Co2 Scrubber or Kalkwasser?

[geosReef]

Which would be best to increase and maintain ph? I’m currently dosing all for reef but doesn’t really help with ph. My ph varies from 7.7-8.0 does not go over 8.1

 

[Toob]

What problem are you trying to solve by raising your PH?

 

[bakbay]

Which would be best to increase and maintain ph? I’m currently dosing all for reef but doesn’t really help with ph. My ph varies from 7.7-8.0 does not go over 8.1

Check out my build thread. There are many solutions: outside air, Kalk, refugium, CO2 scrubber, etc. I already have Kalk but did not make a huge impact vs CO2 scrubber. Therefore, I added a CO2 scrubber last weekend. My pH was like yours and now 8.1 to 8.3 (capped by Apex). Live shot below. I’ll need to flatten that out to around 8.2-8.3 all the time, day & night.

@Toob Like me, I believe he’s after faster growth…at least that’s the latest “theory” nowadays.

 

[geosReef]

Check out my build thread. There are many solutions: outside air, Kalk, refugium, CO2 scrubber, etc. I already have Kalk but did not make a huge impact vs CO2 scrubber. Therefore, I added a CO2 scrubber last weekend. My pH was like yours and now 8.1 to 8.3 (capped by Apex). Live shot below. I’ll need to flatten that out to around 8.2-8.3 all the time, day & night.

@Toob Like me, I believe he’s after faster growth…at least that’s the latest “theory” nowadays.

Nice!! What kind are you using and type of container?

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

If cost has anything to do with it, c02 media will more than likely cost you more to maintain a higher high than kalkwasser.

 

[bakbay]

I'm currently using the CO2 Scrubber + media from IceCap

Bulk Reef Supply - Making Reefing Fun and Easy

Shop top saltwater aquarium equipment at Bulk Reef Supply. We carry everything you will need for your saltwater aquarium or reef tank.

www.bulkreefsupply.com

and

Bulk Reef Supply - Making Reefing Fun and Easy

Shop top saltwater aquarium equipment at Bulk Reef Supply. We carry everything you will need for your saltwater aquarium or reef tank.

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Yes, the media can get expensive but I gave up on Kalk for several reasons: the evaporation rate was/is not enough to keep up with alk demand (hence raise pH), hard to control, and messy. I might revisit going back to Kalk + 2-part dosing but I really like the CaRx solution for ease of maintenance. I can pretty much "coast" for ~a year and the big 3 (alk, ca, mg) + trace elements would be stable...As you know, the downside of running a CaRx is lower pH due to CO2 getting injected into the tank. To combat this, I've tried Kalk but I think the CO2 Scrubber + outside air (soon) might be the way to go for a lazy reefer like myself.

CO2 media cost:
1. One can recirculate air from the skimmer's cup but that can lead to disasters if filled up. Others have tried it here on R2R
2. There are other soda lime lab-grade alternatives vs BRS' $5.50/lb. I found some at Shopmedvet for $5/lb but hoping that others were able to find cheaper solutions...

EDIT: if you buy the 5G jug, it comes out to ~$3.19/lb (($116 / (16.5kg x 2.2)) before tax & shipping.

Jorgensen Laboratories JorVet Soda Lime, 5 Gallon | Med-Vet International

JorVet soda lime is a high-grade granular product that effectively absorbs carbon dioxide that is produced as an anesthesia by-product. It is a mixture of calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2 also known as lime plus a smaller amount of sodium hydroxide NaOH. Upon exposure to carbon dioxide CO2, the calcium...

www.shopmedvet.com

 

[geosReef]

I'm currently using the CO2 Scrubber + media from IceCap

Bulk Reef Supply - Making Reefing Fun and Easy

Shop top saltwater aquarium equipment at Bulk Reef Supply. We carry everything you will need for your saltwater aquarium or reef tank.

www.bulkreefsupply.com

and

Bulk Reef Supply - Making Reefing Fun and Easy

Shop top saltwater aquarium equipment at Bulk Reef Supply. We carry everything you will need for your saltwater aquarium or reef tank.

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Yes, the media can get expensive but I gave up on Kalk for several reasons: the evaporation rate was/is not enough to keep up with alk demand (hence raise pH), hard to control, and messy. I might revisit going back to Kalk + 2-part dosing but I really like the CaRx solution for ease of maintenance. I can pretty much "coast" for ~a year and the big 3 (alk, ca, mg) + trace elements would be stable...As you know, the downside of running a CaRx is lower pH due to CO2 getting injected into the tank. To combat this, I've tried Kalk but I think the CO2 Scrubber + outside air (soon) might be the way to go for a lazy reefer like myself.

CO2 media cost:
1. One can recirculate air from the skimmer's cup but that can lead to disasters if filled up. Others have tried it here on R2R
2. There are other soda lime lab-grade alternatives vs BRS' $5.50/lb. I found some at Shopmedvet for $5/lb but hoping that others were able to find cheaper solutions...

EDIT: if you buy the 5G jug, it comes out to ~$3.19/lb (($116 / (16.5kg x 2.2)) before tax & shipping.

Jorgensen Laboratories JorVet Soda Lime, 5 Gallon | Med-Vet International

JorVet soda lime is a high-grade granular product that effectively absorbs carbon dioxide that is produced as an anesthesia by-product. It is a mixture of calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2 also known as lime plus a smaller amount of sodium hydroxide NaOH. Upon exposure to carbon dioxide CO2, the calcium...

www.shopmedvet.com

Thanks for the info!! I appreciated! How long does the 5g last? How bigs your tank?

 

[bakbay]

Thanks for the info!! I appreciated! How long does the 5g last? How bigs your tank?

From what I read, it should last 1-2wks, depending on size of tank and consumption - YMMV. My tank is 150g total volume. I don’t know yet since it’s my first week on CO2 scrubber! lol Will definitely let you know though

 

[geosReef]

From what I read, it should last 1-2wks, depending on size of tank and consumption - YMMV. My tank is 150g total volume. I don’t know yet since it’s my first week on CO2 scrubber! lol Will definitely let you know though

Ok thanks!! I thought it was like 1lb a week or so

 

[geosReef]

Ok thanks!! I thought it was like 1lb a week or so

Update I ran a hose thru my window from the skimmer and it’s been doing better

 

[bakbay]

Ok thanks!! I thought it was like 1lb a week or so

Indeed. My pH settled down to a high of 8.16 after almost 2wks. Going to be an expensive hunt…

 

[geosReef]

Indeed. My pH settled down to a high of 8.16 after almost 2wks. Going to be an expensive hunt…

Do you have a close window nearby? I got a 20ft hose from Home Depot for like $10

 

[jmichaelh7]

Do you have a close window nearby? I got a 20ft hose from Home Depot for like $10

Your skimmer had no problem pulling through all that hose ?

 

[Yehuda Dana]

Which would be best to increase and maintain ph? I’m currently dosing all for reef but doesn’t really help with ph. My ph varies from 7.7-8.0 does not go over 8.1

Just sharing my thoughts - why using All-for-reef (which contains and maintains Calcium and Magnesium in addition to alkalinity)?

Why not raising the KH by Tripe-buffer for example?

 

[geosReef]

Your skimmer had no problem pulling through all that hose ?

Not at all

 

[bakbay]

Your skimmer had no problem pulling through all that hose ?

No window but I’ve already drilled a small 1/4" hole through the stucco for the ATO. I should have drilled another one (or bigger hole) for the skimmer but didn’t have the tool. Anyway, I’m waiting for an opportunity when my wife will be out of town to do another surgery!