How to raise pH in saltwater tank with a CO2 scrubber | Reef FAQs

Is excess CO2 in your home or office causing low pH in your reef tank? Here's how to find out and what you can do about it!
#ReefFAQs
More related pH videos from BRStv!
➡ Top 5 ways to raise reef tank pH : brs.li/BRStv_Top5_RaisePH
➡ Does higher pH grow corals faster? : brs.li/BRStv_HigherPH_FasterG...
➡ #AskBRStv Live discussion about pH : brs.li/BRStvLIVE_HighLow_pH
Community Links!
➡ This topic on R2R: brs.li/R2R_CO2Scrubber_pH
➡ BRS R2R Sponsor Page: brs.li/BRS_R2R_Sponsor
➡ #AskBRStv Facebook Group: brs.li/AskBRStv_Facebook
➡ BRS on Instagram : brs.li/BRS_Instagram
Related Reef Gear!
➡ CO2 Scrubbing Media : brs.li/BRS_CO2Scrubber_Media
➡ BRS Universal CO2 Scrubber : brs.li/BRS_UniversalCO2_Scrubber
➡ BRS Jumbo CO2 Scrubber: brs.li/BRS_JumboCO2_Scrubber
On BRStv Reef FAQs we're all about quick and straight to the point answers for questions that reefers ask all the time, in an effort to help make your reefing life a bit more fun and easy!
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[@neilharvey6967]

Hey Neptune how about you carry a 3/8” solenoid for CO2 scrubbing?

[@Fullion-CA]

THANK YOU!!!!! I have a 75G Reef only tank that I have just been researching into dosing because of irregular coral frag growth. One of the things I have been trying to get a handle on is lower PH values. This video definitely is helping to let me know a direction to continuing research.

[@lucianlipan8347]

I am really looking forward to that 3/8” solenoid for CO2 scribing, thanks Neptune!

[@chrishet]

IMO a better valve solution is a Motorized Ball Valve. A Solenoid valve as you describe draws power and heats up considerably. Motorized Ball Valves only draw power when they turn on or off, thus no heading issues....also they are available in 12v versions which are much safer. I use a US Solid found on Amazon and control it with my Apex. As for moisture control some route the input of the scrubber from the lid of their skimmer, I just use a small bottle (Gatorade) of RO water with a 3/8 inch tube and route that into the input. Moisture is key to keeping the media from going bad to fast. Wit this setup I can get 2-3 weeks from my media and my pH went from 7.8 - 8.0 to 8.2 - 8.3 - HUGE! and my corals are growing like crazy! Click image to open expanded view Motorized Ball Valve- 1/2" Stainless Steel Ball Valve with Full Port, 9-24V AC/DC and 2 Wire Auto Return Setup by U.S. Solid

[@skzion2]

Very interesting. Thanks.

[@keepsummersafe2147]

I've been trying to get a Co2 scrubber working on my system for a bit now. I can offer some tips. 1) If you go the route of a solenoid get the one from McMaster-Carr. They run about $75, but... the Neptune 1/4" won't work. I've tried by using an adapter to make it 1/4" and the solenoid simply won't open. I've talked directly to Neptune and their solenoids require some pressure to open and won't work in this scenario. IF they make a 3/8" one (Please do) they will need to make sure it will work with no pressure in front of it. 2) Get the 24v one if you have an EB832. Hookup is easy, just solder one connection on each tab and wrap it with some tape. Neptune sells a bare 24v cable to use with the EB832. Direct control and you don't have to use up a 120v outlet. 3) The air must be very humid. I've had a hard time getting mine to work. I purchased a second RO cartridge and put in front of my Co2 media and keep it filled with water, this has helped, but still not perfect. I also have to add water to this every day and i make sure some is sucked over into the Co2 media container. 4) I've had issues with the media (BRS) turning purple, could be due to #3 ... not sure... but based on pH on my Apex, it appears to be working, but not working in regards to turning purple as I'd want it to. 5) I've got another brand media I'm going to test to see if it works better (meaning turns purple for me) 6) Connect the hose directly to the pump on your skimmer. The silencer is no longer needed and it's not air tite so .. you will be pulling in fresh air also. I also wish BRS would use "clear" containers with their 10" version. They are currently a shade of purple... which makes it even harder to see the media change. I plan to swap mine with one from my RO/DI as it is clear and should be easier to see next time I have to replace the sediment filter or carbon blocks.

[@Moonfruit777]

Have you guys found any solution for the moisture that collects in the co2scrubber cartrige when you recycle the air through the skimmer cup? I assume it's not so great if the media gets submerged, especially in a big enough container that does not get refilled every week... You mentioned this exact problem a while back in a BRSlive too, so I am not the only one with this problem :D

[@ceippert]

Wish Neptune would make a 3/8 version of a solenoid since this is how people are stabilizing PH. I noticed since these videos many of the vendors are sold out of their push connect solenoids. I wonder why? Come on Neptune stay on the cutting edge of technology and continue to pioneer and listen to your customers. Skimmer companies should also rethink their designs to allow for co2 scrubbing recirculating tube connect. The regal float valve is a start.

[@ericpointer1100]

Definitely would like to see apex make that siloed in the appropriate size

[@Nicole-vg2qz]

I spoke to a neptune rep at a local reef expo and he said now that they are finished with the Trident that was something they have thought about but no concrete decisions.

[@NationalReefing]

Is the process similar for converting the BRS Deluxe Reactor with the sleek black styling into a CO2 scrubber?

[@CarloLRamas]

Goodafternoon Sir, Is the air comes out from the scrubber can be used as a biofuels also?

[@CalebChapman12]

What about house plants?

[@AJ-bi6ns]

Could you post a link to the solenoid? Have the scrubbed and apex ready to go, but would like to minimize cost :)

[@AJ-bi6ns]

BulkReefSupplyCom What size tubing? Having a hard time find the correct solenoid.

[@kingincrimson]

How can I lower ph? I get consistent 8.4 readings. Sometimes 8.5. My tank is in an open area and I run a refugium and kalkwasser on the top off water. I'm thinking about reduicng the refugium's lighs on period and abolish the kalk, but the pooblem is that I can't keep my nitrates low or my alk stable. I already correct the alk with NaHCO3 instead of soda ash.

[@kingincrimson]

@@BRStv Thanks for the response! Thinking about it, pH is indeed the most stable parameter in my tank. The HCO3 makes the pH drop 0.1 point every time I dose it.

[@fishstix1988]

For the McMaster-Carr solenoid, do you use the 120V or the 24V?

[@BRStv]

We used the 120v

[@truereefkeeping6022]

Is there a reason why my alkalinity would be dropping really fast after hooking up a co2 scrubber? To bad your “jumbo co2 scrubber” is super expensive, I just bought the 10” one from you guys and my PH is already at 8.3 consistently

[@BRStv]

Higher pH can lead to faster coral growth. Faster coral growth will cause alkalinity (and calcium/magnesium) consumption to increase. Alkalinity is usually the one we notice first as it moves a lot more than calcium or magnesium do.

[@andycx2]

Tried this and it had very little if any effect on PH. Your talking something like 0.02 increase in ph. This is only a reefer 350 with a nac 7 skimmer

[@andycx2]

@@Bommie. no its not feasible for me to run a. line outside

[@heatheralexander80]

3/8 Neptune come on

[@Id30912]

Hey neptune .........

[@mitchpowers7043]

Hey Neptune how about you carry a 3/8” solenoid for CO2 scrubbing?