pH phenomenon

[steve]

b4 my co2 is on, the pH is 7.
2hr after co2 is on, the pH level is around 6.8.
Then, it will keep decreasing until 6.4
at the end of the light cycle.
after that, i didn't monitor the pH.

So is the above a normal phenomenon?
btw, my KH is 3. If that is normal,
that means i need to on my co2 b4 the light
is on, so that 20-30ppm of co2 is ensured
during the light period.

rdgs,
steve

[PeterGwee]

It sounds like you need better mixing of CO2. You should hit the good CO2 levels in about half to an hour or so. For your case, its simply taking too long. Another method to get around this issue is of course starting the CO2 1-2hrs earlier before the lights are on.

Regards
Peter Gwee

[steve]

Hi Petergwee,

i can achieve 20-30ppm within 0.5 to 1 hr, provided that
i increased the co2 rate. but problem is at the end of the
lighting period, my ph will dropped to 6. then my discus will
be very angry and turned black faced

rdgs,
steve

[PeterGwee]

Steve, that's why I tell you that you need better mixing for the CO2. I have that kind of issue the last time round also. What kind of equipment are you using to mix the CO2?

Regards
Peter Gwee

[steve]

my 3ft is a IOS tank. i'm using a reactor located at the back right side of
the tank, its near the water level. the ios system is at the left side.

[PeterGwee]

Is there any substantial splashing activity in the IOS system? If there is, you should try to minimize the splashing or else you would loose loads of CO2.

Regards
Peter Gwee

[steve]

Nop, there's no splashing in the IOS.
But anyway its ok, just want to check whether
PH will stayed constant throughout the whole
light period, or should it be decreasing. seems to
me now it should be decreasing.

then won't the fishes be stressed since the PH is
fluctuating for 24hrs?

[scang7]

hi..

to hijack this topic a little.. was looking through the forum on CO2 range and found that the one that is recommended by the experts here are about 20-30ppm. However looking at the level presented by the krib, they mark theirs at 10-20ppm. Is there a reason for the difference?

Happy Chinese New Year!