Very high CO2 in home ( low Ph)

[kevensquint]

Hi Randy,I did investigate online and read your article on this matter. My ph is crazy low on my new system 7.4, with Alk at 10dkh. I've tested with two calibrated ph meters. ATM , I have put a hose from outside to my skimmer. Since my apartment is sealed tight for the winter, I have no choice but to find creative solutions before adding corals. My tank is a shallow tank so very large surface area to absorb my home CO2 .
I don't predict the skimmer hose with fresh air will have a big enough impact. I have access to NaOH pellets. Would dosing a solution via a doser to boost ph harm anything in a reeftank? We use it in pharma to boost lotions etc.... however, I am not aware of its possible affect in a reef. Thanks.

 

[TheEngineer]

Have you looked at the DIY CO2 scrubbers? They seem like a good option for helping with high CO2.

 

[kevensquint]

Yes, I'm considering it, but it would cost me approx $42/month here in montreal. So checking every possible option.

 

[rock_lobster]

Good thought. I had bought some as well tried it and can't remeber what the results were.

 

[Downbeach]

How long have you been running the tank with the fresh air connected to your skimmer air intake? What was the affect?

 

[AdamNC]

I've had good success using Kalkwasser in my ato, 1 tsp per gallon of RO. Without it my pH would drop to 7.5 at night and maybe 7.8 during the day. Now at night I'm at about 7.8 and 8.0-8.1 during the day.

 

[spscrackhead]

Tagging along interested as well

 

[TheEngineer]

Yes, I'm considering it, but it would cost me approx $42/month here in montreal. So checking every possible option.

Really? That doesn't seem right although I know some things are senselessly expensive in Canada.

 

[AquaSpaces]

Another option you might want to check out is Two Little Fishies "CDX media". I had a big client that had an issue every time he had a meeting in his office, worked perfectly in his situation.
Good luck!

 

[kevensquint]

It is not right, but it is the case. I can slightly improve the cost by buying it in bulk at a Dive shop. I am not ready to invest that much per month without some reefers saying it helps a lot.
I cannot dose my limewater until I can have calcification to reduce my Alk level. I cannot have calcification until I raise my Ph

 

[spscrackhead]

I am going through the same battle in Arizona summers. When it is 115-130 out, I have the house sealed and my Ph starts to drop. Kalk helps but not a ton, the scrubbers help too but from what I understand not a whole lot. Maybe both together will get you close to 8. More likely just shy of 8 if lucky. Your best bet is to run a line outside IMO. It's the cheapest option with the lowest upkeep/ maintenance.
I would give the line outside and kalk together a shot.
Staying tuned.
No ca rx for you buddy

 

[Waterjockey]

Did running the hose outside work well enough for you? How did you run the hose outside? (Just wondering what method you used that you can't use in the winter).

 

[kevensquint]

Ya my GEO with carbon doser might go to ebay .....
*The outside airline is on day one, I have no news, however I made this thread assuming there is no way that alone will get me above 7.8... TBC

 

[nervousmonkey]

Go to BRS supply and look for their air canisters, then buy some soda lime (If you want a link where I get it for $7, PM me) and put it in the canister, connect it to the intake of your skimmer and you'll see immediate results for under $50 one time.

 

[bif24701]

Ya my GEO with carbon doser might go to ebay .....
*The outside airline is on day one, I have no news, however I made this thread assuming there is no way that alone will get me above 7.8... TBC

My pH is as very low during the summer, house was closed up tight. Wouldn't rise above 8.0 even with Kalk dosing. Simply cracking a few windows and getting outside air to my skimmer has improved my mean pH to 8.25-8.35. My coral growth instantly improved.

Yes! It make that much of a difference!

I had tried everything, CO2 scrubber, Kalk, flow. Nothing really work. Fresh O2 rich air the the #1. Do not underestimate it.

 

[Waterjockey]

When I initially put a line to outside it made a big difference. When I first added wavemakers to the tank, I had a lot more surace agitation, and it cut the difference with outside air in half. I'll probably reposition the wavemakers so they don't stir the surface as much as they do and see if I get some of the gains back

 

[Mr_Banana_Pants]

I have a brand new house, built very tight. I couldn't get my pH above 7.6 to 7.8 without adding some pH rise chemicals. I added a air filter with co2 scrubbing media from BRS to my skimmer... less then 12 hrs my pH was at 8.2 and hasn't dropped since. It was well worth the 80-90 bucks for the filter and media. It's the only natural way to raise your pH consistently and keep it stable

 

[bif24701]

When I initially put a line to outside it made a big difference. When I first added wavemakers to the tank, I had a lot more surace agitation, and it cut the difference with outside air in half. I'll probably reposition the wavemakers so they don't stir the surface as much as they do and see if I get some of the gains back

Have you tried reducing the CO2 in your home?

 

[esolo16]

Since you asked about other people's experience with CO2 scrubbers...when I added one to my tank, my pH went from a range of 7.8-8.0 to 8.0-8.2. My tank is only 20 gallons so the cost is minimal for me.

 

[Waterjockey]

Have you tried reducing the CO2 in your home?

I'm pretty happy with how well the line to the outside is working on my system. I was just suggesting the OP look at surface agitation before investing $$ on a co2 scrubber, as it costs nothing to investigate first