CO2 scrubber moisture trap/prefilter?

[AZMSGT]

I installed a CO2 scrubber this weekend. I installed it in a closed loop set up. This way it recirculates the skimmer air. My problem is the air coming from the skimmer is very moist. So I’m looking for ideas on a simple moisture trap.

I’ve got some ideas that include a second Empty filter body in front of the CO2 scrubber, to catch the moisture. I’m guessing others have been creative and might have better ideas.

 

[AZMSGT]

bump for a new set of eyes
#reefsquad

 

[nickkohrn]

I have seen others do just as you described regarding an empty filter canister prior to the intake of the canister that contains the media. It seems to work well, but I am certain that you'll find mixed reviews about that setup since systems are different.

I had a non-recirculating scrubber on my previous system, and I often wished that I had made it a recirculating system. I do plan to add one to my current system, and I will make it a recirculating system with an empty canister prior to the intake of of the media-filled canister to catch the excess moisture.

 

[AZMSGT]

Thanks @nickkohrn I'm considering several ideas now. I have seen a mason jar used to collect the moisture. Essentially the person created a down loop, put a T fitting in and the water would collect in a the jar that they cut a hole in the lid to fit the hose.

I'm also looking at actual moisture traps like what's found on air compressors.

Another is a filter bowl, the mesh is Stainless Steel inside it.

1/2" Clear Bowl Line Strainer | 80 Mesh | SMC 5732290

The SMC 5732290 Strainer has a white nylon cap and a clear nylon bowl. 1/2" FNPT ports, 80 mesh, max 150 PSI.

www.kleen-ritecorp.com

 

[nickkohrn]

Thanks @nickkohrn I'm considering several ideas now. I have seen a mason jar used to collect the moisture. Essentially the person created a down loop, put a T fitting in and the water would collect in a the jar that they cut a hole in the lid to fit the hose.

I did see this done, and I thought about doing something similar. The reason that I plan to use an empty canister is because the canister will hold more moisture than the mason jar, so I wouldn't have to empty it as often.

 

[AZMSGT]

I did see this done, and I thought about doing something similar. The reason that I plan to use an empty canister is because the canister will hold more moisture than the mason jar, so I wouldn't have to empty it as often.

Yes, I agree, but the concept of it was I was thinking. Could use a left over 1G milk Jug if someone wanted to also.

 

[Reef man 89]

Bump for some more ideas. I just set one up a week ago and my ph is hold at 8.25 night to 8.3 day. I did make a down loop with my hose so the condensation would kind of pool in the hose instead of in the reactor. I thought of adding a tee with a short stem with a valve on end of the stem to open and drain line Condensation into To a dosing cup. I don’t have much room to add something big.

 

[Larry L]

This is what I did: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/co2-scrubber.651200/#post-6539590

 

[Bryknicks]

This is what I did: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/co2-scrubber.651200/#post-6539590

How is that working for you currently? Still using the same set up?

 

[Dr. Jim]

I don't have something to add to the OP's specific question, but I'd like to ask a general question to those who use recirculation with a scrubber:

How do you get fresh, oxygenated air into the scrubber with this method? If it is recirculated air, isn't the oxygen eventually removed from the air so there is little "new" oxygen being introduced into the water?

(I use a scrubber but it is plumbed to outside air, but understand this is not always practical for everyone).

 

[Larry L]

How is that working for you currently? Still using the same set up?

Yes, working fine. I just changed my media the other day (it lasts about 2 weeks):

 

[Larry L]

How do you get fresh, oxygenated air into the scrubber with this method? If it is recirculated air, isn't the oxygen eventually removed from the air so there is little "new" oxygen being introduced into the water?

My tank has an open screened top with lots of surface agitation from powerheads, and a fair amount of turbulence in the overflow and sump, so I've never had a problem with not getting enough oxygen exchange.

 

[AZMSGT]

I don't have something to add to the OP's specific question, but I'd like to ask a general question to those who use recirculation with a scrubber:

How do you get fresh, oxygenated air into the scrubber with this method? If it is recirculated air, isn't the oxygen eventually removed from the air so there is little "new" oxygen being introduced into the water?

(I use a scrubber but it is plumbed to outside air, but understand this is not always practical for everyone).

Here are still other holes in the top of your skimmer so it’s not a 100 percent recirculation. More like 15%.

 

[Reef man 89]

I put tape on the other holes on top of my skimmer so it’s just recirculating what’s in the skimmer. I almost have an open top tank with plenty of surface agitation.

 

[Reef man 89]

You can see the huge up swing and then pretty much staying with in .1 .2 swing

 

[Water Dog]

Why would you want dry air? My understanding is that soda ash works more efficiently with moist damp air. Isn’t that why in a normal non recirculating set up, the instructions call for a couple of tablespoons of water to be poured on the bottom of the canister to promote pulling moist air through the soda ash?

 

[Reef man 89]

Why would you want dry air? My understanding is that soda ash works more efficiently with moist damp air. Isn’t that why in a normal non recirculating set up, the instructions call for a couple of tablespoons of water to be poured on the bottom of the canister to promote pulling moist air through the soda ash?

Your right but what happens is the water will build up in the bottom of the reactor and touch the media. That’s why you need to drain the extra water build up.

 

[Water Dog]

Your right but what happens is the water will build up in the bottom of the reactor and touch the media. That’s why you need to drain the extra water build up.

Gotcha.

What size tubing are you using for your skimmer and CO2 scrubber? This inline water trap is too small to use for 3/8” tubing but works well for 1/4” or smaller tubing.

 

[((FORDTECH))]

I don't have something to add to the OP's specific question, but I'd like to ask a general question to those who use recirculation with a scrubber:

How do you get fresh, oxygenated air into the scrubber with this method? If it is recirculated air, isn't the oxygen eventually removed from the air so there is little "new" oxygen being introduced into the water?

(I use a scrubber but it is plumbed to outside air, but understand this is not always practical for everyone).

How is this working for you ? I currently have skimmer plumbed to pvc that goes outside and want to now get a co2 scrubber but not sure if it is better to recirculate the air for scrubber or run inlet of scrubber to outside air line? Please let me know how yours is working and what you think

 

[AZMSGT]

The scrubber works well. I get a .4 - .5 increase in PH. But you need to change the soda ash about every 9 days. I watch the PH levels and change the media when it starts to dip.I added a second scrubber body to act as my moisture trap. It was honestly the least expensive route since I wanted a second ash container.