Getting a higher display pH with a Calcium Reactor

[reefandreptileautomation]

So I have had a CaRx setup for a couple years now (10 ml/min, internal 6.8ph). The highest pH I can maintain in my display is around 8.1. While I have to use outside air to my skimmer to achieve it, I recently tried CO2 scrubbing. Same results. The CaRx must be really killing the PH in the display.

What options have people done to maintain a higher display pH? While I realize 8.1 is a just fine I would like to see if I can maintain a higher number for increased growth rates. I heard people use Kalk but how are people using it? I know running kalk in an ATO is a crap shoot as daily consumption of evaporation can change. Dripping kalk? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[Water Dog]

Although I think a pH of 8.1 is more than fine, if you want to boost your pH, supplement with kalk using a kalk reactor or stirrer with its own dedicated dosing pump.

 

[reefwreak]

You'd have to dial down the calcium reactor output and supplement with kalk to not spike alkalinity and calcium.

OR

Something I've been building up the supplies (and time/courage) to do, is a recirculating skimmer scrubber. I sent Water Dog a link already and got his opinion, but you have your skimmer input draw through a CO2 scrubber, and have that draw from your skimmer cup lid. Basically instead of drawing fresh air, it just keeps re-circulating scrubbed air. From the thread I saw this in, people actually have to put pH controls on their skimmer outlet, so they don't spike pH too high. I have the supplies, now I just have to drill my skimmer cup and move forward.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/recirculating-co2-scrubber.551353/

 

[RandyC]

Do you have a secondary calcium reactor? You may be able to get a small bump from that.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/vide...-and-increase-effluent-ph-brstv-investigates/

 

[reefandreptileautomation]

I have a vertex which has a secondary chamber.

I tried CO2 scrubber with no prevail.

 

[reefwreak]

I have a vertex which has a secondary chamber.

I tried CO2 scrubber with no prevail.

Just to clarify, what I linked to is a recirculating scrubber, which sounds like it has a significantly more impactful effect on pH than a standard scrubber, as well as more efficient use of the media, since it is re-scrubbing already higher pH air. I just want to make sure you understood the difference.

Have you also considered a fuge or algae reactor, particularly one fed by your CaRx output? It'll absorb the co2 and oxygenate the water and increase pH that way as well.