Ozone lowering ph!

[spreston]

Started running ozone yesterday, since doing so my ph has dropped quite a bit. I realize that throughtout the day typically as the ph rises the orp will lower, but I did not realize the reverse would happen. Since yesterday my orp has risen around 25mv and the ph has dropped from 8.15 to 7.94. Are the two linked or merely a coincidence.

No changes to alk.

 

[Bryan]

Linked. Orp Rises with Ph drop and vice versa.

 

[spreston]

Thanks, I guess I will make this the cut off point for ozone, for now. Meanwhile, I will watch the ph over the next week and see how it reponds.

 

[Billybeau1]

Well, this needs a little clarifying.

A rise or drop in pH definitely affects ORP. As pH drops ORP rises and as pH rises ORP drops.

I don't believe that ORP affects pH. Actually I have proven that in my own tank. I have a pH monitor and it has no direct reaction when my ORP rises and falls.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Ozone may reduce pH a bit as it causes certain organics to become more acidic, as bacteria consume many of the now more palatable organics to produce more CO2, and as the process to make ozone may make some nitric acid if the air is not fully dried before entering the generator.

Long term, the effect of ozone on pH out to be minimal.

The first article below explains these issues:
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

 

[spreston]

If the ph rebounds in a day or so, I may try to raise the orp a little more at that time. I say that, right now I am running full blast and the orp is going nowhere. May have to try a different reactor, I wish I had room for Randy's coil of pipe reactor, but I don't. Might try a 4' tall pipe, slow flow and a airstone.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

My ORP remains around 300-320 mV range when using ozone, and in the 280-290 mV range without it. Remember, the goal is not ORP, but clear water with reduced organics in it. That may be accomplished even if the ORP remains at 30 mV.

 

[Billybeau1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11591742#post11591742 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by spreston
If the ph rebounds in a day or so, I may try to raise the orp a little more at that time. I say that, right now I am running full blast and the orp is going nowhere. May have to try a different reactor, I wish I had room for Randy's coil of pipe reactor, but I don't. Might try a 4' tall pipe, slow flow and a airstone.

I have no problem getting my tanks ORP up to 500 if I mess up.

What brand ozonizer are you using.

 

[spreston]

Red Sea 100mg with a diy reactor similiar to this one http://www.thesea.org/reef_aquarium/DIY/reactors/reactors_ozone.php. I am holding steady at 25mv above normal.

 

[Billybeau1]

My first ozone unit was a Red Sea. I could never get my ORP past 325 mv. It is now in the trash. Much like Randy's problem using the Aqua - something or other he is using. It just does not work.

If you want to inject ozone in your aquarium, I recommend 2 units.

I use the Sanders model. The Ozotech also has had good reviews.

Randy, I know ozone isn't on the top of your list, but, the unit you are using is not very good.

If you are in the experimenting mood, buy a Sanders unit and see where your ORP ends up.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Besides the ORP rising, what would I hope to see?

 

[spreston]

I knew that Sanders were good and what I intended to buy, but due to my impatience and lack of being able to find a distributor I went ahead with the Red Sea.

What are you using for a reactor?

Where did you purchase your Sanders?

 

[Billybeau1]

I inject my ozone into my protein skimmer.

I cant remember where I purchased mine off hand.

Google Sanders and you will find a couple of places to purchase.

I have been very happy with mine.

 

[Billybeau1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11592545#post11592545 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Randy Holmes-Farley
Besides the ORP rising, what would I hope to see?

I see clearer water. Don't know if my fish appreciate it, but I feel better.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Mine cleared substantially on initiating ozone. I'd be surprised it it could get clearer, but I suppose you never know unless you try.

 

[Billybeau1]

:lol:

 

[spreston]

FWIW, the ph has returned to normal. However, orp is going nowhere. If the new reactor doesn't work any better than the old one I may have to ditch the Red Sea and go with the Sanders as suggested.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Why? Don't be obsessed with ORP. There is no reason to believe, IMO, that more ozone will make anything better. High ORP is not necessarily better than lower ORP, when it is only artificially raised by chemicals.

It is the water yellowness that you should focus on. If after a week or so it is still yellow, then I agree that more ozone may help.

 

[spreston]

Randy you are probably right, but I do easily become obsessed. I am just a little disappointed the orp only went from 320-325 to 340-345, I just expected more. Anyways, I am running out of things to tinker with and this is my new project. I will build a new reactor and probably lose interest within the next week.

BTW-I would say the water is very clear right now.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

OK, if you do up the ozone, I'll be very interested to hear about any observations relative to the current dose situation.