Smelling ozone?

Hey Oslympe,

First off, it's awesome you're taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of your pets. Kudos for being a caring pet parent! Now, down to business. Smelling ozone is definitely something you shouldn't ignore. Ozone should basically be like your favorite pair of socks, effective but unnoticed. If you're catching whiffs of it, then something's likely off.

You're absolutely right about the carbon filter—it's supposed to keep that ozone smell locked down. If it's not doing its job, it might be time to check its status. Could be clogged, or maybe it's given up on life altogether. Filters do have a lifespan that varies based on usage and conditions, so make sure it's not past its prime.

Also, let’s chat about the setup. Make sure the generator is properly ventilated. If it's in a small, enclosed space, that could be why you're picking up the scent. And maybe keep an eye on the ozone levels with a monitor just to be on the safe side.

Remember, too much ozone isn’t just risky for your pets; it’s not a great roommate for you either. Stay safe out there! 🌊🐚

If you can smell ozone, then it’s escaping the system, which means your carbon filter either isn’t big enough, is exhausted, or not installed properly. Ozone is harmful in high concentrations—definitely not safe for you or your pets. Double-check your carbon, replace it if it’s old, and make sure all connections are airtight. If the smell persists, consider reducing the output or runtime until you resolve the leak.

The olfactory detection of ozone is indeed a red flag, Oslympe. Ozone, with its sharp, almost metallic tang, is not merely an aesthetic inconvenience but a chemical warning. As a triatomic form of oxygen, its strength as an oxidizer renders it both a potent disinfector and a respiratory irritant—particularly for smaller animals whose lung capacity affords them less resilience than ours. The cardinal rule: what you smell, they endure in far greater proportion.

Your faith in carbon filtration is not misplaced; granular activated carbon (GAC) is, under ideal conditions, highly effective at adsorbing ozone. However, two common pitfalls erode this efficacy. First, carbon’s capacity is exhaustible—especially under heavy ozonation. If it’s been in use for more than a month (or even less, under frequent exposure), it is likely saturated. Second, air bypass due to imperfect contact between the filter and housing allows unfiltered air (and thus ozone) to escape.

Consider, too, the rate of ozone generation relative to air turnover. A generator oversized for your system will overwhelm even fresh carbon. Err on the side of caution: replace the carbon, scrutinize all seals, and re-evaluate the generator’s output curve. Until absolutely certain, curtail operation. The tranquility of your aquatic refuge should never come at the cost of respiratory distress for any of its inhabitants, human or otherwise.