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westcott
09/21/2006, 08:08 AM
I was reading an older article written by Shimek and he suggested that some people have had problems with CO2 and O2 levels in their homes. The house is so well sealed that a build up of CO2 or a depletion of oxygen may occur.

I thought this may be an issu in my fairly new home and sure enough, I opened the doors yesterday morning and last night and my pH levels rose dramatically.

I was thinking that maybe I should poke a small hole in the wall and run my protein skimmer venturi air line to the outside of the house to inject fresh air into the tank.

What do you all think?

I would leave the doors open more often but here in the Houston heat, that is not an option most of the year.
King-Kong
09/21/2006, 08:16 AM
A lot of people recommend doing just what you're suggesting: run the protein skimmer hose outdoors.

Maybe consider putting a simple cotton filter on the outside to avoid things getting sucked in, but otherwise it should work wonders.
Billybeau1
09/21/2006, 08:41 AM
Yes, you have discovered the #1 reason why pH is low in our tanks. I agree with KK that running fresh air to the skimmer may help. This article has more.

Low pH: Causes and cures
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.htm
westcott
09/21/2006, 10:05 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8191433#post8191433 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Billybeau1
Yes, you have discovered the #1 reason why pH is low in our tanks. I agree with KK that running fresh air to the skimmer may help. This article has more.

Low pH: Causes and cures
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.htm

Thanks for the link(s). I will let you know how it works out after a trip to the hardware store this weekend.

The issue brought up about insecticide spraying by the city is one I will have to give more thought to. A carbon filter of some sort will have to be made/bought that does not reduce overall air flow.