How much CO2???

[jiajuen900]

My tank is 46cm x 46cm x 36cm (approx. 80L). I have pressurised c02 which is diffused by two reators attached to my filter. I used to have 2 bubbles per second which i thought was enough until i had algae problems. I bought a c02 drop checker and after 3 hours it still remained quite blue. I pushed the c02 to 3 bubbles per second but it still reamained quite blue after about an hour.

I am using Sera c02 test. Could any one tell me if something is wrong or should i push my c02 higher... I think it is quite high

(Also got green spot algae shows lack of c02)

[Cross]

Did you use kh4 for your co2 solution? Also green spot algae is on your glass surface?

[areng]

Friend, I understand your frustrations.

We have a planted tank similar in size to yours, and also use pressurised CO2 and the question always is, how much is enough, and how do I measure it.

My first attempt to measure CO2 was with a traditional kit where you had to count the drops and try and see a colour change. It was a cheap kit, and I never trusted the results.

Next, after reading several internet reviews, I went out in search of a drop checker again, having installed it ... I did not trust the reading as the colour never ever changed, even after a week.

My latest efforts, are based upon relating the KH to PH and calculating the CO2. I have been using this method now for about 6 weeks, and I find it to be the most satisfactory. As I adjust the CO2 bps, the resultant change in value seems to be relative. My plants are also flourishing more than they ever have before.

Back to your initial post, by using my preferred test method I still occasionally suffer the effects of algae but, eliminating algae in a tank is virtually impossible ... ask some of the veterans here, so we need to learn how to treat it.

For the record, I am currently using about 2bps of CO2 in my heavily planted 55 litre tank, so your 3bps is probably not so far out.

I find planted tanks much more of a challenge than just fish, as there are so many elements that interact to give the final result, and I don't think you will ever finish learning about the topic. The rewards of looking at your living picture are however well worth the effort and frustration.

[Cross]

You canot use the chart for co2 level using the kH and pH if you are using aquasoil which have ph and kh altering properties

[areng]

You canot use the chart for co2 level using the kH and pH if you are using aquasoil which have ph and kh altering properties

That is a very good point, thank you for picking me up on that one. It actually applies to any artificial altering of KH or pH ... fortunately this warning is normally clearly outlined in the articles that publish these tables.

Notwithstanding the above, this is still the most reliable method I have stumbled upon but, I also would welcome any alternative suggestions as it is a continual frustration to establish the actual CO2 content of the water as we strive to master the art of planted tanks.

[jiajuen900]

Still my hair grass is not growing well, and i have major algae problems, is there a better way to measure c02 or am i doing something wrong. Is 3 bubbles per second too much or too little as it does not effect the drop checker? What should i do, any suggestions? Or am i fine?

[Cross]

Would help if you break down your setup parameters. Age of setup, fert dosage light fauna etc. Algae is always there in every tank. Its more of controlling its growth by having a balance of lighting fert and co2 which are all interdependent. If you're talking about green spot on glass, try increasing your macro dosing. Mine dissappeared after 1 week

[jiajuen900]

What about c02? im still unsure how to measure and should i continue increasing ? Should i try a diffrent kind of drop checker?

[jiajuen900]

I am using GEX red bag soon to add ADA subtrate over the old GEX one (not enought subtrate, Will these affect ph?

[Tristan]

I think there's something wrong with your drop checker/reactor. I'm using 5bps on a 500l aquarium and I get a green reading.

[jiajuen900]

All right, i will see if i can get a new one. I need to know how much c02 there is. (algae and plants problem...)

I have tried the kh, ph method to find out my c02. But is not effective as soil adjusts c02 and difficult to get exact kh and ph reading with my test kits

[actorial]

im using the Dymax CO2 indicator and it is working wonder for me the colour change as the CO2 level change too. i can see changes everyday as when i on my CO2 cylinder in the morning, by afternoon, the indicator changed colour to light green ( which mean sufficent ) and when i turn off the CO2 and light in the evening , 2 hours later it will turn back into dark green ( mean normal level ) i got it from C328. try using it and hope it help remember to follow the instruction on the box.

[jiajuen900]

I have not been to c328 and may try to soon, could you tell me the approx price of that c02 drop checker