Skimmer airline out window question

[Derrick0580]

I have tried in the past to run my skimmer’s intake outside through a window. However I just ran 3/8id hose all the way through. For some reason tonight I got the idea that I could get a barbed reducer and run 1 inch id hose from the window all the way to the tank and use the 1” to 3/8” reducer to switch it back so I can hook it up to the co2 scrubber and carbon filter. Would this allow more air to be drawn in or will it be another waste of time like the 3/8 all the way to the window? I saw zero change in ph with the smaller airline. My ph is dropping clear down to the 7.5 range according to my pinpoint probe. I thought maybe it was the probe reading wrong, but I recalibrated it, tried brand new probe, and tested it against a hanna ph checker and got the same readings across all 3 tests. I am at wits end with my ph. I am even ramping up my kalk dosage to try and raise it even though I’m sure it will elevate my alk like it has done in the past. I figure I am sitting at 8.8 now so I can raise it to 12.5 and see if my ph goes up.

 

[Pistondog]

How long is the run? Id say if more than 10 feet, the 1 inch, will help. You can also test for elevat3d co2 by placing a cup of tankwater outside overnight and testing ph in the morning.

 

[Derrick0580]

Since I recently moved the tank it is actually closer to the window. Maybe around 5 feet. The co2 scrubber is mounted inside the stand on the side next to the 40b frag tank and the window is just on the other side of the frag tank. My plan is to run the 1” all the way and just enough 3/8 to connect it to the scrubber.

 

[Pistondog]

Worth a try, mock it up 1st to try if thats easier.

 

[Pistondog]

You could also try a refugium with macro or turf scrubber run with lights on at night, assuming your low ph is when the tank lights are off.

 

[FishOkay]

Question though, why run a co2 scrubber if your going to put the airline out the window? Usually its either one or the other. If your using a co2 scrubber aswell I can't see what the benefit of drawing outside air is? Other than maybe the co2 absorption media will maybe last longer without the extra co2 from inside. But It wouldnt have any additional pH benefits I wouldn't have thought.

 

[Dburr1014]

I have tried in the past to run my skimmer’s intake outside through a window. However I just ran 3/8id hose all the way through. For some reason tonight I got the idea that I could get a barbed reducer and run 1 inch id hose from the window all the way to the tank and use the 1” to 3/8” reducer to switch it back so I can hook it up to the co2 scrubber and carbon filter. Would this allow more air to be drawn in or will it be another waste of time like the 3/8 all the way to the window? I saw zero change in ph with the smaller airline. My ph is dropping clear down to the 7.5 range according to my pinpoint probe. I thought maybe it was the probe reading wrong, but I recalibrated it, tried brand new probe, and tested it against a hanna ph checker and got the same readings across all 3 tests. I am at wits end with my ph. I am even ramping up my kalk dosage to try and raise it even though I’m sure it will elevate my alk like it has done in the past. I figure I am sitting at 8.8 now so I can raise it to 12.5 and see if my ph goes up.

3/8 is your smallest ID. 1" won't help. Can't push more thru 3/8 just because you have a bigger line before it. Doesn't work that way.
But if it was 1" then teed to 3/8", one tee to the scrubber, one tee to the skimmer, then yes, that will help.
Make sure you make it a straight run, no kinks, no pinching the lines, ect.

 

[BroccoliFarmer]

I put an airpump on mine but using an air stone in the return. . Still on the upwards trend but back in the 8s. . I am also using a recirculating co2 scrubber.

 

[Derrick0580]

You could also try a refugium with macro or turf scrubber run with lights on at night, assuming your low ph is when the tank lights are off.

I have already been doing this

 

[laverda]

I figure I am sitting at 8.8

Sounds like you don't really know what your Alkalinity is. If it is 8.8 and your running a co2 scrubber i would expect PH to be higher. You should not need to raise your alk to 12 to get your PH where you want it. Have you checked you magnesium level? It affects PH as well as other things. When are you measuring your PH. What is your PH fluctation daily? What are you using to increase your Alk?
A larger skimmer intake hose me increase you total volume of air slightly, but would not expect it to affect your Co2 level or PH. That is assuming it is your only source of air for your skimmer.

 

[Uncle99]

Based on the pic, I have a hard time seeing a PH of 7.5 making sense especially if you dose Kalk, and Scrub the C02.
Unless your home has 100 people in it.
Something not working there IMM.
Sounds like typical PH testing error.

Looks like a beautiful mature tank….forget the PH.

 

[Derrick0580]

Here are my test results from yesterday. I am using kalkwasser through an icecap stirrer and a versa pump. Dripping a little over 700ml a day. Alk tested with hanna checker, reagent stored in fridge. My hopes was to raise ph to increase coralline growth to get rid of hair algae!