Reefkeeper: Ph drop with skimmer on

[Pyrosteve]

Anyone know why the ph drops when my skimmer is on? I have RKL with 2 PB4s and 2 modules & NET. One PB4 is pulling .6 amps with the Tank LED, Doser running and Sterilizer on and Ph is good. I turn off everything and turn on the skimmer (.5 amps) on the other PB4 and the Ph drops appox 1.5. Any ideas why?

 

[GatorGuys]

I would suspect the skimmer is drawing in the CO2-loaded air into your system. The extra CO2 in the air is causing the pH drop.

Can you run the inlet tube outside the house (where there is less CO2)?

 

[lpsouth1978]

I would suspect the skimmer is drawing in the CO2-loaded air into your system. The extra CO2 in the air is causing the pH drop.

Can you run the inlet tube outside the house (where there is less CO2)?

My thoughts exactly!

 

[Pyrosteve]

I see what you're saying but it happens almost instantly. I think it's electrical in the RKL. I didn't even notice it was off at first. I added a new probe and was calibrating it and double checked with an API test kit.

 

[Pyrosteve]

Hmmm... I must be pulling too many amps and it's affecting the SLX. I started by calibrating the probe with the always running equipment on and it was good until a started turning on the other equipment. Each pump/light on, Ph dropped by .1 on the RKL. I then recalibrated with everything on and ph would rise .1 every time I turned a pump/light off.

 

[DesertReefT4r]

The temp port on SL1 has a similar issue. Reading will randomly go crazy, temp way high or way low, I think the wiring inside the SL1 for that port is damaged inside. I hope you figure out your issue. Maybe to switching your SLX to the other PB4 will help, could be getting interference from something. I had to move some plugs around because my MH lights would flicker on when my ATO pump turned on.

 

[Pyrosteve]

Yea I've read that sometimes changing the order can help the issue. I'll have to give that a try.