Apex solenoid CO2 Scrubber
- Thread starter JustinMN18
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The Neptune SV-1 Solenoid is only meant for pressurized use, such as when connected to a CO2 tank for a calcium reactor, or attached to the water supply for a RO/DI filter.
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@JustinMN18 I found this at electricsolenoidvalve.com . It fits 1/2” RO tubing. It’s also 24V DC so I can power it from a 1-link accessory port. The website also has solenoids with 3/8” push connect fittings which would fit most small to midsize skimmers.
Does that work well? Have you tried using it to manage the CO2 Reactor and how it influences pH?
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@JustinMN18 haven’t used it yet. Watch my build thread, I should have it going in 7-9 months from now. Do a YouTube search on CO2 scrubbing. Specifically recirculating CO2 scrubbing.
Using one of these three way motorized ball valves with the Apex 24v port on our 200 gallon mixed reef:
Adapted it to the 3/8" tubing size I needed for the CO2 scrubbers. These valves are not full-bore inside so I went slightly larger then used a PVC fitting (for ease of threading) and stainless steel reducers for each side. It either pulls fresh air in from outside through the 2 BRS CO2 scrubbers into the skimmer, or when the PH hits the upper limit set in the Apex (8.35 right now), it rotates and just pulls fresh air in bypassing the CO2 scrubbers. No recirculation. I haven't had to change the media once yet and it's been running almost 2 months now. Added the 2nd canister in line with the first about 3 weeks ago. The plan is to rotate them to maximize the media life. Using Icecap media.
Day/night swing below. It could go higher than 8.35 if desired.
Adapted it to the 3/8" tubing size I needed for the CO2 scrubbers. These valves are not full-bore inside so I went slightly larger then used a PVC fitting (for ease of threading) and stainless steel reducers for each side. It either pulls fresh air in from outside through the 2 BRS CO2 scrubbers into the skimmer, or when the PH hits the upper limit set in the Apex (8.35 right now), it rotates and just pulls fresh air in bypassing the CO2 scrubbers. No recirculation. I haven't had to change the media once yet and it's been running almost 2 months now. Added the 2nd canister in line with the first about 3 weeks ago. The plan is to rotate them to maximize the media life. Using Icecap media.
Day/night swing below. It could go higher than 8.35 if desired.
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@JustinMN18 @bg2311 this is my dual jumbo scrubbing canisters on legs. Too big to go in cabinet. Sits outside stand. Should last a few months. I recirculate to keep media moist. More efficient that way.
A recirculating loop will make the media last longer but you should have something to prevent moisture from the skimmer from getting sucked back into the CO2 scrubber in the event that the skimmer cup ever get too full/overflows. If the scrubber pulls liquid in from the skimmer and the media gets wet it will melt and get pulled into the skimmer which won't be good for the tank. A skimmate locker can help, as can an optical sensor or float switch in the skimmer cup to cut power should the skimmer cup ever get too full.
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@JustinMN18 @bg2311 bought this from Fish Of Hex. He can custom 3D print one for your skimmer cup. If he doesn’t have the blueprint file for your make and model skimmer already, just send in your cup lid for measurements.
I just literally bought that on Friday this last week. I'm excited to check it out. I have the same skimmer as well.
Thanks so much, this is incredibly helpful. I will take a look at this in deeper detail and move forward!
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@JustinMN18 LOL that’s a coincidence, lightning strikes twice in the same place. What do you have for a tank, a build thread?
I don't have a build thread, but I have an Innovative Marine EXT 100 with a trigger systems 34 sump.. running the same skimmer, an aqua ultraviolet 15watt UV, "trying a fuge with no Luck", and 2 icecap 2k gyres. One vertical in the back, and one horizonal. I also have an apex. I am hoping that thing from hex will help me with the CO2 lol. I just added it, and trying to get used to the elevated swings. I'm seeing 8.15 to 8.33 now, and hoping that's not stressing everything out.
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@JustinMN18 cool !!! I’ve got two IceCap 2K gyres controlled by the dual Wi-Fi thing and VDM module.
I’ve got a UV too, first time with one. What was your pH reading before.
My pH before was 7.8 to 8.01 before, and I was thinking better pH would get my corals to grow better haha
That 7.8-8.01 is right about where mine was pre-scrubber. I don't have mine recirculating from skimmer yet. Rather it's hanging freely which I know will consume media, but pH range is now ~8.0-8.18 which is an improvement. Not in the 8.2-8.4 year. However I am doing a single BRS scrubber. Maybe a dual or larger one will give me that extra boost.
Separate question w/o hijacking this thread for @powers2001 . Can you point me to instructions on how to Icecap gyre to Apex feed? I had my 4ks working fine w/ the Apex Feed A before the Hydros app decided to update itself months back, so I know it works. Just have to redo my configs somehow between Apex program and Hydro voltage.
Do you notice a big difference using two scrubbers vs one? I have one but thought about getting a second.
Using the BRS ones and didn't get the jumbo size. I wanted to get the most out of the media so using 2 and swapping them made the most sense. I didn't run just one long enough to make a fair assessment as to the difference in time needed to replace the media. Still using the original 2 canisters of it though today.
I thought about upgrading to the large Icecap scrubber hoping for longer lasting media or higher pH. Not sure if either benefit would be real, but just feels like one less tank maintenance w/ one instead of two cans.
With the 2, you are doing it less frequently and still only emptying/refilling one at a time. Position 1 moves to position 2. Position 2 is emptied/refilled and takes the place of position 1. Squeezes more out of the canister by letting it scrub whatever the first one didn't.
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