Using C02 in the same tank with Air Pump - any conflict?

[Sphere]

Hi,

I currently use an air pump to pump bubbles into my tank. (mainly for aesthetic purpose, to give an air curtain effect at the background of my tank)

I'm planning to add CO2 with diffuser or reactors into my tank. Does that mean that I will have to remove the normal airpump from my setup? Can my normal airpump & air-curtain co-exist in the tank with my CO2 diffuser/reactors? Will the air-curtain cause the CO2 added in via the diffuser/reactors to escape from the water?

Thanks!

[newtank]

I think there is certainly contradiction here. The agitation of the water will certainly cause the loss of CO2. If you want to use air pump, on it when your Co2 is off. but since you want it for asthetic purpose, it really defeat the purpose doesn't it? guess you got to pick one here

[vinz]

Yes. Before aquarists started adding CO2 to the tank, the point of aeration is to introduce O2 into the water and remove harmful gases like CO2. As the bubbles travel through the water, O2 dissolves into the water and CO2 is absorbed.

So... if you want to inject CO2, you have to get rid of the air pump... otherwise all the CO2 is wasted.

Also, plants pearl only when the water is so saturated with O2 that additional O2 produced cannot dissolve into the water and become O2 bubbles. The aeration also removes excess levels of O2, so you will not get pearling.

[Sphere]

Thanks for the replies.. guess I would have to choose one
My colleague suggested another way where i can have both... to get another tank! ...

[bossteck]

You don't have to get another tank. Just get 2 timers.
1 for your air pump, 1 for your co2 (assuming your co2 set comes with a solenoid).
Set the air pump and solenoid to come on at different times.