Using metal barbs for ozone

[Miami Reef]

@Randy Holmes-Farley

I ordered this inexpensive silica desiccant air drier for my ozone unit.

I see there are metal barbs on the input and output. Is that safe my reef tank? Will metals leach into my protein skimmer?

This is the product:

https://a.co/d/a5ybspf

Question number 2: Am I allowed to regenerate silica beads in the microwave? I saw someone on YouTube recharge their beads in only 3 minutes! Will the beads last long if I recharge them via the microwave vs using an oven?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

IMO - since the dessicant is upstream from the generator, it will just have air going through it, so no issue at all, like the old brass aquarium valves.

I didn’t know you could regenerate desdicant in a microwave….we always used a metal tray in a toaster oven (but I forget what temp/time we used).

Jay

 

[GT3000XX]

Picked this up on Amazon.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The only concern with the metal is if moisture condenses on it (or water gets to it some other way) and then works it way back to the tank. Be sure it is at a higher level than the tank water so there's no chance of water siphoning into it.

 

[djkms]

Picked this up on Amazon.

I just picked up this exact same desiccant from Amazon (much cheaper then BRS)
Do you still use this and any issues?

 

[Miami Reef]

I just picked up this exact same desiccant from Amazon (much cheaper then BRS)
Do you still use this and any issues?

I use it. Don’t microwave it. It’s the worst idea. The beads will get soggy and wet.

I put them in the oven at 350-400 and leave it there until the color changes back to the starting point. Very easy.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I use it. Don’t microwave it. It’s the worst idea. The beads will get soggy and wet.

I put them in the oven at 350-400 and leave it there until the color changes back to the starting point. Very easy.

We bought a toaster oven for this task…..