Recirculating CO2 scrubber media

[BAMatter]

Wondering how much longer media is lasting for people who use recirculating scrubbers ? I used to get anywhere from 4-10 days, with the media beginning to change pink hours after replaced. Recently hooked it up as recirculating and it hasn’t even begun to change after 3 days. Does this seem right, or could it be too humid for it to work properly? My PH has remained where needed so I’m just assuming it is lasting much longer but wanted to consult the masses here…

 

[ShepherdReefer]

Sorry, I cannot help. I guess I am one of the reefers who don't need a CO2 scrubber.

 

[BAMatter]

Sorry, I cannot help. I guess I am one of the reefers who don't need a CO2 scrubber.

Helpful, thank you :)

 

[WestMI-Reefer]

This is normal and to be expected. You’re previous set up (not recirculating) was actually scrubbing air from the entire room, not just the skimmer. With the recirculating set up, the scrubber is only scrubbing the air in the skimmer. Basically, you cut its work load down by 100x so expect for the media to last longer.

one thing to note, if you have it on recirculating constantly, it can cause ph to climb too high. This is where many reefers introduce fresh air from outside (lower CO2 than inside) or air in the room, to slightly drop the ph. This can be achieved with solenoids or ball valves to allow “fresh” air in.

 

[BAMatter]

This is normal and to be expected. You’re previous set up (not recirculating) was actually scrubbing air from the entire room, not just the skimmer. With the recirculating set up, the scrubber is only scrubbing the air in the skimmer. Basically, you cut its work load down by 100x so expect for the media to last longer.

one thing to note, if you have it on recirculating constantly, it can cause ph to climb too high. This is where many reefers introduce fresh air from outside (lower CO2 than inside) or air in the room, to slightly drop the ph. This can be achieved with solenoids or ball valves to allow “fresh” air in.

Thanks… yea, I’ve noticed the PH getting up there. I’ve ordered a 3/8” solenoid I will hard wire into my Hydros controller and splice the air line into a T, and let the controller peg PH closer to the 8.3 area. I’ll let it suck in room air when it gets to 8.32 and kick back into the scrubber at 8.30.

 

[WestMI-Reefer]

Thanks… yea, I’ve noticed the PH getting up there. I’ve ordered a 3/8” solenoid I will hard wire into my Hydros controller and splice the air line into a T, and let the controller peg PH closer to the 8.3 area. I’ll let it suck in room air when it gets to 8.32 and kick back into the scrubber at 8.30.

Yup, Thats the idea! Looks like you’re setting yourself up for success

 

[BAMatter]

Yup, Thats the idea! Looks like you’re setting yourself up for success

I had really good polyp extension when I was dosing kalk on the ACI method and had pegged PH at 8.30-8.32, just wasn’t thrilled with the alk swings. So with dosing kalk 24-7, this will be a good way to help the PH swing, and maintain benefit of steady alk.

Always something to learn in this hobby…