Cablecom wrote:
I would like to try and pool a discussion about the pros and cons of the
Carboplus device for controlling ph values in a tank. For those not aware
this is a device which claims to make CO2 from an electrolytic process. You
pass electricty across a stainless steel and carbon sandwhich and the water
breaks into H2 and O2 and the O2 is supposed to react with the carbon.
I am a chemist and find this highly unlikely to be the mechanism. In fact I
was so disbelieving that the shop assistant offered me my money back if
after trying it it did not work. However I have used the device for about
3 years and must confess it does bring the ph down. I still do not believe
in the mechanism and think it is more likely to be interaction with
carbonate in the water.
... (TRUNCATED)

Hi Russell -

I have no credentials other than the costly school of trial and error,
but have seen no effect with the carbon block (and have viewed many
posts and comments on internet newsgroups) which indicate limited if
any C02 being produced and no where near the 20-30 ppm that might be a
benefit to plants (and inhibit algae). Yours is the first comment on
the PH effect I have seen but I probably just passed that by, since my
focus was C02 production.

PH in my "from the tap" source is about 8.2 for me and my pressurized
C02 system holds the PH at 7.1 nicely resulting in a C02 content of
about 32 ppm. Plants flourish and algae is at a minimum. After months
of checking and examining everything that could easily help me put C02
in my tank, from your carbon block reaction system, to DIY yeast
bottles, there is no question for me that a pressurized system with PH
sensor and (what I think is the most important part of the system) an
excellent reaction chamber to get the C02 disolved into the water (for
me that would be a Rio Power Head and filter with C02 pumped in as PH
starts to rise) is the way to address C02 injection (with resulting
benefits of PH control). You can get a good visual on the primary
system components here http://rexgrigg.com/regset.html. A small tank
(about 10 pound) would have to be refilled about twice a year for a
heavy use system like mine. Your mileage will vary.

Good Luck!