Excess CO2

Chris Adams · Jun 6, 2015

After reading Randy's Low PH causes and cures a light bulb"amazed I have any left" went on as to possible reason for my ever low ph.
Tank is in bedroom and I believe CO2 is the cause as night PH dips to mid 7.85 range "without kalk even lower.
So I currently use kalk and alk is stable around 9.9 but ph still struggles with high 8.15 range to 7.85/7.9 at night. Not really looking to increase the ALK

Is there a way besides kalk and opening windows "not an option" to combat the nightly CO2 increase while we sleep?
Or do you think I am totally off base?

Would love to run 8.00 8.2 consistently.

redfishbluefish · Jun 6, 2015

Here's the bottom line....how does everything look in the tank? I'm sure fine. The pH's you quote are fine. I wouldn't worry about it.

You don't wish to run an airline to a skimmer then how about running the refugium light at night.

Chris Adams · Jun 6, 2015

Sorry I do have airline to outside (no noticeable change but still out the window) but this is only a 38gl nuvo and the skimmer is not exactly a beast ha ha.

I have 1 of the compartments in the back with chaeto and fuge light runs at night.

Downbeach · Jun 7, 2015

As Paul mentioned, if everything looks OK, I wouldn't worry about it. Making sure you're getting a good gas exchange is usually the first thing to check, so your skimmers function is important. Does the tank have a cover? If so, you might try opening it, and directing a power head more toward the surface for a better surface agitation.

Chris Adams · Jun 7, 2015

I put a screen cover on tank and recently cleaned return pump"needed it bad" and increase flow was dramatic. I had high hopes the agitation would have helped PH more. I appreciate the input just want to make sure I cover all the bases.

Only things I could think they may help would be to add overflow with sump/refugium for more macro, however not sure I want to go that route. Possibly a bigger skimmer that would pull in more air but skimmer I have works fairly well.

Any other thoughts appreciated. I do agree the #'s are not bad but I like to strive for ideal and most of the SPS reefers seems to prefer 8.2 range.

Next tank will not be in the bedroom

The wife likes looking at it at night when she is going to bed.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jun 7, 2015

Those values do not look too low, but a CO2 scrubber on a skimmer inlet may help.

Chris Adams · Jun 7, 2015

Thanks Randy will read up on those

Chris Adams · Jun 12, 2015

Anyone have experience with this? What do you use if anything?

BRS Color Changing Medical Grade CO2 Absorbent

Downbeach · Jun 13, 2015

I've used/experimented with CO2 scrubbers, and found that the media(soda lime) can become very expensive. I would say, if you're going to try it, don't buy alot at first, until you see the affect you get. If you like it, there are less expensive places to get it in bulk, Med-Vet if I remember correctly. 5 Gal. was about $80.00. Keep in mind the color change will change when exhausted, but return to white, so you will need to keep an eye on it.

Eckolancer · Jun 13, 2015

I have the same issues and just bought a c02 scrubber. I need to get bigger airline hose to attach it to my skimmer.

Downbeach · Jun 13, 2015

Running an airline to an outside air source would be my first choice if practicable, since there is no media to purchase, and you will likely get a better affect. I didn't have practical access to an outside airsource, and I only ran the CO2 scrubber at times when my house was closed up due to weather(heat/cold), etc.