about to try diy c02

[ThirdEyE]

the only test i have at the moment is ph i'll be picking up at least a nitrite/nitrate test and hopefully a kh this weekend.

the ph is always 7.6 in all 3 of my tanks, and my 55g planted is having it's first green algae bloom

i have:

2 liter bottle
air line tubing
check valve
yeast
baking soda
sugar

anything else???

will the amount of c02 produced make any dramatic changes to the ph and such, or am i ok to try it till this weekend?

 

[Godslayer]

I have never used DIY CO2 on a 55G but it might be a bit too large. You might have to run multiple bottles to get the desired effect. I would try to invest in a compressed setup. Compressed is easier, more reliable, and less problematic. I bought my entire setup (5lb bottle) for $85 used. Might be worth it to check around in your local want-ads/newspaper. Good luck.

Bob

 

[djlen]

It would be a good idea to know your kH before you start as CO2 does cause the pH to drop, and how much it drops depends on the buffering capacity(indicated by kH) of your water. On the other hand one DIY bottle in a 55 probably won't cause it to drop to a dangerous level. I have a 55 and 7.2 pH out of the tap with a kH of only 2 and I use 4 2-liter bottles to bring my pH down to 6.5, which is optimum for my conditions. Some folks have even less buffering capacity than mine, though. That's why I say it's a good idea to know your kH before hand.
You can run your air line from your 2-liter bottle right into the intake of your filter(if you have a hang-on-back filter). This will break up the CO2 bubbles and give you better absorption into the water table in your tank.
As to your algae bloom...give us more info on how many and what type plants you have in the tank. Also your lighting.
Hope this helped....
Len

 

[TBA]

One of my tanks is a 55 gal. with diy CO2. My hardness levels didn't drop as a result of the moderate addition of CO2. My starting level was approx. 8.0. I'd disregard people telling you that hardness and pH levels will dramatically change with a diy system. I've got this one in a Eheim canister filter with no problems.

 

[FASTRAKR]

Now when you say "right into the intake" do you actually mean right into it, or beside it? Because I have also read not to put it in a high suction place because it could suck the yeast right out of the bottle.

I am curious because I would like to set this up this weekend and I have an ac300 and don't really want a mess.

Thanks
FASTRAKR

 

[FASTRAKR]

BTT