Co2 Scrubber - IceCap – Top Shelf Aquatics

Co2 Scrubber - IceCap

Filtration Reactors

$127.04

UPC: 6972809520857

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The IceCap CO2 Scrubber connects to the air intake of a protein skimmer to remove excess carbon dioxide before it enters the water column, helping raise and stabilize aquarium pH. Elevated indoor CO2 from people, pets, and poor ventilation is one of the most common causes of chronically low pH in reef tanks, and this scrubber addresses it directly at the source. Available in three sizes to suit different tank volumes and media capacities, each unit ships with a hang-on bracket for convenient sump or stand mounting. Media inside the reactor typically lasts two to four weeks before requiring replacement, and most CO2 absorption media changes color when exhausted to provide a clear visual cue. This is a straightforward, low-maintenance solution for reef keepers who have confirmed that indoor CO2 load is suppressing their tank pH.

Maintaining a reef aquarium pH around 8.3 is critical for coral calcification, nutrient uptake, and overall tank stability. One of the most overlooked contributors to chronically low pH is elevated indoor CO2 — produced by occupants, pets, and insufficient ventilation — which dissolves into the water column and suppresses pH even when alkalinity and calcium are dialed in. The IceCap CO2 Scrubber intercepts this problem at the skimmer's air intake, filtering ambient air through a carbon dioxide adsorption media bed before it ever reaches the water surface.

Installation requires no drilling, plumbing, or controllers. Disconnect the existing air line from your protein skimmer's air intake, route it through the scrubber's output port, and the unit begins working immediately. The threaded lid allows quick access for media changes, and the hang-on bracket included with each size keeps the unit off the floor and conveniently positioned near the sump or skimmer. IceCap's own Carbon Dioxide Adsorption Media is the recommended fill, though the chamber accepts standard CO2 scrubber media from other manufacturers as well.

Expect media to last approximately two to four weeks under typical conditions, though households with higher occupancy or limited air exchange may see shorter service intervals. Most media formulations — including IceCap's — change color as they become exhausted, giving you a reliable visual indicator without the need for monitoring equipment. As pH rises with consistent scrubber use, calcium and magnesium consumption in the tank often increases alongside improved coral growth, so continuing to track major parameters during the adjustment period is worthwhile.

Three sizes are offered — Small, Medium, and Large — differentiated by media capacity (0.5 kg, 1 kg, and 2 kg respectively) and overall height. The Small and Medium units share the same 4-inch body diameter and 4.5 × 4.5-inch footprint, making them interchangeable in tight sump compartments, while the Large steps up to a 5-inch body and 5.2 × 5.2-inch footprint for higher-demand systems. Before committing to a scrubber, running the open-window test described in the setup guide is a practical way to confirm that indoor CO2 is indeed the primary driver of your pH issues.

Overview

Scrub CO2. Raise pH.

A straightforward passive device that filters CO2 from skimmer intake air to help reef aquariums maintain stable, coral-friendly pH levels.

Targets the Root Cause
- Removes excess CO2 from ambient air before it enters the water column
- Addresses indoor CO2 load from people, pets, and poor ventilation
- Raises pH without dosing chemicals or adjusting alkalinity
Simple Setup and Maintenance
- Connects directly to the air intake port of any protein skimmer
- Threaded lid provides tool-free access for media changes
- Most media formulations change color when exhausted — no guesswork
Three Sizes Available
- Small (IC-CO-50): ~0.5 kg media capacity, 6.5-inch height
- Medium (IC-CO-100): ~1 kg media capacity, 9.5-inch height
- Large (IC-CO-200): ~2 kg media capacity, 11.5-inch height