Denitrifier and pH

[Acidshock]

Got a quick question with a problem I ran into and I am wondering how to resolve this problem. I have a denitrifier plus I also have lots of denitrification in my sump via three trays with reef mud to promote denitrification. However the problem I am running into is my pH is dropping due to the water becoming more acidic while its in a low oxygen environment. I especially started to notice the problems when I put on my denitrifier, for obvious reasons. I am just wondering is there any way to raise the pH of the water without using an additive like Kalkwasser?

I was wondering about adding more oxygen to the tank but I am not sure if that will increase the pH thus eliminating the problem or not do anything since the water is already of low pH when coming out of the denitrifier.

Any ideas?

I really dont want to add calcium supplements as that will only promote extremely high levels of calcium which can also be a bad thing.

 

[sunfish11]

I haven't installed it yet, but I have an H&S nitrate reactor. I was warned about PH and this particular denitrator has a mini calcium reactor in it to help raise the PH of the water leaving the sulfer chamber. It would be quite low coming straight out of the reactor.

Lisa

 

[sjames]

adding oxygen will not improve your pH. Degassing co2 will.

If you want to increase the pH of the denitrator effluent try dripping it through some calcium reactor media before it returns to the tank.

 

[packer]

Some have run the out line of the denitrifier into a small container that will overflow into the tank or sump and added an airstone to the container. This removes co2 and adds o2 to the effluent increasing the ph. It also will help if you drip your output prior to a protien skimmer ( my method) as it also adds air to the effluent.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

What type of denitrifier?

Have you measured the pH of the effluent?

What is the tank alkalinity and pH?


Low tank pH is always caused by excess CO2, as long as you have normal alkalinity. The best ways to raise pH are to provide more aeration with fresh air, and to use limewater. I think it is highly unlikely that limewater will cause excessive calcium.

This article has more:

Low pH: Causes and Cures
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.htm

 

[Acidshock]

Thanks Randy,

I will take measurements later today and post them!

 

[OCEAN SIZE]

Welcome to Reef Central (I don't know the url of the animated graphic)...

 

[OCEAN SIZE]

RHF - would it make sense to put a fuge in-line after a denitrator then?

I'd imagine the macro algae would like the co2.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

A refugium may benefit from higher CO2 as the refugium will consume CO2 and raise the pH, yes. However, the effect is probably fairly small as the denitrator flow rate is typically quite low relative to what otherwise is sent through a refugium.

 

[OCEAN SIZE]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12708937#post12708937 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Randy Holmes-Farley
A refugium may benefit from higher CO2 as the refugium will consume CO2 and raise the pH, yes. However, the effect is probably fairly small as the denitrator flow rate is typically quite low relative to what otherwise is sent through a refugium.

Thanks Randy. I think I can address that with creative plumbing.

I'm looking at how to place the different filter mechanisms and chambers in relation to one another. If the fuge will help counter that ph and Co2, in addition to the calcium media, that helps ! Muchas gracias

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

:thumbsup:

Good luck.