Co2 scrubber

[undermind]

I have it set up just as you described. The air line goes in the inlet of the scrubber (using 1/4 to 3/8ths tube adapters) and from the outlet to the air stone in the sump. I'm using an Ehiem 200 air pump with both outlets driven to one tube using a T coupling.
The air pump is not silent. You can tell when the pump is running. It's on a wood floor with the only dampening being the rubber feet it comes with. I think it can be quieter.

Ooohhhhhh

I see. I didn't realize you were using an airstone. I saw your comment about not having to use the skimmer but it didn't quite compute I guess. I still pictured it going into the air intake there.

Well I like your method. You've essentially eliminated the pH swing (while raising it of course). I would be tempted to try out your method but it would mean I'd have to accept the low end of my pH swing and peg it there. I'm pretty fortunate to range between 8.2-8.45 after installing the scrubber and now that I've gotten the taste for 8.45, it's hard to give it up. Just greed. So I guess it's peak pH vs no-swing pH.

 

[JeepinReefer21]

Ooohhhhhh

I see. I didn't realize you were using an airstone. I saw your comment about not having to use the skimmer but it didn't quite compute I guess. I still pictured it going into the air intake there.

Well I like your method. You've essentially eliminated the pH swing (while raising it of course). I would be tempted to try out your method but it would mean I'd have to accept the low end of my pH swing and peg it there. I'm pretty fortunate to range between 8.2-8.45 after installing the scrubber and now that I've gotten the taste for 8.45, it's hard to give it up. Just greed. So I guess it's peak pH vs no-swing pH.

Now, I must say, by using the controller I can get it to be above 8.2 consistently. But I'm happy with the .1 PH swing through the day. I'm not that greedy ;-) HAHA

 

[donbavis]

I put a CO2 scrubber on my RSR 300XL today and it's funny to see how quickly the PH climbed. I'm using the BRS universal scrubber with the tube simply connected to my skimmer's silencer. I'll do something prettier soon but this took me literally 10 minutes to setup so I could see what impact it had. As soon as I turned on the skimmer, the PH started to rise from 8.08 to 8.28.

 

[undermind]

I put a CO2 scrubber on my RSR 300XL today and it's funny to see how quickly the PH climbed. I'm using the BRS universal scrubber with the tube simply connected to my skimmer's silencer. I'll do something prettier soon but this took me literally 10 minutes to setup so I could see what impact it had. As soon as I turned on the skimmer, the PH started to rise from 8.08 to 8.28.

Oh yeah, it's incredible. Instant. And the cool thing is that your next daylight cycle will probably bring an even bigger gain. Since the low point will be higher tomorrow, it will climb to a higher high.

 

[Saltyanimals]

Is anyone ever concerned with a large canister of CO2 media not being used up efficiently because of the sheer volume? i.e. the middle of the can maybe having more life left and that we're probably better off using smaller flatter containers for the air contact? Or is this overthinking it. =)

 

[undermind]

Is anyone ever concerned with a large canister of CO2 media not being used up efficiently because of the sheer volume? i.e. the middle of the can maybe having more life left and that we're probably better off using smaller flatter containers for the air contact? Or is this overthinking it. =)

The cool thing about the color changing media is that you can see exactly how it's being used up. If only the top or bottom media in a canister were changing color, or you were changing media before it had all changed color, then yes that would be a concern. In my experience though, all of the media will change color before I change it. So I think it all gets used up.

 

[gbroadbridge]

Is anyone ever concerned with a large canister of CO2 media not being used up efficiently because of the sheer volume? i.e. the middle of the can maybe having more life left and that we're probably better off using smaller flatter containers for the air contact? Or is this overthinking it. =)

I use color changing media.

i usually change media when the color change is halfway up. Just pour the used media off the bottom (the cap is at the bottom)

 

[Saltyanimals]

I use color changing media.

i usually change media when the color change is halfway up. Just pour the used media off the bottom (the cap is at the bottom)

Mine never changes color or at least not obvious through the slightly tinted can. I just watch the pH drop Apex alarm to know when to change.

 

[undermind]

Yeah watching pH is the most reliable method. It should be changed out based on setting a low pH target then hitting it, and not watching the color of the media change.

Some brands change color dramatically and others change so minimally that it's hard to see. I've gone through most of the brands and I think BRS and Icecap change minimally, while Two Little Fishies and Jorvet (Amazon) change more dramatically. If my memory serves correct anyway

 

[GusMayo]

I just installed a scrubber on my Red Sea 170. I'm using an Ice Cap small reactor hooked to a Ehiem Air pump sitting outside of my Cabinet. I control the air pump using my Hydros controller and PH probe. I have it set to come on if the pH falls below 8.1 and turn off above 8.2. With this set up I have been able to to raise my tanks pH from 7.6-7.8 to 8.1-8.2 comfortably without blowing through CO2 media, and without having to run my skimmer (which is how most hook up scrubbers)

I'm actually planning on the exact setup... Where did you place the airstone, and how do you keep the bubbles out of the return?