Co2 BPM / BPS - suggested?

D

Derringer

... overstock this!
Apr 8, 2007
768
0
0
Indiana
I am trying to get my Co2 tuned in so that I can be in the optimal range and hopefully balance the tank.

Co2 = 11.37ppm

Its hard to count exact bubbles per minute but I think it was in the range of 120 or about 2 every second. I turned the dial up and now its really hard to tell - I will be testing again in a few hours.

Anyway - how many BPM do you shoot for? I know the desired end result is 20-30ppm ... I am thinking that my diffuser (advertised 100% diffusion) must not be diffusing very well.

I hope to get this tuned in as I am battling some algae - hopefully getting that in check will do the trick.
 
You would need a drop checker to know your exact co2 ppm value. Once its in the 30ppm range you get your bpm value. The bpm value will vary with every tank setup. Some go for 5 some go for 15 bps. This is again why im telling you to get a drop checker so you can calibrate it properly and have 0 algae issues.

Also make sure that your diffuser is actually diffusing 100% of it.

What kind of diffuser are you using??
 
No one can really tell you how many BPM to use, since like you've noticed, there are a lot of other factors. Such as how efficient is your diffuser and water turnover (gassing off), and even plant intake.
 
I second what Bk said. BPS is really something that's only good for your setup. Factors like diffusion method, temperature, surface movment, filtration, flora/fauna all come into play and ultimately effect how many BPS you need. Drop checker to the way to go. Once you have a drop checker, you can establish a BPS "goal" for your tank, but even then it's still just a guideline, not a rule.
 
A drop checker will only give you a color - mine is dark green as it needs more. ;) Once I get it dialed in it will be a great tool as I can tell the levels just by looking at the color.

I got the 11.37ppm using the KH PH method CO2 (in PPM) = 3 * KH * 10^( 7-pH ) ...

I guess I will just keep turning up the dial every day until I see that number go up to around 20ppm.

Right now I am using this diffuser > http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3747+9907&pcatid=9907

I have one of these ordered > http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3747+15524&pcatid=15524 but its on back order.
 
What you fill the bubble counter with also has a big impact on how many bubbles per second.

When I went from water to mineral oil it slowed down GREATLY but the same amount of CO2 was going through it.
 
Your tank's water has more contributing to its hardness than carbonate (KH), so your reading of the charts may be off.

Get a drop checker and start out slowly w/ CO2, adding just a little more (as in 1 small adjustment at the end of the photoperiod each day until the checker is a nice green at the end of the next day when you check it/adjust it).
 
Derringer said:
A drop checker will only give you a color - mine is dark green as it needs more. ;) Once I get it dialed in it will be a great tool as I can tell the levels just by looking at the color.

I got the 11.37ppm using the KH PH method CO2 (in PPM) = 3 * KH * 10^( 7-pH ) ...

I guess I will just keep turning up the dial every day until I see that number go up to around 20ppm.

Right now I am using this diffuser > http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3747+9907&pcatid=9907

I have one of these ordered > http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3747+15524&pcatid=15524 but its on back order.
Click to expand...

Have you ever considered DIY reactor's ? They are cheap and work very good. An Example: Courtesy of APC
co2reactorcopywy9.jpg
 
Squawkbert said:
Your tank's water has more contributing to its hardness than carbonate (KH), so your reading of the charts may be off.

Get a drop checker and start out slowly w/ CO2, adding just a little more (as in 1 small adjustment at the end of the photoperiod each day until the checker is a nice green at the end of the next day when you check it/adjust it).
Click to expand...

Possibly its my high GH ...

I have a DC and I am adjusting the dial on the needle daily until I get the desired color.

I will have to go check the PH out of the tap.

I'm not ready for another DIY yet - just put a UV sterilizer inline this past weekend - had to make 2 trips to the hardware store for plumbing parts LOL! That unit does look good though - if the reactor I have ordered doesnt do a good job I might have to consider that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom