CO2 scrubber

[harleyguy]

<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I've been battling low pH for a while now and I've decided that it is probably a result in high CO2 in the house. I have read several threads on RC that have indicated the same type of problem and a CO2 scrubber worked wonders.</span></span>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></span>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Anyone here ever tried one, and if so, which type did you use? I am planning on doing a diy and trying several different types... I'll post when I do.</span></span>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span>
Shane

 

[lilrobb]

There is a supercheap DIY for a fairly effective one.
Just let the skimmer air-intakes suck their air through a kalkwasser bubbler.
CO2 attached to it and results in lower CO2 in the water...

 

[acroholic]

Unless we are talking dangerously low (< 7.7 or so), if your KH, calcium, and magnesium are all WNL, a lower than normal pH is not considered that bad from the reading I have done. I had low pH and didn't worry about it.

As another option, a Nilsen Reactor (Kalk Stirrer) your ATO runs thru can keep your pH up as well.

 

[harleyguy]

Acroholic;507716 wrote: Unless we are talking dangerously low (&lt; 7.7 or so), if your KH, calcium, and magnesium are all WNL, a lower than normal pH is not considered that bad from the reading I have done. I had low pH and didn't worry about it.

As another option, a Nilsen Reactor (Kalk Stirrer) your ATO runs thru can keep your pH up as well.

<span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: Verdana"> </span></span>
<span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: Verdana">My pH is dangerously low... Without using a buffer it can get down in the 7.7 range (during the day)... With buffer it still gets into the 7.6 range at night... This is with my Ca reactor off line. I thought about a Kalk stirrer, but figured I'd give some of the DIYs I've read about. The first one I'm going to try is sucking the skimmer air through Lime water. I have heard that this works well, but you must replace the lime water often (which is no big deal because lime is cheap).</span></span>

 

[lilrobb]

That's what I suggested above - use a replaceable container for the water - the lime grime wont be pretty

 

[jcusmarine]

I would go with a CO2 Scrubber. Reasonably priced at Aquarium Specialty. Check with a couple of LFS to see if they can get you one. I would not want the mess and upkeep of lime. I like that the CO2 scrubber does not involve any additives and is plag and play. The cartridge refil is reasonably priced in comparison to the lack of hands on time required to run it.....

See this link for info: