Some questions on Ozone

[Beckmola24]

I'm new to this board, so I'm not sure how many times it's been discussed here, but I am seriously considering an ozone generator for my tank and I had a few questions. Could someone explain an ozone setup for me??? I'm just not sure how I'd hook it up and inject it into my Protein skimmer. Also what is a decent brand of ozone generator to buy and what size would I need for a 225-250g (not sure which tank I'm going to go with)?? Also I've been reading about using carbon to keep any ozone from leaking into the tank, and was wondering where was the best place to put the carbon in the sump?? Lastly where can I get a the ozone safe tubing?? Thanks in advance!!

~Becky~

[MikeP]

Becky, I don't know anyone personally that runs ozone but there was a great thread on it at reefcentral a few months back. I know they use it extensively in Europe where frequent water changes are not as much of an option as here.

[StephenA]

Welcome to MAAST Becky!

I have an ozone generator on my tank. It's homemade. I have an ozone generator that has an external air pump that pumps normal air in to it. Then the output of the generator goes in to a PVC chamber with small holes in it. It has a small pump that pumps water in to the chamber. The chamber has a couple of bio balls in it that just move around from to break up the flow. The water ozone mix them exits thru the small holes in to my sump.

I would think that injecting it in the skimmer would cause it to leave the system faster.

You may also consider getting a unit with an air dryer. They are more effiecent at adding ozone to the system.

I got the airline tubbing from one of the lfs here in town. It's rated to handle ozone.

What part of the world are you in?

[Beckmola24]

I am in the Texas part of the world :) Houston to be exact! My husband and I moved there a few months back from Seattle, WA. I'm loving the warm weather and sunshine, but miss the mountains :(

Anyways I had a few friends back in Seattle that swore by their ozone generators and I got into the bug of wanting one. It really makes the water crystal clear! I also like the idea of being able to control my ORP. I would be scared making my own because I'm not good at DIY yet, but I'm working on it :) I was thinking maybe the red sea model or something along those lines... Anyone else out there run ozone??

[Beckmola24]

So with a controller will you be using a ORP monitor??

[Alamo]

I bought the red sea deluxe with controller and orp monitor.. i have a 125 , i bought the red sea 50 for a tank your size i would get the larger model.. the setup is easy.. buy an airpump, tubing goes into ozantor.. it has in and out nozzles,place tubing on the out, it plugs into your skimmer.. as far as the carbon goes i place a carbon cartridge where the water leaves my skimmer chamberand spills into the rest of the sump.. ozone only exits for a few seconds , so if you set it up right you shouldnt have any problems, any questions drop me a PM

[TexasTodd]

Ozone is going on my sps tank this week.

Many of the RC folks are running very low levels and only for 4 hours or so a day.

The formula I'll start with is 0.18mg per gallon per hour for 4 hours.

You'll hear mixed information, but it's esentially supposed to do the same as UV without the heat added and bulb changes needed. Clear the water, bump up skimmer efficiency, cut way back on ich outbreaks in your tank.

TT

[ReefOne]

yea, i'm looking in Ozone for myself. However, i think i'm going to wait a couple of months as I plan either a 180 custom acrylic, or a 150 V/L shape acrylic tank. Just make sure all seals are can withstand the ozone cause it will eat regular o-rings and such.

[TexasTodd]

I have an AquaController so I can control ORP if needed. Everything I've come across shows it best to run at these much lower and shorter periods AND you really don't run it to needing it controlled.

I got the 150mg unit for like $168.00 or something with an airdryer new and free shipping.

TT

[Beckmola24]

So is it good to run it into the skimmer, or just into the sump compartment??

[TexasTodd]

From what I've READ best in to skimmer separate from main tank for safety. Some also use the carbon but most I've looked at don't feel this is a must. But remember these are sps people running at VERY low mg's.

TT

[Beckmola24]

Once I get my tank up and running it will be mainly SPS. Any reason for running low mg's with sps? I ran carbon in my nano, just because.... I'm pretty sure I'd run it in the larger tank again, just because :)

[captexas]

Not reef related, but I was up in Buda working on the new Cabellas and saw they are running ozone on their freshwater waterfalls inside the store. I thought it was strange, but assumed they were using it to keep the water clean.

[TexasTodd]

" Any reason for running low mg's with sps? "

Only that many of the top sps people in the U.S. do. You don't have to run ozone to keep sps corals.

Most sps feedback has been pleanty of the results wanted doing the low mg and short daily period.

But, this is from what I've READ. I'm just going to start it in the next week or so.

Captexas---yep. Keeps it sparkly clean and clear.

Todd

[Tim Marvin]

Todd, let us know how it goes. I'm interested in seeing the results.

[TexasTodd]

I will post. I probably won't hook up for about a week because I have to be out of town for work this coming Wednesday through Friday.

Todd