CO2 - Enough or Not??

**tuckkai** · 9th Mar 2011, 11:52

I am currently using KH and PH to determine the CO2 levels in my tank based on the chart by George Booth. It indicates that it has more than sufficient CO2 in my tank. However when i installed the drop checker, the solution indicates that the tank is starved of CO2??

Most plants are doing ok to good. Egeria Densa is melting due to Excel and twisted Val. are dying slowly. Nitrite is starting to spike..... How can I improve my CO2 diffusion rate w/o using expensive equipment? I am using a 150l/hr pump to force water to mixed with CO2 in a tube.........Can I use more bottles?? Thanks for any reply.

Specs: 4 Feet tank, DIY CO2 using 2 x 1.5 litres bottle
GH: 60 - 120
KH: 80
PH: 6.5 - 7.0
NO2: 10
NO3: 80 (Just started cycling!)
Temp: 26-28
Birthday: 28/02/11

**Shadow** · 9th Mar 2011, 13:00

What soil did you use? pH-kH table only good if you are 100% sure that there is nothing in the water that effect your pH and kH

Drop checker on the other will need pH = 4 solution instead of your tank water to read properly. I have some write up on drop checker on my blog http://aquatic-art.blogspot.com/2011...-aquarium.html

**tuckkai** · 9th Mar 2011, 13:25

I am using mixed burnt soil(5kg) + coco peat(5 litres) + monster root. Haha...My drop checker did not even tell me to dilute with aquarium water. Thanks...I will proceed with your method.

**Shadow** · 9th Mar 2011, 15:31

Coco peat will reduce pH thus you can't use the table.

which drop checker did you have? some brand does not require to dilute.

**tuckkai** · 9th Mar 2011, 17:23

I am using Vista or ?? .Can't really tell the name on the bottle. I think it is a taiwanese brand. It ask me to fill the reservoir with the soln and just use it.

**Shadow** · 9th Mar 2011, 17:30

I know the brand but not familiar with it. It probably already premix. Try take out the drop checker from your tank, wait for 1 or 2 hours, it should turn to blue. If it does that mean it worked properly.