How Accurate are the CO2 Calculators?

M

Maverick2007

AC Members
Aug 24, 2007
27
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Portugal
I was wondering if anyone could comment on the accuracy of CO2 calculators based on calculating PH and KH. The reason I ask is that based on this method I have an unusual high CO2 measurement which I'm sure is not correct.
Here are the details:
PH - 6.0
KH - 3 degrees


CO2 concentration 90 ppm?!?!?


I'm sure if this was correct my fish would be dead which fortunately is not the case. Also my source of CO2 is DIY with an air stone diffuser.


I look forward to the communities thoughts.


Thanks
 
I believe you would need to know your ph and kh before you added co2 to do it that way, plus a few other measurements.

Search here for "co2" there are many threads on it.
 
Thanks prolude006 & Bk828 !!
BK828 my understanding of drop checkers is that they are sometimes not very accurate either. From what I have read, the color changes in the drop checker may be affected based on where it is placed (i.e. if its placed close to the source of the CO2 the readings may be higher then in other areas of the aquarium).
I appreciate your thoughts and comments.
Cheers
 
The calculators only work if the only acid is CO2 and the only buffer is bicarbonate. This is seldom the case.
 
Bk828, when you say "have flow in the tank" are we talking about flow under the surface? I would guess that flow at the surface (i.e. water agitation would promote gaseous depletion of CO2).
Thanks for your suggestion I will certainly look at drop checker....I have read about DIY drop checkers do you know if these are effective?
Thanks again and cheers !!
 
KarlTH are you referring to the bicarbonate soda that's added to the DIY CO2 or about a bicarbonate buffer?
Thanks
 
I'm referring to the bicarbonate which is part of the bicarbonate system. It doesn't matter where it comes from; it exists in an equilibrium with carbonic acid. It's this equilibrium system which the KH/pH/CO2 tables work on; if there are other acids and/or other buffers, then the tables won't work.

Bicarbonate added to the DIY CO2 is irrelevant; you're not putting that in the tank and we're referring to what's going on in the water.
 
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