CO2 issues so I'll try an air hose!

[Brew12]

Good point that would account for probably .1ish difference in our pH unless he's running a really low Alk. Mine is usually around 9dKH.

I think that is probably pretty close. 1dKH should be around 0.1 change in pH although there are a lot of variables.

 

[Flippers4pups]

I'm not one to chase PH and test for it once a month, but I have been using kalkwasser since getting into the hobby back in 93. My house is new, small and very tight. Without it, my PH would be in the mid/high 7's.

 

[klp]

Spider Plants from removing carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide
http://www.gardenguides.com/131358-house-plants-carbon-monoxide.html

Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata) Take in carbon dioxide and releases oxygen
http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/best-air-filtering-house-plants/

You may need several of these plants. Spider plants can attract fruit flies but in a closed environment may be fine. I will eventually try these myself. You can scatter them around the house as well but I would start with the fish room since you can measure ppm with your meter. Be advised that the reading may move upwards with time as you all stop holding your breaths and breathe out :) so leave the meter plugged in or test it daily to keep a check. These plants are the gift that keeps on giving if they actually do the job in a large area and work for waste products for wages.

 

[Fishresponse]

I have the same problem. I may try Kalk first before I drill any holes in my house. It was mentioned making kalk at 1.5 teaspoons per gallon. How are people making up their kalk mixes in big quantities?

 

[Ty Hamatake]

I have the same problem. I may try Kalk first before I drill any holes in my house. It was mentioned making kalk at 1.5 teaspoons per gallon. How are people making up their kalk mixes in big quantities?

The ratio of kalk to water depends on your alk and ca needs. I know there's probably a formula you can use, but I just started low (like 1/2 teaspoon per gallon) and worked my way up until those parameters stabilized.

 

[Fishresponse]

The ratio of kalk to water depends on your alk and ca needs. I know there's probably a formula you can use, but I just started low (like 1/2 teaspoon per gallon) and worked my way up until those parameters stabilized.

Are you using kalk as your main source for all and calcium?

 

[Ty Hamatake]

Yes I am.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

I have seen my PH on the rise since adding the CO2 scrubber. Will report back asap!

 

[Brew12]

I have seen my PH on the rise since adding the CO2 scrubber. Will report back asap!

Have you had to change out the media yet? :p

 

[Ty Hamatake]

Have you had to change out the media yet? :p

I just picture Rev hooking it up and watching the media turn purple like a thermometer stuck in boiling water ;Playful jk, Rev. Really looking forward to more updates though.

 

[justingraham]

When it is exhausted is the media completly purple or is it a combo of purple and white?

 

[Brew12]

When it is exhausted is the media completly purple or is it a combo of purple and white?

It depends on how diffused your air flow is. My experience said that when it got to about 30% purple and was worthless after about 75%.

 

[blkhwkz]

When it is exhausted is the media completly purple or is it a combo of purple and white?

After turning purple, it will go back to white eventually. If I leave mine in for 2 weeks, media looks brand new even though it's exhausted.

 

[Ty Hamatake]

When it is exhausted is the media completly purple or is it a combo of purple and white?

I've had a slightly different experience than @Brew12, where mine is effective past the point of a full color change. For me, if all the media has turned purple and I won't be around I change it out, if I'm home I just monitor my pH a little closer and change it out once it starts to drop.

To answer your original question, I see full color change in mine.

 

[justingraham]

Thanks guys

 

[Ty Hamatake]

Thanks guys

For reference, this is mine right now and I'm still getting near 100% scrubbing (relative to pH levels right after a refill).

 

[Brew12]

For reference, this is mine right now and I'm still getting near 100% scrubbing (relative to pH levels right after a refill).

Mind if I ask what skimmer you are running?

 

[Ty Hamatake]

Mind if I ask what skimmer you are running?

Skimz Octa 165i. At first I was burning through media like none other, except maybe Rev ;), so I added a valve on an open ended line to pull some ambient air.

 

[Brew12]

Skimz Octa 165i. At first I was burning through media like none other, except maybe Rev ;), so I added a valve on an open ended line to pull some ambient air.

Did you see uniform media consumption before you added the split? I was thinking lower flow through the media might give more even results. Before your split, your skimmer would have pulled more air than mine.

 

[Ty Hamatake]

Did you see uniform media consumption before you added the split? I was thinking lower flow through the media might give more even results. Before your split, your skimmer would have pulled more air than mine.

I don't remember it being less uniform, though I really wasn't paying attention to that. Are you using the BRS scrubber or is it a different type?