As I have acquired an ORP controller I am looking at installing an ozone generator to maximize its use. I would like to know who out there uses one and what one they use. How much output should I look for in a unit? Does it really screw up the plastic on the protein skimmer if I pump it in there? What is the ideal ORP reading? Do you use a unit made for a hot tub since they are way less money? What is the added benefits of using one and how long was it before you noticed anything change? Is there anything I need to be aware to do or not do? I think the basic idea is that it allows more junk to be removed from the tank. Right now my ORP readings are anywhere from 290 when I feed to 335-340 during the day. I think that this is ok, though I understand a really clean tank is over 400 (usually with an ozone generator) and a really messy one is about 200. I was just looking for some people with more experience with this stuff to help guide me. So give me your input.
I don’t know anyone that uses one :
: and reading online it seems mostly like its a foreign country utilized type thing ::
Maybe somebody can at least steer you towards some good links for info?
I use there red sea 100 I run my orp at about 400 as far as killing skimmers with it I have not had a problem I don’t pump it in I use the intake of the air off the skimmer to pull it in through unit. just make sure you only add 5 to 15 at a time you want to take it slow I dose about 25 to 30 but I have it set up so when it hits 400 the unit stops making ozone. hope this helps a little.
craig
Ideal ORP is very complicated and the answer is more “steady” then a hard number.
One important piece of information here is if you use biopellets, sugar, vodka dosing, or are considering a low nutrient probiotic approach the ozone will work against you. Ozone will kill the bacteria you are trying to help.
With some skimmers you can harm them with Ozone, but which ones and to which extend varies immensely.
"I think the basic idea is that it allows more junk to be removed from the tank. " This is extremely simplifying things, but you could say that if your skimmer is functioning correctly.
I don’t believe I’ve ever seen ORP of 200, but then again I keep my tanks pretty clean by some peoples standards so what I consider a really messy tank may differ. I often tell people not to pay attention to what the number is or try to figure out what the best number is or to compare with another system. The best thing to do is to aim to keep it fairly steady.
It is often recommended to run activated carbon in use with ozone if you choose to use it, but there is plenty of reading online from people with more hands on experience then I have.
Not sure how much this helps. I have read a great deal on these, but never put one in place myself. When the budget on a tank will allow for one I prefer to go with a pro-biotic low nutrient approach(similar to “Zeovit systems” or bio-pellet systems, but not exactly)
At the advice of a fellow DRC member I opened the window in the room where the reef tank is. This helped in so many ways, it raised PH, and has boosted my ORP readings to 395 or so. Things look better than ever and I have seen a noticeable improvement starting in less than a day and has gotten better since then. I had no idea how stale the air in my house was, full of CO2.Since the ORP is staying just below 400 I don’t think an ozone generator is necessary, since most recommend switching off at 400-420. I will find something better to spend money on I guess. The ORP readings have helped me understand my tank better which is always good. :
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Glad to hear it help. It’s amazing what a bit of fresh air will do.