C02 fertlization for planted goldfish tank

[Fishfanatic]

hello everybody.

I have a technical question for the chemistry-inclined/plain genuises whom I know there are many on this board.

I am planning to set up a high tech planted goldfish tank. Now before you add your two cents' worth of advice against the idea, let me say that I have thought through it and know that it is feasible. That is, if I use plants such as java ferns and anubias (goldy-resistant) which no doubt can hold their own in forming beautiful landscapes.

I would like to maintain a contant pH level of 7.4 in my tank (goldie suitable). This I plan to do using seachem's gold buffer to be added at water changes. It is a non-phosphate buffer and buffers using carbonates.

If I were to pump Co2 gas for the sake of my plants, will this cause a pH crash despite the presence of the buffer? I know that co2 turns into carbonic acid in the aquarium..but will this react with the carbonate buffer?

I think it might, based on my rudimentary chemistry prowess and so:

If yes, will it help if I dose my tank with buffer regularly (using a dosing pump for example) just so that I can both pump co2 gas for my plants and at the same time maintain a ph of 7.4 for my goldfish?

also, am i correct to assume that an automatic co2 system with an automatic solenoid will not work, since the co2 system will be pumping non stop in a bid to lower the pH? What if I set the desired pH level on the co2 system as 7.4 - how will the co2 system compensate? what effect will it have on my carbonates?

alternatively, instead of using a fully automatic co2 set up, I am wondering abt the worth of setting up a partially automatic c02 system where the co2 solenoid is connected to a timer and switches off at night ie the co2 supply is kept at a low level and linked to the day/night cycle as opposed to the intricacies of the pH value of the tank.

then instead of connecting the c02 solenoid to my ph measuring electrode and display panel (I have a dupla one), I connect a dosing pump (I have a dupla one) which will be switched on if ever the ph falls below the set 7.4 level, to pump out the sea chem buffer. in other words, my ph control system is not linked to a co2 cannister/solenoid, but to a ph buffer liquid dose (akin to a marine tank lines).

i know that there will be majoy outgassing due to the concurrent operation of an air pump that goldies desperately need, but it is alright with me knowing that there will be palpable benefits to the plants.

i know it seems counter-intuitive, but why shouldn't it work?

what are your comments please? Thanks all.

I also plan to add a aquamedic denitrator (the carbon/deniballs based one and not the sulphur beads one) to my high tech tank and two more dupla dosing pumps (which I already have) to pump in seachem gold trace (trace nutrients for goldies which are easily oxidised and have to be pumped regularly) and daily plant drops (dupla plant 24/TMG - also similarly easily oxidised) regularly. The tank will be maintained at a constant 22 degree celcius. temp and ph will be therefore both plant and goldie compatible. a UV clarifier will also come on at night - this will probably render the nutrients in the tank water worthless (although come day, the nutirents will be pumped back into the tank) but will prove to be a good prophylatic against ich that cld afflict my goldies.

My goldies will be show class ones and so need the best hehehhehehhee. i hope u understand.

[Fishfanatic]

is the answer seachem flourish i wonder.seems like a viable replacement to co2 gas injection (and all the jazz that goes along with it - hardware, ph swings etc). it has no impact on ph and can never be outgassed. 24 hr life span in aquarium. to be dosed daily like an additive. and promotes the conversion of iron to the more plant-friendly Fe 2+ ferrous state..

dunno...

[Justikanz]

Haha... That was fast about the goldfish-plant compatibility thing...

Anyway, still want to say, watch out for the Java fern. It may not do well in high pH and goldy might also still take Java tips...

If using only nanas, then IMHO, you don't really need to worry much about the fertilization routine...

My 2 cents.

[AquaObsession]

just to add my contribution.....

goldfish can live in a wide range or Ph, usually from 6-8 (mine do )
and from what i've heard, if there is high Co2 and Low )2, goldfish will still be okay and they might even become big..if not wrong, i think they produce ethanol do compensate... some of my friends in bio research were trying to study that golfish make alcohol in thier body...

as for a planted tank with goldfish,,,i've tried it..no success...i have 2 big goldfish (10+cm in diameter) and a comet goldfish (15cm+ long).... my friends, these guys will clear all the leaves in a matter of days.. and they will uproot everything .....even plastic plants have a hard time with them...

[Fishfanatic]

hi. goldies thrive optimally at 22 - 24 degrees celcius altho they reportedly can survive in temps b/w 0 and 30 deg celcius. similarly, 7.2 to 7.8 ph is optimal for them. they may survive in mildly acidc waters but this is a burden on them.

am i right that java ferns and nanas can do well at 22 celcius ish and 7.4 ish ph?


as i am looking for a tank managed at optimal conditions, the trouble is okay for me, even a pleasure, for this aquarist.

i have tried java ferns with large goldies before. no problem whatsoever.