Do DIY CO2 Scrubbers cut it?

glb · Mar 30, 2019

I just got the media for a co2 scrubber to bump up my ph, which runs from 7.8-7.9-ish. Alk 9.5 and all other parameters fine. I’m sure the ph is co2 related because when I work on the tank, I see it drop. I’ve seen posts about making one from a plastic bottle and tubing. Do these work as well as the scrubbers I see on BRS?

Peach02 · Mar 31, 2019

glb said:
I just got the media for a co2 scrubber to bump up my ph, which runs from 7.8-7.9-ish. Alk 9.5 and all other parameters fine. I’m sure the ph is co2 related because when I work on the tank, I see it drop. I’ve seen posts about making one from a plastic bottle and tubing. Do these work as well as the scrubbers I see on BRS?

Generally DIY things work less and are not as reliable but are cheaper. Is the pH change new or is it a new tank? What’s your flow like?

glb · Mar 31, 2019

Peach02 said:
Generally DIY things work less and are not as reliable but are cheaper. Is the pH change new or is it a new tank? What’s your flow like?

The tank is two years old. I have one icecap gyre and a Quiet One 2.0 return pump. The gyre alternates between 10-60%. I also have an SCA-301 skimmer. Our house is pretty sealed up and there’s no way to get an air line to outside air. The alk is 9.5. The scrubbers on BRS aren’t that expensive, so maybe I should get one.

Peach02 · Mar 31, 2019

glb said:
The tank is two years old. I have one icecap gyre and a Quiet One 2.0 return pump. The gyre alternates between 10-60%. I also have an SCA-301 skimmer. Our house is pretty sealed up and there’s no way to get an air line to outside air. The alk is 9.5. The scrubbers on BRS aren’t that expensive, so maybe I should get one.

End of the day it’s your choice but if they arnt expensive and you need one go get it :)

ylreefer · Jun 12, 2019

Just thought I'd add to this thread here.

So I was having a low PH issue whenever I closed up all the windows. (which I have to do most of the time here) I previously ordered a 5inch RO housing from amazon to use as a carbon filter (I have a diy post on here)
https://www.reef2reef.com/index.php?threads/465906/

I've just ordered a bag of soda lime to and thought I'd use this reactor to give it a try.

I added a couple of mls of water into the base and filled the inner bottle with the media and boom, it definitely works I can say.

This morning before lights on at 0715 PH was at 8.01. Up from about 7.7/7.8. I expect it will go up to about 8.2 during the photo period so wi keep an eye on it today.

I know co2 scrubbers are not expensive, but BRS won't ship internationally so I had no choice lol

ylreefer · Jun 12, 2019

ylreefer said:
Just thought I'd add to this thread here.

So I was having a low PH issue whenever I closed up all the windows. (which I have to do most of the time here) I previously ordered a 5inch RO housing from amazon to use as a carbon filter (I have a diy post on here)
https://www.reef2reef.com/index.php?threads/465906/

I've just ordered a bag of soda lime to and thought I'd use this reactor to give it a try.

I added a couple of mls of water into the base and filled the inner bottle with the media and boom, it definitely works I can say.

This morning before lights on at 0715 PH was at 8.01. Up from about 7.7/7.8. I expect it will go up to about 8.2 during the photo period so wi keep an eye on it today.

I know co2 scrubbers are not expensive, but BRS won't ship internationally so I had no choice lol

Apologies forgot to add photo and the forum won't let me modyfiy any of my posts [emoji849]

glb · Jun 12, 2019

Mine is working very well. Ph swings from 7.9-8.2 now, instead of 7.7-8.0. I’m very happy!!

sergifed91 · Jun 12, 2019

I don't have one but got a apex unit with a PH probe. I don't know how off they normally are but since I did I can monitor my PH and its in the range of 7.9 to 8.2. where before when I would test it at 7 am and then again at 6:30 pm it was always at 7.8. so I don't really need one at this time. but I'm always running in and out this time of year and opening the door has more effect this time of year. winter and fall maybe a different situation where it may drop to 7.9 or below. will have to wait and see.