ok so i made a DIY co2 setup about 3 weeks ago and there is still co2 coming out of it. should i continue to use this or make a new batch
Making a new batch of co2
- Thread starter catfishcity
- Start date
DAVIDFBT
Extinct? Since when?
I use my CO2 mix until the bubbles are too thin to keep my drop checker a good green color, which is usually about 3-4 weeks. For your case, I would change it when the CO2 output is very small and not worth keeping the old mixture.
Algae will take advantage of fluctuating Co2 levels. I would change it once the rate of Co2 decreases, or better yet, run two bottles at once and change them on opposite weeks.
test your water and see if you've still got the amount of dissolved Co2 you want.
If it's too low-start a new bottle
if you don't know how to check your Co2 read this article
also you can pipe in a second bottle so you alternate - while one is slower the other is faster and vice versa
Also- it depends on your light and the requirements of your plants- if they're lower maintenance then let it ride out before you start another bottle - if they need more Co2 to continue out-competing the algae you'll want to keep your level consistently higher
If it's too low-start a new bottle
if you don't know how to check your Co2 read this article
also you can pipe in a second bottle so you alternate - while one is slower the other is faster and vice versa
Also- it depends on your light and the requirements of your plants- if they're lower maintenance then let it ride out before you start another bottle - if they need more Co2 to continue out-competing the algae you'll want to keep your level consistently higher
I would add a second ottle and alternate them every two weeks. Steady amounts are incredibly important.
ok thanks for the info. i dont think that i need to add another bottle cause i am only running it on a 20 gallon aquarium so i dont need that much co2
Adding another 2L bottle would give you a set time for creating a new batch. It would also help keep Co2 levels stable, which is good for plants and bad for algae. Even then, a DIY setup doesn't give you a whole lot of Co2 anyways so the extra bit helps. Just a suggestion...