Maintaining pH stability in your aquarium

Reef aquariums are complex and often fragile ecosystems that thrive on stability to succeed.

Daily fluctuations in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the air caused by normal breathing, pets, and cooking can all impact the aquarium’s pH. The higher the concentration of CO2 the skimmer pulls in, the greater the acidification of the water, often resulting in a drop in pH, unstable dKH, and significantly inhibited coral calcification. Overtime, this could lead to stressed corals’ and even the loss of that coral. When the lights are on, photosynthesis is occurring to help stabilize the aquarium’s pH. At night, however, the pH drops as oxygen demand increases. This is especially true during autumn and winter, when windows are often closed and rooms are less ventilated. This is the ideal time to begin using the Aquaforest AF Air Scrubber to support a stable reef aquarium.

The Aquaforest AF Air Scrubber reactor and absorbing media help prevent harmful fluctuations caused by low pH when used correctly. The body of the AF Air Scrubber reactor is made of the highest quality white and transparent acrylic. By using a modern design aesthetic, it can be used either outside the cabinet or conveniently placed inside the cabinet. Functionality was a key design consideration when developing this product. The AF Air Scrubber reactor is easy to assemble and disassemble to service, while ensuring proper airflow throughout the CO2 scrubbing media.

One remarkable feature of the Aquaforest AF Air Scrubber reactor is the base on which the CO2 filter rests. Inside, there are three cut-to-size sponges which are designed to be soaked in RO water to moisten the air and improve media performance. For optimal performance, the sponges in the base should always be moist. If they dry out before needing to change the media, simply remove the base from the top of the reactor, soak the sponges in RO and reassemble. Lab tests indicate this can significantly extend the life of the media over a greater period of time making it a cost effective piece of reefing equipment.

Consistent water parameters and CO2 reduction

Moving on to the body of the reactor, by designing the unit to pull CO2 filled air through the sponge layer at the bottom, the air is channeled up through a grid making sure the highest amount of CO2 can be removed before going into the skimmer or reef aquarium. The media is protected between a layer of special dust absorbing sponges at the top and bottom of the reactor. On the lid of the reactor, there is a cap with a smart-twist closure allowing for quick and easy access to the interior of the reactor. To ensure proper airflow suction, a flap and seal has been installed to guarantee bottom to top airflow. As a result, the color changing media is gradually used from the bottom to the top making it easy to see when it is time to replace the media. It is recommended to replace the media before the color completely changes. On the outer part of the lid, there is a 10 mm/⅜” hose connection, which connects the reactor to a protein skimmer. Within a few days, signs of the media working will be apparent and pH will increase as CO2 is being absorbed.

According to our tests, the Aquaforest AF Air Scrubber can raise the pH ~0.2 – 0.4 degrees and its stabilization in the range of 8.0 – 8.4. We recommend using the Aquaforest AF Air Scrubber together with the Aquaforest AF Air Scrubber Media cartridge. This configuration ensures the most effective removal of CO2 from the air drawn in by the skimmer.

Aquaforest AF Air Scrubber – key features

• Reduces CO2 while increasing the pH
• Stabilizes day/night pH levels
• Prevents sudden dKH changes
• Large capacity – 2.3 liters
• Innovative technology boosting the media’s lifespan and efficiency
• Compatible with variety of skimmers with a 10 mm/⅜” hose
• Easy to use
• High-quality materials

Dimensions

Height: 35.5 cm + 3.5 cm (connectors) / 14″ + 1.4″
Width: 15.5 cm / 6.1″

Important

The filter does not contain a CO2 absorbing cartridge in the set.

The pH of the water changes in the daily rhythm, and therefore measurements should always be performed at the same time of the day.

If used up media is left inside the reactor too long, it can change color again, but it is no longer effective at removing CO2 from the air.

When changing out the media, it is best to wear gloves and do it in a well-ventilated space. 

Inside you can use AF Air Scrubber Media together with Carbon.