crazy orp

[imbuggin]

Randy

Recently my aquacontroller has been having some extreamly high orp readings. I don't even think the readings are possible (I need to check the calibration). My orp is currently running from 500-540 with no ozone? I got currious and inject some ozone it lowered the orp? Can readings be this high with no ozone. Why would it go down with ozone?

300 gallon BB tank
ph8.3 8.4
alk around 8
zero no2, no3, ammonia, phosphates
1800 watts of light
Ca 375-410
80-81 degree temp

Every thing looks happy? What would the downside be if my ORP is really that high and how would I get it down?

thanks for any help

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I think the 500+ ppm w/o ozone or other oxidizers is an error. It just is never that high.

What kind of ORP probe?

If you care to know the real ORP, or want to use ozone, I'd check the ORP meter with a standard ORP solution that is sold to reef hobbyists.

This article has more:

ORP and the Reef Aquarium
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-12/rhf/feature/index.php

 

[imbuggin]

thanks

thanks

thanks Randy. Thats what I figured. What is the downside of high orp curriously? Burn the fish gills?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Well, ORP is never (really never) too high or a problem if you are not adding oxidizers. If ORP is too high from added ozidizers, then yes, exposed organism tissues will become oxidized just like other organics in the water, and gills may be one of the most tender exposed tissues.