Stefanie
07-25-2005, 12:15 PM
I have ordered new lights for my tanks, and I would like to start injecting CO2 (DIY).
Now here are my questions or points where I need confirmation:
1: I have a kH of about 7. So this should be safe to add DIY CO2... my question: how often do I need to replenish it by water changes? How quickly does it drop? Are twice weekly 50% water changes enough? So far, my tank and tap show no real difference in any concentration (NH3=O, NO2=0,NO3=5-10,Kh=7, GH=280 ppm). My pH (tank and tap) is about 7.5...
2: If I understand correctly, a drop in pH from CO2 is not going to harm my fish, as long as the kH and GH stay stable. Is this correct? Even for fish that naturally prefer a slightly alkaline pH?
3: When doing a water change I am sure that my pH will rise before the CO2 lowers it again... is this harmful to my fish or the same story as the drop?
4: After planting the tank, when should I switch to the higher light? Should I put it on before? Same for CO2 injection: When do I start? Do the plants need to settle a bit before?
5: I recall reading it is better to plant heavily in the beginning to avoid algae growth right of the start using some fast growing stem plants. Could anyone please recommend some plants for a 10G, 12G and 20G tank?
6: I am wondering about Calcium/Magnesium ferts... from my tap water it seems like there should be enough for plants? What do you think?
Sorry for all those questions... I am just trying to do it right and avoid a fish desaster...
Now here are my questions or points where I need confirmation:
1: I have a kH of about 7. So this should be safe to add DIY CO2... my question: how often do I need to replenish it by water changes? How quickly does it drop? Are twice weekly 50% water changes enough? So far, my tank and tap show no real difference in any concentration (NH3=O, NO2=0,NO3=5-10,Kh=7, GH=280 ppm). My pH (tank and tap) is about 7.5...
2: If I understand correctly, a drop in pH from CO2 is not going to harm my fish, as long as the kH and GH stay stable. Is this correct? Even for fish that naturally prefer a slightly alkaline pH?
3: When doing a water change I am sure that my pH will rise before the CO2 lowers it again... is this harmful to my fish or the same story as the drop?
4: After planting the tank, when should I switch to the higher light? Should I put it on before? Same for CO2 injection: When do I start? Do the plants need to settle a bit before?
5: I recall reading it is better to plant heavily in the beginning to avoid algae growth right of the start using some fast growing stem plants. Could anyone please recommend some plants for a 10G, 12G and 20G tank?
6: I am wondering about Calcium/Magnesium ferts... from my tap water it seems like there should be enough for plants? What do you think?
Sorry for all those questions... I am just trying to do it right and avoid a fish desaster...