Co2 issues

[maxwell50]

Hi All,

I got 90g mixed reef mostly LPS soft and few sps corals. I have low ph issues 7.6-8 and I added co2 scrubber so my ph is 8.2-4 but my media last only a week or so. It will get expensive to change out every week new media. Is there any alternatives ways to raise ph.

 

[116185]

Following. I have the same issue. I for the last couple months I have just let the system run at 7.6 or 7.8. But coral growth has not been there. Hoping to see some ideas on this!

 

[justingraham]

I wouldn’t worry about your ph unless u want crazy growth
Nothing wrong with your numbers
But a cheaper way to raise ph is running a intake line from your slimmer outside

 

[MTBake]

Following along.

I added a second co2 reactor to run in series. I also route the intake into my skimmer cup to help keep the media moist but not wet. I get about 3 weeks out of a canister before it's depleted. I move the second canister to the first canister when I change media.

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

I’m starting to see why reefers want their tanks away from people and pets.

Wondering if indoor plants can help

 

[maxwell50]

I heard about outside air but don’t really want to drill a hole in wall. Will algea scrubber remove co2?

 

[lapin]

Algae will use Co2 and release oxygen just like any other plant in daylight. This is why Ph is usually higher in the day when the lights are on. Also this is why some run the fuge light at night instead of the day.

 

[ca1ore]

Algae will help to reduce CO2 during light hours (photosynthesis + respiration) but is a net addition during dark hours (respiration). Try running a fresh air line through a cracked window to see if it helps.

 

[LuizW13]

BRS made a mention of someone who used a plant to remove co2 on one of their video podcast thing.

 

[lapin]

If you do want to try potted plants Sansevieria trifasciata is one of the better ones at using up Co2 and easy to grow.

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Hi All,

I got 90g mixed reef mostly LPS soft and few sps corals. I have low ph issues 7.6-8 and I added co2 scrubber so my ph is 8.2-4 but my media last only a week or so. It will get expensive to change out every week new media. Is there any alternatives ways to raise ph.

Do you add calcium hydroxide (kalkwasser) to your topoff water? You could also drip kalkwasser solution continuously. Either will help with pH swings.

I've given up on the CO2 scrubber. I tried it...it works. But even if the media lasts a month, it's just not economical to run for extended periods.

I've also tried the plant route, but I saw little difference in overall pH, and I even have my refugium stocked with caulerpa on a reverse schedule. I'm sure all of that helps, but my pH still dips into the high 7's during the summertime.

 

[lapin]

Randy :

Low pH: Causes and Cures
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.htm

 

[maxwell50]

Do you add calcium hydroxide (kalkwasser) to your topoff water? You could also drip kalkwasser solution continuously. Either will help with pH swings.

I've given up on the CO2 scrubber. I tried it...it works. But even if the media lasts a month, it's just not economical to run for extended periods.

I've also tried the plant route, but I saw little difference in overall pH, and I even have my refugium stocked with caulerpa on a reverse schedule. I'm sure all of that helps, but my pH still dips into the high 7's during the summertime.

No I don’t dose anything beside reef fuel or Red Sea A B. Nothing grows in my fuge or very slow. Tried cheat and some red plant it’s so slow. In my display I got a bit of brown hair algea on my overflow.

 

[maxwell50]

No I don’t dose anything beside reef fuel or Red Sea A B. Nothing grows in my fuge or very slow. Tried cheat and some red plant it’s so slow. In my display I got a bit of brown hair algea on my overflow.

Cheato auto correct lol

 

[jda]

When the weather is good, air your house out. Attic/Whole-house fan can turn your entire home over in less than an hour, or just a box fan in a few windows can do the same thing. It will make a massive improvement. If you do this, get the basement too... put some fans on the floor to really mix up the air (this will also blow Rn gas out, if you have any).

Nearly all low-pH issues are from too much airborne co2 in your house, so just exchange it with the outside air.

People underestimate just airing out the home, or try it by just cracking a window, but do it full-bore and you will be amazed. It is healthier for you too, so I hear.