DIY CO2 w/ DIY powerhead diffuser Q

[fish-n-chips]

Does anyboby use a diy powerhead diffuser with diy CO2? For those that do, do you notice enough of a dfiference to make it worth it? Also, do you use a powerhead with an air inlet stem/venturi style? From what I have seen , the diffusers are fairly easy to make. Although I only have 2 wpg on my tank I will be planting(20 long) and it is not necessary for my plants, it can not hurt to use it, correct? I also like the fact that CO2 injection helps to keep ph lower, since I am getting some fish (P. taeniatus) that are being raised in a ph of 6.8 and my tap runs at 7.8(after 24hr of air).
For those that keep fish in planted tanks with ph lower than their source water, do you do anything special for water changes to avoid ph and kh swings?
Thank you in advance,
~FNC~.

 

[coach_z]

i ran DIY co2 through an airstone directly below a powerhead (Small bubbles came out of the stone, then went into the powerhead(no bubbles ever missed due to placement) i could not see co2 bubbles in output of powerhead.

I also like the fact that CO2 injection helps to keep ph lower, since I am getting some fish (P. taeniatus) that are being raised in a ph of 6.8 and my tap runs at 7.8(after 24hr of air)

ph induced co2 swing wont make the ph of your tank and your breeders tank match. what comes into play mostly is Carbonate and TDS. ((OR is it GH/KH and TDS?)). Either way...a long, slow, drip acclimation is your best solution. dont change your ph to match your fish, change your acclimation to match your water.

 

[fish-n-chips]

Thanks coach. I do have a setup for drip acclimation and will be using that as it is. I want to make sure that I can give these guy's the best parameters since they are not a common variant of the species and I don't want to see my money or fish go down the toilet(literally). I have everything I need except the powerhead and it looked like it would be a very effective way to disperse CO2 even if I did go pressurized. Thank you also for posts on other threads that have dealt with TDS and KH and dosing of ferts, it has all been helpful. The CO2 and PH comparison is something that I was curious about since I have read that KH,PH,TDS and CO2 levels all play a part on the molecular level and interact among each other. It can all be overwhelming!!!* bangs head against wall*
Heck, I was planning on picking up some RO water from the LFS(if I needed to) so I could try to match my water with the source water of seller.
P.S. I am getting Osmocote(sp.) tonight for DIY root tabs(going planted).
Good point on the PH to match fish and acclimation of species. I realize after you said that, that it will mean only more work for me and won't help my fish in the long run.

 

[fish-n-chips]

I am using a Tom's mini canister filter. Any input on putting the CO2 at the elbow on the outlet spray bar???

 

[coach_z]

you might be able to run the co2 through the canister.

 

[fish-n-chips]

You are def. on my Xmas card list coach!!!!

 

[dundadundun]

You are def. on my Xmas card list coach!!!!

sooo many emoticons that would fit right here...

so, instead...

there ya go...

 

[fish-n-chips]

NICE, that's definitely not a DIY though! Tis' always the season to be jolly.