Is a CO2 scrubber worth it for me?

[Yates273]

So my ph usually tops out at 8.01 during day and bottoms out at 7.7-7.8 at night. Some nights it drops to 7.6 as seen on graph. I have been entertaining the idea of a BRS CO2 scrubber. I already have my skimmer line plumbed outside which hasn’t made a drastic change. If I opt for the scrubber should I just plumb the line from my outside line to scrubber or put a Y off of the outside line amd also plumb into the skimmer top to recirculate the air to keep it moist. Please any thoughts are greatly appreciated.
This is for a 40 breeder water parameters are cal 460 phosphates .03 nitrates 10 magnesium 1580. I know I shouldn’t chase the perfect ph but curious if I should scrub it to make it more stable. TYIA

 

[Joedubyk]

YES... pH is *not* linear. 8.1 to 7.9 is not 20% loss, it's 150%.

If you are a serious reefer pH is extremely important if you like health and growth. Once my acros hit 8.3 they get even hairier.

 

[Hendo1133]

I had similar PH on my 90 gallon tank. I was able to bump it with the BRS media reactor. For the first month and a half or so I ran it normal, and the media cost bumps pretty quickly. I have switched to recirculating now and it’s much better, just obviously be careful to not let your slimmer cup get full. I programmed my skimmer to shut off if my PH went over 8.4 just incase this happened as some redundancy.

 

[HuduVudu]

I already have my skimmer line plumbed outside which hasn’t made a drastic change.

If you have done this then I don't think that CO2 is an issue unless the CO2 in your house is off the charts.

Try this: Take small glass of water and check the PH right as you remove it from the tank. Then take it outside and heavily aerate it for an hour or so. Then check the PH. If there isn't much of a difference it is unlikely that household CO2 is the issue.

 

[Billldg]

If you are already running a line to the outside of your house from your intake of your skimmer then a CO2 scrubber will not help as it does the same thing, just from the inside. I run a C02 scrubber, probably the same one you are looking at and it works, but if you already have a line outside of the house then it will not.

Have you calibrated your PH probe and have you check it against a test kit?

 

[Yates273]

If you have done this then I don't think that CO2 is an issue unless the CO2 in your house is off the charts.

Try this: Take small glass of water and check the PH right as you remove it from the tank. Then take it outside and heavily aerate it for an hour or so. Then check the PH. If there isn't much of a difference it is unlikely that household CO2 is the issue.

Already did this and when doing so ph went up to 8.2. I know it’s the issue tank is in basement and I never open any windows in my basement. Also that’s where the kids and animals hang out during day

 

[Yates273]

If you are already running a line to the outside of your house from your intake of your skimmer then a CO2 scrubber will not help as it does the same thing, just from the inside. I run a C02 scrubber, probably the same one you are looking at and it works, but if you already have a line outside of the house then it will not.

Have you calibrated your PH probe and have you check it against a test kit?
Just installed a few months ago. Maybe I should check it with another test kit.

I figured I’m running 1/2” Pvc outside but the run is about 15-18 ft. Thought maybe the run is pretty long causing an issue.

 

[Hendo1133]

I guess with the skimmer line running outside, assuming you run your skimmer 24/7.... you could actually see a PH bump from LESS surface agitation in the display tank as well....

 

[Billldg]

I figured I’m running 1/2” Pvc outside but the run is about 15-18 ft. Thought maybe the run is pretty long causing an issue.

You can try a C02 scrubber as they are relatively cheap, though the media can start to add cost. I have mine hooked up to my Apex with a solenoid and have it on at 8.1 and off at 8.24. I can show you what I need it you like.

 

[Yates273]

I guess with the skimmer line running outside, assuming you run your skimmer 24/7.... you could actually see a PH bump from LESS surface agitation in the display tank as well....

Already turned powerheads down as well as return to reduce agitation.

 

[Yates273]

You can try a C02 scrubber as they are relatively cheap, though the media can start to add cost. I have mine hooked up to my Apex with a solenoid and have it on at 8.1 and off at 8.24. I can show you what I need it you like.

Will media last longer if you recirculate it through skimmer. Also what code are you using to turn the solenoid off and on?

 

[HuduVudu]

I figured I’m running 1/2” Pvc outside but the run is about 15-18 ft. Thought maybe the run is pretty long causing an issue.

Could be also that the skimmer isn't pulling enough air.

 

[Billldg]

BRS did a study on it, and if I remember correctly it really didn't turn out that good. I may be wrong though. In order to combat the cost I just programmed my Apex to turn the solenoid on at 8.1 and off at 8.24 and I get roughly 3 weeks out of a single BRS media pouch. The key is to make sure you add 2 tablespoons of RO/DI water to the canister every day or so to keep it moist.

@HuduVudu is correct, your skimmer may not be pulling in enough air on a 40b. I used a Omega 180i and now a Reef Octopus Regal 150SSS skimmer.

Please, do not use buffers to try and raise it.

Have you tried Kalk to raise it?

 

[Hendo1133]

I have greatly extended my media life recirculating. I was going through a BRS reactor (feel like its one of the smaller size ones) a week. I chose to not go with an electronic solenoid simply because of issues I read about them getting extremely hot, however I believe Bill with first hand experience could speak better to that potential issue. Recirculating to me simply felt easier.

 

[Billldg]

I have greatly extended my media life recirculating. I was going through a BRS reactor (feel like its one of the smaller size ones) a week. I chose to not go with an electronic solenoid simply because of issues I read about them getting extremely hot, however I believe Bill with first hand experience could speak better to that potential issue. Recirculating to me simply felt easier.

Ah, glad that came up. That's why I went with a mechanical solenoid with a limit switch and not a magnetic solenoid like the one Apex sells.

 

[Yates273]

Will def not use buffers. I’m running a Bubble Magus Curve 5 skimmer. Should I recirculate as well as pull in fresh air ?

 

[Hendo1133]

Thanks for the added information @billdg do you have a link to the solenoid.

I added a T with a mechanical valve to my recirculating setup (after my CO2 scrubber) so I can mix in fresh air if needed. An automated valve to help ping PH recirculating or not would have obvious benefits.

Essentially mine looks just like @billdg just a manual ball valve. Then the intake line coming out the top of my skimmer.

 

[Billldg]

The link seems to work for some and not others, go figure, but this is the link. I also included the name so if it doens't work you just have to copy it and paste it on Amazon.


HSH-Flo Motorized ball valve 1/2" DN15 AC110V-230V New Normally Open For Electrical Ball Valve, With US Plug (1/2")

Ohh, and it was @rkpetersen who showed me this, so the thanks needs to go to him.

 

[Yates273]

As far as Kalk I used on my 30 cube and did not like how harsh it is on everything. Cakes up on everything

 

[Uncle99]

Just forget it.
I tested mine with 4 different tests and a probe, 5 different answers. 7.9 to 8.3.
7.8 on the low end is fine, and I believe you said 8? Maybe it’s actually 8.1 or 8.2.
Save your money...corals grow fastest when chemistry is stable, not just on bullseye.