pushed through in line using the pump for the skimmer? Rather than it being pulled into it?

 

[RobZilla04]

YW

For what it's worth, I noticed about a .2-.3 increase in pH.

 

[dantimdad]

Quick question (sorry to butt in): Is a scrubber necessary if you can get air from outside?

 

[DEWreefing]

Quick question (sorry to butt in): Is a scrubber necessary if you can get air from outside?

No I used my old 2 little fish with scrubber media on my line outside just to filter dust and bugs.

 

[RobZilla04]

Quick question (sorry to butt in): Is a scrubber necessary if you can get air from outside?

If you can get a line pulling outside air, the benefit is probably greater than using a scrubber. You can test and find out what improvement to pH is achieved and compare to a scrubber.

Also the savings on replenishing the media would be nice.

 

[DEWreefing]

If you can get a line pulling outside air, the benefit is probably greater than using a scrubber. You can test and find out what improvement to pH is achieved and compare to a scrubber.

Also the savings on replenishing the media would be nice.

I run the medical grade soda line changes to purple once it is used up. When it was In the house I replenished every 3 week now that it's outside for the last 3 months it does not turn purple. A 5 gal pal was 40 bucks from my work with discounts.

 

[Mwhitedesigns]

When you say outside, do you actually mean outside of the house?

 

[RobZilla04]

I run the medical grade soda line changes to purple once it is used up. When it was In the house I replenished every 3 week now that it's outside for the last 3 months it does not turn purple. A 5 gal pal was 40 bucks from my work with discounts.

The outside air contains very little CO2, so yes the media will last a very long time (if it ever does exhaust).

When you say outside, do you actually mean outside of the house?

Hopefully yes. Pointless to run a line and still pull circulated indoor air containing CO2 into it.

 

[BestMomEver]

Quick question (sorry to butt in): Is a scrubber necessary if you can get air from outside?

Depends.... each tank is different. You’d have to determine which method gives you the result you desire. For me, running to the outside is impossible. At the same time, I have four adults, a toddler and three dogs in the house. Before the scrubber I couldn’t get the pH above 7.7. With the scrubber, my pH hangs around 8.1. My coral growth increased substantially after I added the scrubber so I know it’s beneficial for me to have it. Just experiment a little and see what works for you.

 

[dantimdad]

Yes, the tank is on an outside wall and happens to have a foundation vent right below it. So I can go through the floor with a small hole right outside. My only concern is temperature effect.

I will filter the air through floss and carbon.

 

[Jeff_H]

FYWI: I hear BRS TV Investigates will be doing a test on routing the exhaust from the skimmer cup back to the CO2 scrubber input (think closed loop) and test the result. The found the idea from someone here on R2R and thought it looked promising. The theory is by returning the air from the skimmer cup it should have less CO2 in it thereby reducing the amount of media needed. The returning air is also more humid so I guess this helps preserve the media as well.

I've been interested in trying a scrubber, but don't want the additional monthly media cost. I'm planning to wit until they test the results since I feel like I could benefit from a scrubber, but I don't know if its worth the cost and added maintenance yet. Meaning my corals are growing fine, maybe I should chase the number, or should I?.?.

 

[Mwhitedesigns]

When I do a build I will have to try this out and let you know how it goes!

 

[Jeff_H]

When I do a build I will have to try this out and let you know how it goes!

Please do... I've thought about trying it a couple of times but decided to wait until they do the testing in their lab. I could also run a line outside the house, but that requires me going back under the house in the tight crawlspace again. I think I still have PTSD from being under there for several days bracing the raised floor to support the tank weight. I hate going under there now!

 

[DEWreefing]

How would they make an airtight seal in the cap so It does not leak air from the cap introducing new unskimmed air.

 

[marlinmon]

Thanks guys. Much appreciated! Is there a benefit at all to having the air pushed through in line using the pump for the skimmer? Rather than it being pulled into it?

Some skimmers require it. Like my Tunze 9410