The CO2 scrubber from MCU Research is such a simple concept that it is destined to be a valuable addition to all SPS and mixed reef aquaria. With all the research on the effects of ocean acidifcation being released on a daily basis, the negative effects of decreased pH on coral growth has never been more clear. Serious stony coral growers should be all over this like n00bs on Xenia. We can’t tell you how many times we’ve fielded the question about high alk and low pH and the answer is always excess CO2 from closed canopies, poor ventilation or placement in lower levels of the home, particularly basements. Now many folks deal with this issue by simply running their skimmer’s air intake to the outside air which can help but we can’t help but fear the myriad of airborne particulates and pollution which are rampant in some urban areas and the occasional insecticides which may be sprayed by neighbours or the city. We love it when posting up a product brochure is 99% of what you would want to know about a new product. What the brochure doesn’t mention is that reducing CO2 levels in the aquarium is also a sure-fire way to reduce algae growth. The CO2 scrubber kit is $99 with refills going for $35, available now from Finsreef.
Update: the CO2 scrubber has just re-sourced materials and they have now lowered the retail price to $79 for a fully loaded canister and $29 for the refill cartridge. If you are feeling too lazy to read up on ocean acidification and you doubt the negative effects of low pH on coral growth, there is a special on TV tonight (8/12) on the Planet Green Network entitled, ‘The Other Carbon Problem’.
