View Full Version : With or without bubbles?
gsparsan
06-13-2008, 1:27 PM
I have done this setup 3 weeks ago and now many of the stem plants have started growing in. The smaller plants and micro swords still have a lot of growing to do. I can't decide which looks better: with bubbles or without?
irishspy
06-13-2008, 1:29 PM
I think the bubbles look pretty. :)
though it does look nice with bubbles (a waterfall like effect) i think your plants will be happier without it.
Whats your lighting, any co2 injection?
Hurley
06-13-2008, 1:31 PM
I like it without bubbles. Are you injecting CO2? Bubbles increase surface movement and allow for CO2 wheter injected or from your fish, to escape. Your plants, especially in a tank that heavily planted will most likely need CO2 and ferts.
...Redness...
06-13-2008, 1:37 PM
It looks better without bubbles.
Yeah, I think that the plants will be happier without the bubbles.
gsparsan
06-13-2008, 1:42 PM
Lights: 320W,
CO2: Electrolysis system
Fert: API Leaf Zone
At the moment, the bubbles are on at night... and when we are receiving guests! My misses likes the bubbles. My opinion is sort of biased because I know the bubbles are making the tank lose the CO2. So I can't really make my mind from a purely aesthetic point of view.
Sploke
06-13-2008, 1:47 PM
Well its not purely an aesthetic choice, as you're wasting money by bubbling off CO2 rather than keeping it in the tank. I'd lose them.
The things women make us do just so they can be happy.. (put the airpump on a clapper. when she isnt looking do a light clap and bingo.. off )
Fordtrannyman
06-13-2008, 1:52 PM
CO2: Electrolysis system
:lipssealedsmilie:................................ .:headshake2:
jpappy789
06-13-2008, 1:56 PM
it think from an aesthetic point of view the bubbles are distracting...
plus they are wasting CO2
gsparsan
06-13-2008, 2:00 PM
:lipssealedsmilie:................................ .:headshake2:
I know its less effective than a pressurised system. And in the long run its more expensive as the replacement carbon slates are quite costly. But I don't have the money to buy the equipment for a pressurised system right now.
But it will come. Soon I hope.
Star_Rider
06-13-2008, 2:35 PM
?? is the carbon from the electrolysis emitted as a gas??
Sploke
06-13-2008, 2:45 PM
Yes, from what I understand, it uses a carbon anode, so when the oxygen is separated, it joins with the carbon to release CO2 on one end and H2 on the other end. Obviously, the carbon anode needs to be replaced periodically as it is depleted.
Fordtrannyman
06-13-2008, 3:41 PM
I know this is off the topic of bubbles. My curiosity won't allow me to refrain. LOL
Do you have any measurable results from your C02 system?
This system has been discussed in depth on other forums with no evidence to draw a conclusion on it's ability to create a usable/efficient source of Carbon for plants.
Fishy_Fun
06-13-2008, 9:18 PM
I like the bubbles.The placement of them looks great though the co2 is needed too.HMMM
FireDancer7905
06-13-2008, 11:39 PM
When I finally turned off all my bubbles I was thrilled with how peaceful the tanks seem. I voted no bubbles.... If your wife wants bubbles, do what I did with hubby: buy new tank and let her decorate/stock/clean it!
gsparsan
06-14-2008, 12:32 AM
I know this is off the topic of bubbles. My curiosity won't allow me to refrain. LOL
Do you have any measurable results from your C02 system?
This system has been discussed in depth on other forums with no evidence to draw a conclusion on it's ability to create a usable/efficient source of Carbon for plants.
It produces a very fine mist of co2 that 'hangs' in the water for some time, rising very slowly, unlike air bubbles. This 'cloud' becomes thinner and thinner as it reaches the surface.So it is pruducing something and I think it is dissolving into the water as well. How much exactly I don't know. I have no means of measuring it. The fish have not shown sign of lack of O2 so its definitely not too much. My plants are growing quite fast and I am happy with them, specially for a new set up. How much of it is down to the CO2 is anybody's guess.
I've been using it for over 3 months now. It costed me $100 and the slates cost $60 each. I have not done a replacement yet. It also has a dial that you can use to regulate the amount. Its just a dial with 1 to 10. I always have it on 10. A pressurised system will cost me over $600 but the refilling of the bottles is a lot cheaper than the carbon slates. A friend who has the pressurised system does one refill a year and it cost him $10 each time. He uses the same refill as fire extinguishers. So in the long run, the pressurised system is definitely cheaper. Plus, I don't know how long this electrolysis system will work before breaking down.