ZeoVit/pH Question

[iemsparticus]

So I am currently setting up a 120 gal mixed reef over the next few months. It will use the ZeoVit system (got the 2L Magnetic reactor). I know that a lot of people use fuge lights to stabilize pH when the DT lights are off. I don't have room in my sump for a fuge, and since I'll be running ZeoVit, I have heard that it's pretty difficult to grow algae in the fuge (which makes perfect sense). How bad are the overnight pH swings for the corals? How do people combat this without running a fuge/light?

 

[Mr.Alex]

I may be wrong but I think the argonite that is recommended for the zeovit helps maintain the pH

 

[Mr.Alex]

I'm currently cycling my zeovit tank

 

[Smo]

My 70 G Zeovit sys has been in operation a little over 6 months. It sees pH vary between 8.0 and 8.2. I could keep pH more stable if I dosed alkalinity at night. Getting that set up now.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I may be wrong but I think the argonite that is recommended for the zeovit helps maintain the pH

Only if the pH drops well down into the 7's. It does not have an impact at pH 7.8 and above since it won't dissolve in seawater under those conditions.

 

[iemsparticus]

So should I make sure my 2 part dosing pumps dose some at night when the lights are out then?

 

[Smo]

So should I make sure my 2 part dosing pumps dose some at night when the lights are out then?

Don't chase pH. Dose to maintain targeted alkalinity, calcium, etc. Depending on the 2-part formula you use, e.g., soda ash vs bicarbonate, or a mixture of the two, dosing alkalinity at night can help offset the pH drop when the DT lights are out. Minimizing CO2 being sucked in thru the skimmer is also helpful to raise pH. If you can't regularly open a window, plumbing a line to pull in outside air or using a CO2 scrubber can also be effective.

 

[iemsparticus]

I plan to use BRS compounds, which I believe is soda ash.

I plan to use the DOS pumps since I'm using the Apex, and will split my daily dosing up in a few parts. I figured if it's helpful to make one of it's doses at night to promote stability, it would be easy to do. Sounds like this is helpful?

 

[Smo]

I use BRS products too with a DOS. However, I am currently using a cup of bicarbonate and 2 tbs of soda ash per G to reduce the pH impacts. Still experimenting to optimize alkalinity. Once that is stable I may adjust the mixture to smooth out pH.

 

[ksfulk]

I dont do anything to mitigate the pH swings, and Ive been running Zeo on this system since Day 1. As long as the levels dont drop too low or to high its not really something to worry about. If you really want to up the pH, then adding a little kalkwasser to your ATO to help out a bit with that.

 

[Smo]

Agree. Don't chase pH.

 

[iemsparticus]

Thanks, folks.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

So should I make sure my 2 part dosing pumps dose some at night when the lights are out then?

If pH stability is the primary goal, yes. If alk stability is the primary goal, dosing more during the day may be beneficial as many aquaria use more alkalinity during the day.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I dont do anything to mitigate the pH swings, and Ive been running Zeo on this system since Day 1. As long as the levels dont drop too low or to high its not really something to worry about. If you really want to up the pH, then adding a little kalkwasser to your ATO to help out a bit with that.

More aeration will reduce that swing (unless it is somehow driven by changes in the CO2 level in your home from people, which is very unlikely).

 

[iemsparticus]

If pH stability is the primary goal, yes. If alk stability is the primary goal, dosing more during the day may be beneficial as many aquaria use more alkalinity during the day.

That makes sense. Everything I have read and heard suggests that alk stability is definitely more important. In which case, I assume my doses should be within the lighting period.

More aeration will reduce that swing (unless it is somehow driven by changes in the CO2 level in your home from people, which is very unlikely).

Aeration in the tank directly, or do you mean opening a window to allow more oxygen rich air in the house?

 

[Scott.h]

My ph is at its lowest from about 7:00 am to 10:00.. display lights come on at 9:00. But every little bit helps. I dose my alk every 10 minutes during that low period to keep it at or above 7.8. Note some of this stuff is OCD people chasing numbers doing what we do, and unnecessary. I have a newer air tight house (apparently) since I can see the ph swing on the weekends when everyone is home. In the winter during this time when the house is regularly sealed up, it dips below 7.8, despite the skimmer plumbed outside, despite a reverse lighting schedule, and dosing. However the more the tank matures and the more corals introduced the less of a worry it is. Now it's rarely under 7.9

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

That makes sense. Everything I have read and heard suggests that alk stability is definitely more important. In which case, I assume my doses should be within the lighting period.


Aeration in the tank directly, or do you mean opening a window to allow more oxygen rich air in the house?

Complete aeration of the tank water with any air will prevent pH changes unless the air itself is changing its CO2 level (or the alkalinity changes a lot).