RSK-300 Skimmer recirculating CO2 scrubber cap (3D printed)

[TheLost]

My tank has been struggling with CO2 since i've started working from home. With the addition of me and my co-worker (80lb English Bulldog) in the same room, the tank has been averaging ~7.8 ph.

With my CO2 scrubber, i'm burn through the media at an alarming $$$ rate... so i decided to try a recirculating scrubber setup.

My original plan was to drill a hole into the skimmer cap on my RSK-300 but it's impossible to find a replacement/sacrificial cap, and Red Sea won't email me back when i asked if replacement caps are available.

So.. I had to think outside the box... and this is what i came up with:

It sits on top of the skimmer cap and 'clips' in place on the two small holes on the cap handle. I ordered a gasket that will fit in a groove (not on the render above) that should make it more air tight... but right now it seems nice and snug so maybe i don't need it. (I'll post an update once its been running longer).

You can see the holes it clips into on this picture (not my image)

The way the red sea cap is designed seems to allow enough air to pull in from those holes.. and it makes a 'bubble barrier' stopping junk from getting sucked into the scrubber airline. The hose intake is high enough above the little pocket, that if any liquid gets pulled in, it will just run back out the holes. In theory, since I haven't forced a skimmer overflow yet

It's been running for about a day now... It will be interesting to see if it helps reduce the cost of CO2 media for me.

 

[theatrus]

So the routing goes from the skimmer cup -> CO2 scrubber -> air inlet? Good idea

I assume the skimmer cup isn't totally air tight to allow for air lost to still be pulled back in and not form a vacuum?

 

[TheLost]

So the routing goes from the skimmer cup -> CO2 scrubber -> air inlet? Good idea

I assume the skimmer cup isn't totally air tight to allow for air lost to still be pulled back in and not form a vacuum?

Yea.. its the same priciple as this old(ish) thread:

THE BEST WAY to implement a CO2 scrubber!

What this thread has: A way to implement a CO2 scrubber into your system in the most efficient way possible. What this thread doesn’t have: Pictures of a clean skimmer. :D I finally had a chance to shoot some pictures of my skimmer/CO2 scrubber setup, since I had the system out of my sump for...

www.reef2reef.com

After watching the BRS Youtube videos on recirculating scrubbers i thought i'd give it a try. Until i get a cup or cap i can mess around with this seemed like the best solution.

 

[TheLost]

Update.. While the smaller 'snap-on' cap i made worked OK, i decided to just make a larger cover that fits over the entire lid. This basically covers up all the air vents and makes it harder for outside air to get sucked into the system.

The downside is now i need to add a valve so the pH doesn't go up too high (+8.5).

(waiting on my red PETG to show up )

 

[Ls7corvete]

How much media are you using in a month or so? I have plenty of used media from diving....hhhmmm.

 

[TheLost]

I'm replacing the canister (~1lb of soda lime) about every 5 weeks. That's a cost of ~$4 a month to keep my pH in the 8.4 range (8.3 ~ 8.5). I've noticed a huge improvement in my corals.

 

[Varible]

I have an RSK-600 Any chance i could pay you to make a lid like that for me?

 

[Noam]

I'm replacing the canister (~1lb of soda lime) about every 5 weeks. That's a cost of ~$4 a month to keep my pH in the 8.4 range (8.3 ~ 8.5). I've noticed a huge improvement in my corals.

Any chance you would sell me the 3D cap? I also use rsk300. My PH is 7.7 and can't get it up. I need that cap urgently Thanks

 

[gcosio]

I am planning on buying the RSK900 and would also be open to buying a 3d printed cap for it, if you are open to that idea....

 

[Noam]

@TheLost Could you please share the 3D plans? Thanks

 

[triciann]

Hi! I was wondering if I could buy your 3D file from you? My media keeps drying out and I’m hoping this would help keep the moisture.

 

[Jrainey312]

I'm replacing the canister (~1lb of soda lime) about every 5 weeks. That's a cost of ~$4 a month to keep my pH in the 8.4 range (8.3 ~ 8.5). I've noticed a huge improvement in my corals.

Is this still working for you think about doing something similar. My ph wont go past 7.9

 

[triciann]

Is this still working for you think about doing something similar. My ph wont go past 7.9

I have a scrubber on mine, but it’s not recirculating. It keeps my pH between 8.1 and 8.2, but I replace my media once a week. You can start off trying just the regular scrubber if cost isn’t an issue.

 

[Joshua Kerstetter]

I just posted about looking for this! totally would love to pay for a finished product.

 

[beanjureef]

Hello, do you mind sharing the file ? or sell it ?

 

[I.AM.MR.MIKE]

LOL I thought I had an original idea - guess not.

 

[NotoriousDMC]

Hello. I know this is an old thread, but I have an RSK300 and this is a great idea! Any chance you’d sell me one of these? I have an attachment and a recirculating system right now that works great, but it raises the lid. I like how your idea keeps the lid at its original height.

 

[FlyPenFly]

Yeah, I would love to buy one too

 

[FlyPenFly]

Any updates on this?

 

[Projects with Sam]

I am going to be making a version of my recirculating skimmer cap for the Reefer RSK300 soon.
look for it here:

CO2 Scrubbing Skimmer Caps

Recirculating CO2 Scrubbers that sit right on your skimmer. 3D printed skimmer cap that recirculates protein skimmer gasses through soda lime to scrub it of CO2. The cap is designed to sit on top of your existing skimmer cap. It has an air gap and ports to allow overflowing skimmer liquids to...

parlaquatics.com