CO2 Scrubber
- Thread starter Reefmedic79
- Start date
I agree it shouldn't be a problem . I wouldn't expect the bicarbonate uptake to effect pH as the equilibration of the carbonate continuum is instantaneous. The photsynthetic activity involving CO2 uptake should raise pH not withstanding bicarbonate uptake .
On the other hand CO2 hydrolyzation takes time ( about 23 seconds)per Randy's article) .
So .it's not just a one step two step process by the algae as claimed in the ATS endorsement detour. It's a poor extrapolation giving a misleading impression, imo. That is, not all the available CO2 is used before bicarbonate by those organisms that can use bicarbonate for CO2.Bicarbonate uptake via protein transporters or enzyme activity probably occurs somewhat independently of the direct CO2 uptake as the CO2 is small enough to go through the cell membrane without help but may vary in localized concentrations near the consuming organisms.
The idea with a CO2 scrubber or fresh air solutions for pH is much different than uptake via photosynthesis since the first 2 focus on limiting the CO2 in the air entering the tank water; not on uptake assumptions dependent on photosynthetic organisms which can vary in their consumption considerably due to a number of variables like ph, light, iron,space.competition, growth et alia.
Having said that maroalgae refugia on opposite photo period can clearly help nnightime pH drops and help offset nightime hypoxia.Unfortunately space and light are requisites for algae export systems whether they float, are on a screen, are in a bare bottom bin or in a water fall. Higher level nutrients also encourage algae growth but most of us don't want more N and P or Fe in an effort to lower CO2.They also contibute organic matter that should be accounted for. Coral growing on oppsoite photoperiod can do much the same.
On the other hand CO2 hydrolyzation takes time ( about 23 seconds)per Randy's article) .
So .it's not just a one step two step process by the algae as claimed in the ATS endorsement detour. It's a poor extrapolation giving a misleading impression, imo. That is, not all the available CO2 is used before bicarbonate by those organisms that can use bicarbonate for CO2.Bicarbonate uptake via protein transporters or enzyme activity probably occurs somewhat independently of the direct CO2 uptake as the CO2 is small enough to go through the cell membrane without help but may vary in localized concentrations near the consuming organisms.
The idea with a CO2 scrubber or fresh air solutions for pH is much different than uptake via photosynthesis since the first 2 focus on limiting the CO2 in the air entering the tank water; not on uptake assumptions dependent on photosynthetic organisms which can vary in their consumption considerably due to a number of variables like ph, light, iron,space.competition, growth et alia.
Having said that maroalgae refugia on opposite photo period can clearly help nnightime pH drops and help offset nightime hypoxia.Unfortunately space and light are requisites for algae export systems whether they float, are on a screen, are in a bare bottom bin or in a water fall. Higher level nutrients also encourage algae growth but most of us don't want more N and P or Fe in an effort to lower CO2.They also contibute organic matter that should be accounted for. Coral growing on oppsoite photoperiod can do much the same.
_shorty_
New member
geeze.. sorry. didn't mean to offend anyone. LOL. Just offering up my limited experience. Some mentioned mainenance cost of CO2 scrubber, so I thought i might offer up different option since the op was trying to find solution for high CO2 in the system.
And - in practice, without CO2 somehow additionally added to the system at high enough rate, bicarbonates is definitely taken up by a waterfal scrubber assuming other photosynthesis limiting parameters are available: such phosphorus and nitrogen. You are misinformed about that one. There is much more water displacement over a waterfal scrubber than other forms of algae in the system with no air contact. It will find a carbon source. But i won't post any more on your CO2 scrubber thread.
I appologize to op for taking this off-topic.
And - in practice, without CO2 somehow additionally added to the system at high enough rate, bicarbonates is definitely taken up by a waterfal scrubber assuming other photosynthesis limiting parameters are available: such phosphorus and nitrogen. You are misinformed about that one. There is much more water displacement over a waterfal scrubber than other forms of algae in the system with no air contact. It will find a carbon source. But i won't post any more on your CO2 scrubber thread.
I appologize to op for taking this off-topic.
Last edited:
_shorty_
New member
Sorry, just one more post in response. I just meant because of low CO2 we don't have the common low pH issues. Nothing to do with bicarbonate. Sorry if that wasn't clear.
And - in practice, without CO2 somehow additionally added to the system at high enough rate, bicarbonates is definitely taken up by a waterfal scrubber assuming other photosynthesis limiting parameters are available: such phosphorus and nitrogen. You are misinformed about that one. There is much more water displacement over a waterfal scrubber than other forms of algae in the system with no air contact. It will find a carbon source.
To be clear, Yes some algaes in some conditions will take up some variable amount of bicarbonate as do other photosynthetic organisms; never said they didn't. However, it's not a significant concern relative to pH. Air contact could easily add more CO2 to the mix not necessarily less depending on the pH and th CO2 content in the surrounding air, btw.
To be clear, Yes some algaes in some conditions will take up some variable amount of bicarbonate as do other photosynthetic organisms; never said they didn't. However, it's not a significant concern relative to pH. Air contact could easily add more CO2 to the mix not necessarily less depending on the pH and th CO2 content in the surrounding air, btw.
I get mine from Air Gas. You can find them on line. They have retail outlets across the country and will deliver an on line order to a local retailer for you. Much of their product is used as a medical supply.
I am thinking of using this next after my current supply runs out.
Intersurgical Brand Carbon Dioxide Absorbent
I was buying from Wayfair, but the prices went up by 40% since i order some from there.
AirGas in my area are useless, called like 3 times, and they never return my calls with a price, I guess they dont care about selling to me.
I guess the 8 to 12 mesh granule size absorbs better then the Molecular Products does.
Intersurgical Brand Carbon Dioxide Absorbent
I was buying from Wayfair, but the prices went up by 40% since i order some from there.
AirGas in my area are useless, called like 3 times, and they never return my calls with a price, I guess they dont care about selling to me.
I guess the 8 to 12 mesh granule size absorbs better then the Molecular Products does.
DavidG1966
Premium Member
Does anyone know the manufacturer or brand name of the CO2 absorbent sold by BRS?
DavidG1966
Premium Member
I have been having an issue where my skimmer occasionally overflows because of airflow issues. In an attempt to fix that issue and conserve media I just created a stand a lone CO2 Scrubber. I purchased a PSK-1000 pump and connected it to my BRS canister that contains the media. I don't feel the need to chase pH, but I do not like when it crashes and gets super low. I programmed my APEX to control the PSK-1000. It comes on if the pH drops below 7.85 and turns off once it get back over 7.90. This 100% fixes my skimmer overflow issue. I will try this for a while to see how much longer the media now lasts.
Similar threads
