CO2 at night?

[maxthedog123]

Just starting to use pressurized CO2. My regulator does have a solenoid, but I am inclined to just let the CO2 run 24x7. Other than using more CO2, is there really a problem with this?

Thoughts? I see conflicting information on the web.

[wolf13]

I run mine on my light time, and I am actually going to set up an airstone on an alternate timer to run at night. Theres no reason to run co2 at night, and while it normally shouldn't cause a problem, if oxygen does get low, i don't see a reason to push things with extra co2 in the system.

[Quartermain]

Hi max, there is no problem with running CO2 24/7. Just be watchful for fish gasping for breath. If they do then turn down the CO2 or install a solenoid on a timer. But I have run my CO2 continuously since I setup my pressurized system (Redsea Paintball) over a year ago and have not had a single problem. Plants and fish are healthy...

... well the fish more than the plants, I suppose. I'm still working out that hold fertilizer/light period thing. :wall:

--
Quarter "who was under the impression CO2 would solve all his problems" main.

[maxthedog123]

Interesting set of articles. The first one is a long discussion about why you SHOULD leave CO2 on at night.

http://www.thekrib.com/Plants/CO2/night.html

[Mgamer20o0]

i run it 24/7,

[maxthedog123]

Scientific articles I have read indicate (to me) that if you are running a safe ppm of CO2 there is no real danger of killing your fish at night AND the pH will be more stable overall.

Let's face it - it's $8.95 to refill my CO2 tank. I can afford that once every 6-8 months.

[wolf13]

I read some the the krib article before being interupted, but one concern i have with it is they keep talking about proper circulation. now, to me, that means agitation (maximizing gas exchange), which is something we often strive to minimize. I also am a little critical of the pH argument, afterall, most of us don't saturate our water with co2 before refilling our tank during water change and thats going to be a bigger ph shock from co2 change then a gradual degassing and regassing cycle, especially since we have some extra co2 being added back into the system during the night from plant respiration. from what i've read, pH shock isn't the real killer people make it out as, its hardness shock where theres a rapid change in kH thats the killer, and CO2 has little bearing on that.

I don't think in a well set up system, its probably going to make a lot of differnce one way or the other in the end.

[Nolapete]

The pH change from CO2 does NOT cause osmotic shock like the pH change from dissolved solids/buffering does. The pH change from CO2 is perfectly safe.

I run mine 24/7 with no problems.

[geofied]

One of the simplest arguments I have seen for running CO2 24/7 is that the plants are assured there is enough CO2 available in the "morning" when they first need it. Might as well let them hit the ground running.

[maxthedog123]

Exactly!! If you tank heads back to equilibrium of ppm CO2 in the atmosphere, it is going to take a lot of time to get back up to the desired level when the lights come one.

[Nolapete]

I didn't think of that, but that's the reason I needed to backup my thoughts on leaving it on 24/7.

[Mgamer20o0]

well if your not runing it 24/7 you turn it on a hour or so before the lights on. give it time to build back up then have it go off about a hour before the lights go off.