High ORP...what gives???

[WayneL333]

Hello everyone,

I'm a bit confused with my ORP readings and I'm hoping someone can shed more light. I want to run ozone in my reef tank but my ORP readings are consistently high. I started out with a non-Neptune ORP probe and I'm actually on my second brand new Neptune ORP probes and I always eventually get an consistent ORP reading that is over 440. So the probes can't be broken or non-functioning.

I am a believer in a DSB (6") and lots of live rock as well as a refugium. Could that have something to do with it?

I want to start using my Ozone reactor system, but I'm scared to get my ORP any higher as I don't want to kill my fish. Can someone please advise?

Thank you in advance.

[bertoni]

How long has the probe been in the tank? They often take weeks to equilibrate, apparently. How about the previous probe?

[WayneL333]

How long has the probe been in the tank? They often take weeks to equilibrate, apparently. How about the previous probe?

Each at least a month if not 2.

[tmz]

New probes often start with low readings. Doesn't sound like a probe issue after a month or two. High nitrate and low pH can raise the ORP btw. May not be so in your case but I'd peek at them.

[slief]

Have you calibrated them? While calibration isn't normally needed on new probes, if for some reason your base ORP calibration is off or was calibrated to an older probe, you ORP reading may not be accurate. ORP calibration is a bit of a pain because one of the items needed is quinhyrdone which can be tough to find. I keep some on hand myself as I have for years. If you search, you will find it but you may have to buy more than you need in which case, you can sell packets of it in the classified section to help others.

If in fact, your ORP is truly in the 400's and you don't have other issues as noted by TMZ, then there is no need for Ozone.

[tmz]

FYI

This article by Randy H Farley is very helpful for those interested in ORP:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-12/rhf/feature/index.htm

These other 3 are on Ozone:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-03/rhf/index.php
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-04/rhf/index.php
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-05/rhf/index.php

[bertoni]

I would consider trying to calibrate the probe, as suggested. What problem are you trying to solve with the ozone? It might be safe to run as is.

[FullBoreReefer]

Mine usually sits around 380's, so your not that far off. Are you noticing any issues in the system? Why add ozone, or what's the need in your case? Just curious, not meant to sound arrogant...