PH rise/Powerhead question

IceH2O

IceH2O

Bazinga
Nov 26, 2005
1,682
60
51
Rock Hill,South Carolina
Real Name
Ice
My PH after being at 7 forever decided to creep up to 7.2, my KH also decided to creep up from 3 to 3.5 .

I did add 2 stones, quartz mixed with something, I did the vinegar test and had no fizz.

I'm not worried really, but I didn't test the parameters before the WC which I usually do. I'll keep an eye on them this week and see what they do.

I pulled the plug on my powerhead because the CO2 levels are so low, figure less agitation the better at this point, not that I had the ventri valve opened much.

Are powerheads made to go under the water to any certain distance? I keep mine just low enough that the power cord isn't in the water, are they made to sit lower in the water? That way I can still have some current but without the surface agitation.
 
IceH2O said:
My PH after being at 7 forever decided to creep up to 7.2, my KH also decided to creep up from 3 to 3.5 .

I did add 2 stones, quartz mixed with something, I did the vinegar test and had no fizz.
Click to expand...
FYI vinegar really isn't that accurate. Best test to use is hydrochloric acid. If you have the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals test kit then you can use the Nitrate bottle #1. The one with the skeleton hand on it :) Just a couple of drops is all you need. If THAT doesn't fizz, then it's inert.

I'm not worried really, but I didn't test the parameters before the WC which I usually do. I'll keep an eye on them this week and see what they do.
Click to expand...
Test the tap water. Sometimes the water company futzes with things when you are not looking. Between the time I set up my first DIY CO2 and did the presssured on my new 75g, the pH went from 7.8 to 7.4 out of the tap and the KH went from 3 to 1.5.

I hate that.

Are powerheads made to go under the water to any certain distance? I keep mine just low enough that the power cord isn't in the water, are they made to sit lower in the water? That way I can still have some current but without the surface agitation.
Click to expand...
So long as the pump is covered and doesn't run dry, I should think. Threw out the instructions, eh? ;)

Roan
 
Roan Art said:
FYI vinegar really isn't that accurate. Best test to use is hydrochloric acid. If you have the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals test kit then you can use the Nitrate bottle #1. The one with the skeleton hand on it :) Just a couple of drops is all you need. If THAT doesn't fizz, then it's inert.
Click to expand...



Good deal.

Roan Art said:
Test the tap water. Sometimes the water company futzes with things when you are not looking. Between the time I set up my first DIY CO2 and did the presssured on my new 75g, the pH went from 7.8 to 7.4 out of the tap and the KH went from 3 to 1.5.
Click to expand...

I'm on my own well,we had some T-Storms lately,maybe the rain had something to do with it.

Roan Art said:
So long as the pump is covered and doesn't run dry, I should think. Threw out the instructions, eh? ;)
Click to expand...

You know I did, its over 5 yrs old. I know it can be submerged, just don't remember how far.
 
My new aquaclear powerhead 50 has a Max. water level mark on it, but in the LFS they all have them submerged from middle to bottom of the tank.
I keep mine up high and pointed down anyways because if creates more aeration up there. ;)
 
Some time ago, I was lloking for info on the web abput a powerhead and it only said it was safe to use underwater. I've used mine to pump water from the bucket back into the tank and I just drop it in the bottom of the bucket. No harm done yet.
 
I just wasn't sure that it was a good idea to let a power cord be sitting in the water.Mine clips to the top of the tank frame but also can be suction cupped to the wall.

I want to kill the top water agitation but know some of my fish prefer the extra current, even if its not strong. Also I believe it helps the tank circulation.

I've been busy doing other stuff and just checking on here for some help and to help others. I'll try googling what others do.

I'd love to be able to sit it closer to the bottom and to the corner than where its situated right now.

For now,once this tank is split up and used to raise snails and shrimp the powerhead will probably be moved to the 55 or 75.

edit: I found the box and it shows the powerhead situated just as I have it now. Best I could do is aim it downward but when I do that it just pushes itself back to straight ahead.

Thanks anyway.
 
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Submersable is submersable. I put mine about halfway down the tank. depth doesn' matter on submersable equipment.
My new aquaclear powerhead 50 has a Max. water level mark on it, but in the LFS they all have them submerged from middle to bottom of the tank.
I keep mine up high and pointed down anyways because if creates more aeration up there.
Click to expand...

The max water line on submersable equipment is a direct result of Canadian Saftey regulations which state you cannot submerse sunmersable equipment.
Just like the maiximum water line mark on a visi-therm Delux heater. Mine is 14 inches below the water and has been for quite a while.
Dave
 
I also have my aquaclear 10 powerhead sitting right on the bottom of my tank, the fish love it! :clap:
 
Sounds good, now my question is going to be : Are they new style powerheads? Mine is an older model 201 not the 20 as they are listed as now.
 
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