Raising pH (1 Viewer)

[emixa]

So here is something. I want raise my pH. I am using a buffer that is supposed to be good. I really don't want to use powder. My tank is not close enough to a window. I know that you can use a reactor filled with media to help but my skimmer is a closed loop air supply for the venturi system (lifereef).

What are other options?

 

[steveb]

maybe put T in the venturi line so it is partially pulling air from cup and partially from scrubber - kind of like having the ozone option...

If you can seal the lid some you might be able to pull air through scrubber into the cup and then from there into the venturi... but that is assuming you can seal lid in some way to keep air from being pulled in around edges.

 

[bpb]

Not often you find someone using an advanced top shelf skimmer like a lifereef, but using a ph buffer which is generally a no-no and should basically never be done (for the sole purpose of ph regulation anyway). Split the Venturi airline or just pull it from the skimmer cup entirely and run a co2 scrubbing reactor. That's really your best option. Ensure you're at an appropriate salinity and KH value obviously as well.

The problem with ph corrective products that you dose to the tank is that they also increase KH which is a bad bad bad thing, especially with corals. It creates an unstable environment. Yes we dose KH increasing substances but it's done to keep it stable and elevated. When dosed in the manner that a ph correcting substance is done, it's just too much. If you're using a product like that you need to really closely be monitoring calcium and alkalinity (should be anyway).

If you're already doing all of that then disregard my post


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[webster1234]

I agree with the scrubber option. I built one for $10 from a plastic storage container from Walmart. I T'd it into my skimmer intake where maybe 30% or so of the air gets pulled through the scrubber but not 100%. But that was enough to raise my pH from 7.8 to 8.1.

 

[emixa]

maybe put T in the venturi line so it is partially pulling air from cup and partially from scrubber - kind of like having the ozone option...

If you can seal the lid some you might be able to pull air through scrubber into the cup and then from there into the venturi... but that is assuming you can seal lid in some way to keep air from being pulled in around edges.

hey steve,

I had the same thought as yourself but after talking to Jeff at Lifereef, he said that the working capacity would truly reduce the working of the skimmer. it was suggested to perhaps disconnect the hose from the collection cup and run that direct to the co scrubber.

thanks for the advice though.

 

[emixa]

Not often you find someone using an advanced top shelf skimmer like a lifereef, but using a ph buffer which is generally a no-no and should basically never be done (for the sole purpose of ph regulation anyway). Split the Venturi airline or just pull it from the skimmer cup entirely and run a co2 scrubbing reactor. That's really your best option. Ensure you're at an appropriate salinity and KH value obviously as well.

The problem with ph corrective products that you dose to the tank is that they also increase KH which is a bad bad bad thing, especially with corals. It creates an unstable environment. Yes we dose KH increasing substances but it's done to keep it stable and elevated. When dosed in the manner that a ph correcting substance is done, it's just too much. If you're using a product like that you need to really closely be monitoring calcium and alkalinity (should be anyway).

If you're already doing all of that then disregard my post


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thanks for the advice. I test my Alk and sometimes Nitrate (while trying to elevate) on a daily basis. It has maintained stable. The product i am using is a Seachem powder made to not increase your Alk levels. i add about a teaspoon in my ATO when i go to fill it back up with fresh RO/DI. I see the spikes when the ATO goes off but the Alk stays the same. I agree totally that powders or easy fixes are not to be used. I had someone suggest taking the airline connected to the collection cup off and running that to a scrubber direct. I will do that and see what happens.

thanks again for the advice.

 

[webster1234]

Here is a picture of my $10 scrubber and it works great. Media lasts me anywhere from 2 weeks to a month.

 

[jqsquared]

I know on my lifereef disconnecting the skimmer cup is super loud (actually Bad *********) but i dont see why you couldnt plug it directly into one of those media canisters etc. I would just run some water into the venturi when you change media just to ensure it stays clear of salt.

 

[jqsquared]

Where do you get your media, it looks a lot larger granule size than the stuff on brs?

 

[webster1234]

Got mine here. Less expensive than BRS

Anesthesia Products : Soda Lime, 3 lb. bag

 

[bpb]

Holy smokes that's WAY cheaper


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[Mandarin417]

I was running 7.7 in 120 gallon my tank. Added the CO2 scrubber and starting using Kalkwasser in my ATO. pH is up to 8.1 now and currently not having to dose for alkalinity or CA. I also read some of Randy Holmes recommendation on increasing pH. I added 1/4 teaspoon of pickling lime in a cup of water into my overflow for a few days and that helped increase the pH. My alk is higher than I want it to be right now so I will start phasing out or at lease decreasing the amount of kalk in my ATO. With the change in pH and increased kalk, my nems are very happy now.

 

[emixa]

Got mine here. Less expensive than BRS

Anesthesia Products : Soda Lime, 3 lb. bag

I wonder what is the difference in that and the beads you see else where?

 

[webster1234]

not sure. I think its all soda lime. I've never used anything else. PSX turned me on to it. He has been running it for some time. I know its veterinary grade, and it works.

 

[Tangs]

I have never had to monitor my ph. Part of my filtration is using an undergravel. Ya I know there are pros and cons but there are pros and cons to everything ......tangs in cancun