Co2 scrubber questions

[Dahas]

I recently purchased a co2 scrubber and was really excited to set it up. My ph hovered around 7.9-8 before i hooked it up. It is now around 8.2-8.3.

While reading the directions as this is my first scrubber i read that it is best to put water at the bottom of the canister before hooking it up. I set this up about a week ago and my ph started dropping already back down to the original 7.9-8.

I just changed the media and noticed an immediate rise again. Very happy with the product. I ourchased the color changing media and i noticed as i changed it the media did not change color. I did notice the water on the bottom of it was not there anymore.

Im curious if the water makes the difference on the length of the media or the performance either.

Any help or knowledge on the topic will be helpful. Thank you

 

[rtparty]

Humid air makes the product more effective and last longer IME. Filling up the canister daily was WAY more work than it is worth so I built a triple canister setup where the first has water and the other 2 have media. I get 3-4 weeks out of the media in this setup and only have to fill up the water canister once every 2 months.

 

[>>klong<<]

I ourchased the color changing media and i noticed as i changed it the media did not change color.

I just recent set up a CO2 scrubber and started with Two Little Fishies brand media at BRS. It never changed color. I found cheaper source at shopmedvet.com and bought my next batch from them. My last canister fill was half 2LF and half medvet. The medvet half changed and the 2LF did not.

 

[Sdot]

Correct... the media doesn't last that long unless you are using a lot. I run through 4lbs about every 15-20 days. It does keep my PH daily swing to 8.15- 8.45. Alot of people say dont chase PH.... that was my thought process, however I've noticed my tank operates better with the higher PH and the growth is amazing... I gave up on the water thing.... water goes waay too fast to be practical.

 

[Dahas]

Im just curious as to why imthe media would not change comor if it was exhausted and if the water on the bottom helps and if it should be filled more than the 1 tablespoon that the directions calls for