CO2 scrubber works too good

[bsdubois00]

So my Co2 scrubber actually works too good. My pH is usually between 8.15 and 8.25 but it never fails, when my media runs out and I change it out / refill the canister I get a big spike. For instance it crept up to 8.47 today after I changed it mid day yesterday.

What can I do to prevent these jumps? Should I just not fill the canister all the way full? Get some form of y splitter so it’s not taking in air solely from the Co2 media?

Thanks

 

[pooootiqe]

Daisy chaining multiple canisters of media should smooth out the spikes from media changes

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

So my Co2 scrubber actually works too good. My pH is usually between 8.15 and 8.25 but it never fails, when my media runs out and I change it out / refill the canister I get a big spike. For instance it crept up to 8.47 today after I changed it mid day yesterday.

What can I do to prevent these jumps? Should I just not fill the canister all the way full? Get some form of y splitter so it’s not taking in air solely from the Co2 media?

Thanks

completely normal and a great range- I wouldnt even call that a spike and it wont have any adverse effects on your livestock.

 

[bsdubois00]

Well I solved this with a couple of ball valves - now I'm using Hydros to open / close the scrubber / open air depending on the pH levels.

Really liking the results:

(the low spike was me taking the probe out messing with it and the high spike was playing with some of the settings to see where it would turn on / off - overall stays between 8.15 and 8.25)

 

[athosh]

Can you please elaborate on the ball valves and hydros set? i am just installing my CO2 scrubber ,and got some spikes (I have an x4 hydros) hence the interest on the setup

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

my understanding that spikes in this instance don't need ANY intervention with the use of balls/valves. Why would a change of pH from 8.1 to 8.4 need any kind of intervention? My scrubber media lasts approximately 1 month recirculated, and at night goes down to 8.1-8.2 and in the day goes 8.4 and sometimes, 8.5.

 

[John Neuzil]

my understanding that spikes in this instance don't need ANY intervention with the use of balls/valves. Why would a change of pH from 8.1 to 8.4 need any kind of intervention? My scrubber media lasts approximately 1 month recirculated, and at night goes down to 8.1-8.2 and in the day goes 8.4 and sometimes, 8.5.

because that is a fairly large change in pH. pH changes are not linear.

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

because that is a fairly large change in pH. pH changes are not linear.

I understand that. But, why don't people make a fuss about pH going from 8.4 to 8.2 or even 8.1 at night?

 

[John Neuzil]

I understand that. But, why don't people make a fuss about pH going from 8.4 to 8.2 or even 8.1 at night?

Many people do and try to mitigate that by running algae scrubbers, etc. at night.

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

I'd be more concerned about keeping a steady KH than worrying about pH (unless the fluctuations were huge). My tank is in my basement which is why I bother to CO2 scrub. I do it for faster coral growth.

If you provide me with proof of how a change from 8.1 to 8.4 is harmful, i'd love to have it.

 

[ReefED!]

I also had my PH getting pretty high but it was also a Reef Factory PH Meter so I just doubted the accuracy of the results and assumed it was reading too high

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

FWIW, while I expect it is possible, I've not actually heard of anyone getting pH at a level I'd consider too high when using a scrubber. Even without a scrubber, my tank ran at 8.35 to 8.5 regularly due to kalkwasser use.

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

FWIW, while I expect it is possible, I've not actually heard of anyone getting pH at a level I'd consider too high when using a scrubber. Even without a scrubber, my tank ran at 8.35 to 8.5 regularly due to kalkwasser use.

Randy, I am currently experiencing a green cyano outbreak which is mild but annoying. I am recirculating scrubber. Do you think that if I open a basement window, it will help? Top of aquarium is open.

FYI I cannot run skimmer line outside unless I drill a hole trough the side of the home.

Fish all appear healthy as well as coral.