Help From Ozone Users System Pics

[Mark NJ]

I set up an ozone system and am running it through an old Red Sea Berlin skimmer as a reactor. I am using a Red Sea Aqua Zone 200mg/h generator and a Pinpoint ORP controller. I'm also using a DIY air dryer and filtering the air and water effluent through carbon.. I have the water running into a filter bag full of carbon but it's a bit cumbersom and I know there has to be a better way. How much carbon do I actually need to use and I would like to know what other ozone users are using to filter the water effluent. Ideally I would like to see pics of your systems. I am only running the generator at 5% (10 mg/h) to see how everything reacts. I would welcome any suggestions and especially your photos. Thanks to all.

 

[Billybeau1]

Regardless of what kind of skimmer you have, it is recommended to run the exit water through carbon before it goes back in the tank. I have a Red Sea Berlin Turbo and I put a filter sock on each exit line filled with carbon. Plus I put a carbon sack on top of my collection cup. Its really no big deal and does not require a lot of maintenance.

 

[Mark NJ]

How much carbon do you need to use and how often should it be changed?

 

[Billybeau1]

I put a half cup or so in each filter sock and about a cup on top. I change it about every two months.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I discuss carbon filtration for both the air and water from an ozone reactor in the second article below:

Ozone and the Reef Aquarium, Part 1: Chemistry and Biochemistry
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-03/rhf/index.php

Ozone and the Reef Aquarium, Part 2: Equipment and Safety
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-04/rhf/index.php

Ozone and the Reef Aquarium, Part 3: Changes in a Reef Aquarium upon Initiating Ozone
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-05/rhf/index.php

 

[Mark NJ]

Billybeau 1
Randy
Thanks for the info I appreciate your responses

Billy, I was using WAY too much. Thanks.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

FWIW, I use several cups of carbon in my ozone setup. Removing ozone byproducts may be a more demanding application than binding organics.

 

[Paul B]

If it is any help I run 50mg/hr ozone through a skimmer in my 100 gallon reef and have not shut it off in about 30 years except to clean. I don't use carbon for the outflow but I did for many years. It doesen't seem to hurt anything. IMO if you use carbon which is not a bad idea, you do not have to change it very often because the oxone would be degraded by the trapped organics in the carbon weather it is saturated or not. This is my opinion from my experience.

 

[Mark NJ]

Very nice tank Paul!!!! I like the macro algae look. Is that Red Gracelaria in the background?

Randy, I think I will fill two small filter socks with about 2 cups of carbon each and attach one to each of the two 3/4 water outlets. I am plumbing each with 3/4 flex PVC as we speak. And.....Your 3 articles were invaluable to me....Great stuff.

Thanks guys

 

[Paul B]

Is that Red Gracelaria in the background?

That picture is about a year old and I would say that is cyanobacteria in the background. :lol:

But Red Gracelaria (whatever that is) sounds much better.
Paul

 

[Mark NJ]

LOL.. It's just a red macro algae.. Looked like it at the top, right centerof your tank. Tangs love it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/RED-GRACILARIA-...tcZphotoQQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I had a major cyano outbreak a few years ago. Man you have been in the hobby a long time..Pre-Protien skimmer etc. It was alot tougher in those days I understand. Right now I'm only pumping in about 10 mg/h of the ozone then if all is well I will "kick it up a notch". I let the ORP probe sit for 2 days to stabilize with no ozone, which it did at 313 mv. The 10 mg brought it up so far to 350 in about a day and a half. I know this is still low. What do you keep yours at?

 

[Paul B]

Yeah it's Red Gracilaria, thats what it is, yeah thats it. :lol:

Mark, I have no Idea what my ORP reading is. I never tested it and I don't have a meter. Whatever it is, it's good enough to keep it going for 36 years. :eek1:

I have always used 50mg/hr in my 100 gallon. It seems to work. If I had a controller I would run it higher but thats the limit on my ozonizer. I would never run a reef without ozone.
Take care.
Paul

 

[Billybeau1]

Mark, I'm not sure the actual number is significant (unless your over 400)

I keep mine between 375-390 mv.

 

[plandy]

"Mark, I have no Idea what my ORP reading is. I never tested it and I don't have a meter. Whatever it is, it's good enough to keep it going for 36 years."

Paul, Do you do water changes? How often and how many gallons?

 

[Paul B]

I change about 20% maybe every two or three months.

 

[Mark NJ]

Do you guys shut down the ozone when/If you add supplements?
I add cyclop-eze and various coral foods and a few additives like reef complete etc. I've read that it's best to shut down both the protien skimmer and ozone for awhile when you do this. Any suggestions? :eek2:

 

[Paul B]

I personally do not use any additives except calcium. I do not shut off the skimmer.
Paul

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You must add alkalinity, Paul.

In addition to calcium and alkalinity, I add iron for macroalgae and silicate for sponges/snails/etc.

 

[Paul B]

Oh is that what is in that other gallon of stuff I mixed from your recipe? I do add that now but for the first 34 years I guess I did it wrong. :lol:
Take care.
Paul

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Maybe those beer bottles slowly dissolved, adding alkalinity.