Ozone and the Reef Aquarium, Part 3:Changes in a Reef Aquarium upon Initiating Ozone

Randy Holmes-Farley · 05/06/2006, 05:56 AM

My third ozone article has posted at:

Ozone and the Reef Aquarium, Part 3:
Changes in a Reef Aquarium upon Initiating Ozone
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-05/rhf/index.php

The contents:

Introduction
ORP Changes
ORP Measurement
Water Clarity
Algae Growth
Response of Organisms
Oxygen Levels
Effect of Air Drying
Disinfection of Water by Ozone Treatment
Activated Carbon Treatment
Conclusions About Reaction Chambers
Details of My Aquarium System
Summary
References

Billybeau1 · 05/06/2006, 07:13 AM

Great stuff Randy

I too would be interested in the air drier test during the dog days of summer.

Randy Holmes-Farley · 05/06/2006, 07:20 AM

Thanks. I'll be sure and post the results here.

boxfishpooalot · 05/06/2006, 07:30 AM

It appears that the oxygen raising effect was minimal

Do you think carbon would perform the same function as ozone?

sushiking · 05/06/2006, 09:57 PM

Randy, do you think ozone is a good "replacement" for carbon?

Randy Holmes-Farley · 05/07/2006, 07:58 AM

Carbon does many of the same things, but I was using carbon before the ozone, and still saw an increase in clarity. But if not using ozone, carbon can provide a significant water clarity increase over nothing at all .

Obi-dad · 05/07/2006, 08:42 AM

So given the health concerns over ozone do you feel the improvement in water clarity is enough so you will continue to use ozone long-term? Or is this more of an experiment for you?

Randy Holmes-Farley · 05/07/2006, 09:24 AM

At the end of the article, I conclude:

"All things considered, the ozone provided a small but significant increase in water clarity. While it may also be providing other benefits, I have been unable to show them definitively.

My concern with using ozone, aside from its initial capital expense, has been to protect both my aquarium inhabitants and my family from any harmful effects of ozone or its byproducts. Using the equipment described above (especially the activated carbon treatment of both the water and the air to remove ozone and its byproducts), I am satisfied that the system I use is adequately safe on all accounts.

Because of the safety issue's resolution and the water clarity effects, I believe I will continue to use ozone with my tubing reactor and GAC column. I will probably not bother to continue to use the air dryer, but when the humidity is highest later in the summer, I may again compare the relative effectiveness of the ozone generation with and without the dryer."

Boomer · 05/07/2006, 04:13 PM

Nice piece Randy interesting results

Randy Holmes-Farley · 05/08/2006, 08:40 AM

Thanks, Boomer.

Bryan89 · 05/10/2006, 12:58 AM

Randy,

I am considering utilizing your loop reactor for an ozone injection system. Based on your seeing no suction of the ozone in the venturi because of the low flow rate, do you think it would be acceptable to use a 3/4" PVC 'T' with ozone pumped into the side of the T? I would use an ozone resistant check valve and an air pump to force the ozone into the reactor. Any opinion on that sort of setup? Thanks!

Bryan

Randy Holmes-Farley · 05/10/2006, 04:57 AM

Yes, I think the venturi was just a convenient connection method for me and a T with appropriate fittings would be fine.

boxfishpooalot · 05/10/2006, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by boxfishpooalot
It appears that the oxygen raising effect was minimal

So did the tetra O2 test seem reasonable to say that O2 was a great increase or not?

Does ozone create and maintain dissolved oxygen?

Randy Holmes-Farley · 05/10/2006, 12:29 PM

I concluded that with such a kit I did not notice a difference. So the difference may have been there, but was not extreme.

boxfishpooalot · 05/16/2006, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Randy Holmes-Farley
At the end of the article, I conclude:

"(especially the activated carbon treatment of both the water and the air to remove ozone and its byproducts), I am satisfied that the system I use is adequately safe on all accounts.

How long do you suspect that carbon will last outside of the water when filtering ozone?

Do you think if you removed the carbon, that filters the ozone in the water ,the tank would still be as clear?

I always thought to myself "yea ozone works but you use carbon in the water, wich is doing the job really here?"

Randy Holmes-Farley · 05/16/2006, 08:36 AM

You mean for breaking down ozone in the air? I think that will last a considerable time.

Do you think if you removed the carbon, that filters the ozone in the water ,the tank would still be as clear?

You mean no carbon on the system at all? I'm not sure. I'd prefer to also run carbon to actually export some organics that are not skimmed or broken down well by ozone. My comparison pictures were to ozone or not, but the carbon treatment was exactly the same.

onetrickpony · 05/16/2006, 02:35 PM

Dose ozone remove nitrates, how are the processed out of the water
Thanks
Ken
http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/...Detail/ttid/61

Randy Holmes-Farley · 05/16/2006, 02:46 PM

No, ozone will not remove nitrate. They are incorrect to suggest that it does.

onetrickpony · 05/16/2006, 03:17 PM

Thank you

Randy Holmes-Farley · 05/17/2006, 06:34 AM

You're welcome.

Happy Reefing.

Bryan89 · 05/17/2006, 08:17 AM

Randy,

Would a possible effect from ozone be an oxidation of Nitrite (to Nitrate) during tank cycling?

Bryan

Randy Holmes-Farley · 05/17/2006, 01:01 PM

Yes, ozone can oxdize ammonia and nitrite to nitrate.

Billybeau1 · 05/17/2006, 02:52 PM

While we're on the subject, do you think that the temperature of the air injected into the ozone generator has any effect on actual ozone production ? I dont recall this being discussed.

Randy Holmes-Farley · 05/17/2006, 02:58 PM

I've not seen any data on it, but my guess is that within the range of likely room temperature possibilities, the effect would be small.

Bryan89 · 05/17/2006, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Randy Holmes-Farley
Yes, ozone can ozidize ammonia and nitrite to nitrate.

So the proper term for oxidation of molecules via ozone introduction is ozidization? Not a chemist, but I pretend to be for the benefit of my reef.

Bryan

05/06/2006, 05:56 AM	#1
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	Ozone and the Reef Aquarium, Part 3:Changes in a Reef Aquarium upon Initiating Ozone My third ozone article has posted at: Ozone and the Reef Aquarium, Part 3: Changes in a Reef Aquarium upon Initiating Ozone http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-05/rhf/index.php The contents: Introduction ORP Changes ORP Measurement Water Clarity Algae Growth Response of Organisms Oxygen Levels Effect of Air Drying Disinfection of Water by Ozone Treatment Activated Carbon Treatment Conclusions About Reaction Chambers Details of My Aquarium System Summary References __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef Last edited by Randy Holmes-Farley; 05/07/2006 at 09:23 AM.

05/06/2006, 07:20 AM	#3
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	Thanks. I'll be sure and post the results here. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

05/06/2006, 07:30 AM	#4
boxfishpooalot Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: canada, Grande Praire, Ab Posts: 5,824	It appears that the oxygen raising effect was minimal Do you think carbon would perform the same function as ozone? __________________ Its a good idea to have a refrence sample for alk test kits. 1.1350 grams of baking soda in 1gallon of distilled water=10dkh. Check your alkalinity test kit! Algae is Mother Natures phosphate remover Current Tank Info: 220 galon mixed reef.

05/07/2006, 07:58 AM	#6
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	Carbon does many of the same things, but I was using carbon before the ozone, and still saw an increase in clarity. But if not using ozone, carbon can provide a significant water clarity increase over nothing at all . __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

05/07/2006, 08:42 AM	#7
Obi-dad Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: CT Posts: 4,314	So given the health concerns over ozone do you feel the improvement in water clarity is enough so you will continue to use ozone long-term? Or is this more of an experiment for you? __________________ Greg, member of ARKSC and CTARS Visit our CTARS club website by clicking my RC name then 'visit homepage' - and please support your LFS Current Tank Info: 75g mostly stonies. DIY LEDs (24 CW XP-G, 48 RB XR-E) on dwizum CAT4101 drivers, DIY Hydra controller, SSB, Korallin Ca Reactor, Euroreef skimmer

05/06/2006, 07:13 AM	#2
Billybeau1 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Dyer, Indiana Posts: 12,010	Great stuff Randy I too would be interested in the air drier test during the dog days of summer.

05/06/2006, 09:57 PM	#5
sushiking Moved On Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 50	Randy, do you think ozone is a good "replacement" for carbon?

05/07/2006, 09:24 AM	#8
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	At the end of the article, I conclude: "All things considered, the ozone provided a small but significant increase in water clarity. While it may also be providing other benefits, I have been unable to show them definitively. My concern with using ozone, aside from its initial capital expense, has been to protect both my aquarium inhabitants and my family from any harmful effects of ozone or its byproducts. Using the equipment described above (especially the activated carbon treatment of both the water and the air to remove ozone and its byproducts), I am satisfied that the system I use is adequately safe on all accounts. Because of the safety issue's resolution and the water clarity effects, I believe I will continue to use ozone with my tubing reactor and GAC column. I will probably not bother to continue to use the air dryer, but when the humidity is highest later in the summer, I may again compare the relative effectiveness of the ozone generation with and without the dryer." __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

05/07/2006, 04:13 PM	#9
Boomer Bomb Technician (EOD) Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Duluth, Minnesota Posts: 11,842	Nice piece Randy interesting results __________________ If you See Me Running You Better Catch-Up Seawater Chemistry, Geology, ID Marine Life, Collecting Science Books, Explosives Technology, Audiophile An explosion can be defined as a loud noise, accompanied by the sudden going away of things, from a place where they use to be.

05/08/2006, 08:40 AM	#10
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	Thanks, Boomer. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

05/10/2006, 12:58 AM	#11
Bryan89 Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Rockford, IL Posts: 914	Randy, I am considering utilizing your loop reactor for an ozone injection system. Based on your seeing no suction of the ozone in the venturi because of the low flow rate, do you think it would be acceptable to use a 3/4" PVC 'T' with ozone pumped into the side of the T? I would use an ozone resistant check valve and an air pump to force the ozone into the reactor. Any opinion on that sort of setup? Thanks! Bryan

05/10/2006, 04:57 AM	#12
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	Yes, I think the venturi was just a convenient connection method for me and a T with appropriate fittings would be fine. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

05/10/2006, 12:29 PM	#14
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	I concluded that with such a kit I did not notice a difference. So the difference may have been there, but was not extreme. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

05/16/2006, 08:36 AM	#16
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	You mean for breaking down ozone in the air? I think that will last a considerable time. Do you think if you removed the carbon, that filters the ozone in the water ,the tank would still be as clear? You mean no carbon on the system at all? I'm not sure. I'd prefer to also run carbon to actually export some organics that are not skimmed or broken down well by ozone. My comparison pictures were to ozone or not, but the carbon treatment was exactly the same. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

05/16/2006, 02:35 PM	#17
onetrickpony Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: TX Posts: 502	Dose ozone remove nitrates, how are the processed out of the water Thanks Ken http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/...Detail/ttid/61

05/16/2006, 02:46 PM	#18
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	No, ozone will not remove nitrate. They are incorrect to suggest that it does. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

05/16/2006, 03:17 PM	#19
onetrickpony Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: TX Posts: 502	Thank you

05/17/2006, 06:34 AM	#20
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	You're welcome. Happy Reefing. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

05/17/2006, 08:17 AM	#21
Bryan89 Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Rockford, IL Posts: 914	Randy, Would a possible effect from ozone be an oxidation of Nitrite (to Nitrate) during tank cycling? Bryan

05/17/2006, 01:01 PM	#22
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	Yes, ozone can oxdize ammonia and nitrite to nitrate. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef Last edited by Randy Holmes-Farley; 05/18/2006 at 07:37 AM.

05/17/2006, 02:52 PM	#23
Billybeau1 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Dyer, Indiana Posts: 12,010	While we're on the subject, do you think that the temperature of the air injected into the ozone generator has any effect on actual ozone production ? I dont recall this being discussed.

05/17/2006, 02:58 PM	#24
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	I've not seen any data on it, but my guess is that within the range of likely room temperature possibilities, the effect would be small. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef