Before adding CO2...

[WinterWind]

What precautions should I take before adding CO2?

I know that the CO2 might drop the pH to dangerous levels, but is that very common? Does it only happen in certain conditions or certainly all of the time? I will be adding it for the first time in my ten gal aquarium and I am afraid it will adversly affect my pH levels.

What else does CO2 affect that I should be aware of?

What can I do to prevent problems? Or should I experience ANY difficulties at all?

Thanks for your help.

 

[WinterWind]

Any help?

 

[Darkblade48]

If you're adding CO2, make sure that your kH is at least 3 (degrees) or higher, or else adding CO2 will have the disasterous result of making your pH "crash". Other than that, there shouldn't be any other harmful side effects.

 

[WinterWind]

I don't have test kit yet to test for kH, but what other signs can tell me if it is safe to add CO2?

Would most regular aquariums commonly have their kH at 3 so that it is safe to add CO2? What makes the kH low so that it is dangerous to add more CO2? If it was lower than 3, than how do I make it higher?

 

[WinterWind]

BTW, is there a quick and easy way to raise kH if needed? Can I just like buy a product that will instantly raise the kH to the desired level?

 

[benedictj]

There is really no way to tell what the KH of your water is without testing it. There aren't any real signs to indicate if 'everything is okay' with CO2 until you've already put them under stress.

I would recommend you get a KH test kit. They are relatively cheap, much cheaper then replacing a tank full of fish.

As far as raising KH is concerned, you can use baking soda. Still, you'll want a kit to know how much you need to add.

 

[TrickyD119]

As far as raising KH is concerned, you can use baking soda. Still, you'll want a kit to know how much you need to add.

Baking soda isn't a very good long term option though from what I understand as you'll have to add it pretty much daily.

My water is very soft (KH < 1) and I've got a pressurized CO2 system on the way. Adding a small amount of crushed coral in my filter is what was recommended for me to use to stabilize my KH around 3-4.

 

[WinterWind]

How long does it take for the crushed coral to raise the kH up to 3-4 degrees?

And will upping the kH be harmful to my fish?

 

[TrickyD119]

How long does it take for the crushed coral to raise the kH up to 3-4 degrees?

And will upping the kH be harmful to my fish?

it wont be harmful with the crushed coral because it is very gradual.

Here is the reply I got to the same question...

Every tanks chemistry is different, proceed with caution!
I would recommend you start with one (1) tablespoon, bagged and in your filter, test PH, KH and GH every two or days (2-3days) or more for atleast two weeks before adding more if necessary. I would add one (1) teaspoon at a time after the initial one tblsp and repeat testing/timeframe

As you can see from the two weeks part in there, it is a gradual process which unfortunatley doesn't help you if you want to start doing it today. But it is more healthy for the fish in the long run.

If you try baking soda in the meantime, be careful with that because it can cause spikes if you don't have proper test kits and amounts.

edit: and has already been recommended, you really shouldn't even think about doing anything until you know what your KH is.

 

[djlen]

A word of advice. Pick up a kH/gH test kit. They are very inexpensive and could save you a lot of heartache down the road.
3°H is OK....3.5°H is better.
Baking soda can be dosed daily(if needed) until your coral starts to take hold. The coral is the best option, long term(again, if you need it). You won't know if you don't test.

Len