Can CO2 make fish flash

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rrkss

Biology is Fun
Dec 2, 2005
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I've just recently started dosing high amounts of CO2 into my tank to eliminate BBA. My fish tend to flash a lot recently. pH has dropped from 7.4 to 6.4 with the injection. No heavy breathing or other CO2 overdose symptoms. Chances of parasites or other problems is almost 0% as these fish have been with me for over a year and have had proper quarantine procedures done.
 
I would think it could be the problem. If you put some crushed coral in your filter it will keep the PH closer to 7. I try to keep my PH as close to my tap water (for water changes) as possible.
 
im not sure either. on my 10g with DIY co2 2L i noticed my 2 tiger barbs flashing or scraping kinda on stuff. but im feeding crappy feeders to a bischir so it could be that?
 
something to remember, with co2 injection, the resulting drop in pH does not have the same effect as modifying it chemically, and thus does not bother the fish.

what is your co2 source? pressurized? yeast?

i would look into another source, because IME using co2 in all my tanks, i've never seen fish having any of those symptoms concurrent with the use of said gas.

parasites are ALWAYS possible.. that is, unless you use sterilized DI water, or use an RO unit. :) that tap water you use might be potable, but that doesnt mean it's sterile.
 
flashing is when fish scrape their bodies on objects/substrate in the tank.. the reason it's called flashing is because their scales often reflect light from above when they do, and it gives a 'flashy' look.

that's my best explanation.
 
I agree w/JdoubleR

pH drop resulting from added CO2 is not a change in the kH of the water..it is a result of more acid in the water from the formation of carbonic acid from reactions w/CO2
turn the C02 off and the pH will return to normal(unless there is something else going on in the tank.

flashig could be the results of parasites. even tho strict qt measures are used it does not elimintate the chances of pathogens entering a tank..it does highly reduce the chance.
but try turning the CO2 off or down and see if this helps.
the CO2 could be causing irritation and result in some flashing.
 
I agree w/JdoubleR

pH drop resulting from added CO2 is not a change in the kH of the water..it is a result of more acid in the water from the formation of carbonic acid from reactions w/CO2
turn the C02 off and the pH will return to normal(unless there is something else going on in the tank.

flashig could be the results of parasites. even tho strict qt measures are used it does not elimintate the chances of pathogens entering a tank..it does highly reduce the chance.
but try turning the CO2 off or down and see if this helps.
the CO2 could be causing irritation and result in some flashing.

which is why i wonder where the co2 is coming from, there could be an outside contaminant getting introduced to the water column via the gas exchange.
 
I agree w/JdoubleR

pH drop resulting from added CO2 is not a change in the kH of the water..it is a result of more acid in the water from the formation of carbonic acid from reactions w/CO2
turn the C02 off and the pH will return to normal(unless there is something else going on in the tank.

flashig could be the results of parasites. even tho strict qt measures are used it does not elimintate the chances of pathogens entering a tank..it does highly reduce the chance.
but try turning the CO2 off or down and see if this helps.
the CO2 could be causing irritation and result in some flashing.

Instead of turning the co2 off in the tank, the person can just take some of the tank water in the cup and let it sit out for some hours. Then test the pH. (was suggested to me when i had my ph issues)

(btw star_rider one more post and 5K congrats)
 
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