Outside air intake skimmer question.

I was having pH issues I recently identified with a new apex probe addition. pH was dropping as low at 7.64 at night. I ran a tube outside for my skimmer and the pH now has been around 8.12(ish). My question is this, I live in Florida and we occasionally get mosquito trucks that drive and saturate the air with malathion and I am worried the skimmer will take in some of this air and catastrophically crash my tank.Is this something I should be worried about? Would making a diy carbon filter reduce these risks?

 

I think your concerns are absolutely merited. And I like your proposed solution. Who really knows but if you've experienced that right near your house it is something to take precautions for.

Is one side of the house more prone than the other?

Funny thing about the controller. My reef angel just opened my eyes to the same issue. I will address it when I get back from Macna. I might start with your approach. Thanks for reminder about outside air

 

I did this. It brought my ph up a bit 7.8 to 8.1 range. I believe it is a beneficial practice.

I agree a valid concern depending on the location of the air intake.

 

I think it could definitely be a concern if it is broadcast heavily in the air. You could make an DIY activated carbon filter or you might want to consider using a premade filter from a mask. You should be able to find them at Lowes, Home Depot, etc.. This link might help you get some details. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0375.html

 

I think i have a good idea, +1 Borque. I am an RN and have access to N95 Masks at work, they are the kind used when treating anyone with airborne precautions, TB and such. If I cut one up and layer in with carbon in a water bottle or something I think it would work swimmingly (pun intended =D) Thanks all

 

Great ideas with the masks. Good luck and post pics when done.

Does adding a long air hose to a skimmer affect its performance in any way?

 

Didn't seem to affect it at all. I had a termite prevention treatment last month where they drilled holes into the blocks. One of them about 5 feet from my tank, they goofed on and drilled too far and through the drywall. I just poked it through and snaked the tube behind the cabinet and it fit perfectly.

 

Glad to hear it. Thanks for the info!

 

Mine was dipping into the 7.6 range so I ran a line to my crawlspace. It's been much better since.

 

So for those of use who don't have a hole in their walls, how do you go about doing this?