ORP reads 425 without ozone!

[mpdharley]

I don't know if this is an issue with where I've placed the probe, calibration, etc. It's a brand new Milwaukee ORP Controller (SMS510)

The controller has been running for about 3 weeks now and for the past week as constantly registered 420 - 425. I've tried the probe in the sump (various locations throughout the sump), the fuge and the tank.

I do get a lot of bubbles from my drains in my sump and have a 3 foot long overflow (the tank is 6' x 4' x 2').

Is this just a calibration issue, and if so, any recommendations on which calibration fluid?

Thanks!

Mike

[Geoff]

i just got an ORP probe on my AC II. i am trying to figure out also what the readings mean.

G~

[mpdharley]

On another forum, it was recommended that you "clean" the probe every one to two weeks by soaking then end of it in vinegar for about 30 minutes (rinsing it off before you put it back in the tank, of course).

This did the trick for me and now the readings appear to be more accurate.

As for what the ORP reading means, in it's most simple form, I understand it to mean the "clarity" of the water in that the ozone is helping to break down the excess nutrients. This increased clarity allows the light to penetrate better.

Of course, this is my very simplistic view and not the true meaning of ORP.

[Geoff]

what is a good reading? what reading are we looking to see? what range are we looking for?

i am still clueless on my ORP meter. i have not cleaned it, so i will do that when i get home tonight!

Thanks,

G~

[Loverotties]

Any where between 380 - 450 is a great reading.

[mpdharley]

I've also heard that 375 - 400 is a good range.

[Geoff]

then i have a long way to go. i am at 230.

time to really crank up the skimmer.

G~

[Geoff]

OK, i think i am now understanding what you are asking.

how is your tank setup? sand/no sand? what kind of skimmer are you running? what is your bio-load.

G~

[Casey]

I stay at around 350 and everything seems fine.

[mpdharley]

When you are first bring it up, I would recommend going slowly. I have had at least one acro loose tissue at the tips. I was forced to stop the ozone for a couple of days and I'll be turning it back on shortly. But, thinking about it, I think it would be wise when first bring the ORP readings up to go slow.

Think of it this way:

1) You are essentially increasing the power/amount of light that the corals are getting (by decreasing nutrients in the water), some corals my react similar to brand new lights are increasing lighting.

2) This is a change to the water quality, and although it is a change for the better, that does not always mean that a fish or coral won't have a negative reaction to a quick change.

Just some thoughts.

[Geoff]

so far i am up in the 270 consistantly. i saw 320 for a few hours the other day. not bad for less than a week. i will keep the skimmer cranked and try and keep the reading at or above 350. i am already seeing an increase in colour of the corals.

this is all with adjusting the skimmer. i do not trust ozone.

G~

[mpdharley]

Are you running your skimmer output through carbon? My ozone generator has been cranking for about a week straight and I don't worry. Although, I use a seperate reactor and run the effluent (output) from the reactor through a carbon chamber.

[Geoff]

nope, no carbon, no nothing. i only run a skimmer on my system.

G~

[mpdharley]

I've always read that it is highly recommended that you run carbon anywhere that any residual ozone could get out. On a skimmer, that would mean the output of the skimmer and from what I've read from some folks, even in the collection cup.

I opted to go with a dedicated ozone reactor. That way I knew that all of the acrylic pieces, tubing, etc were ozone safe. The output of the reactor then goes to a DIY carbon chamber. The carbon will "clean up" any residual ozone before the water returns to the tank.

[Geoff]

i have also heard that it is very important to run the output through carbon.

i am not running ozone on the tank at all. i am not running anything on the tank except for a skimmer. all of my changes in ORP is done by skimming alone! i am now at the point i can tell when my skimmer stops skimming for some reason and needs to be adjusted. it seems i need to readjust the skimmer every 30 point rise in ORP. i am now seeing in the 300's consistantly.

G~