CO2 and fish.

[RedScare]

I have had a problem with algae lately so I want to try CO2 to give my plants a boost. Problem is how do I acclimate my fish to the pH change.

Put the reactor into the tank for a little at a time over a few days???

I have Discus and they are touchy fish.

 

[Orlando]

Do a slow bubble rate like 1 per second. You want to start slow. Co2 droping ph wont harm your fish. To much co2 will if there isnt enough o2. Do you have all the right equipment? If not let me know and I can help.Remember unsteady ph swings can stress a fish so solenoid on a timer or controller is best.

 

[theotheragentm]

CO2 dropping the pH isn't the same as just adding peat. If you're adding CO2, you will be reducing the O2, so watch for that in your tank. If you don't have plants, you may not want to go the CO2 method as the idea is to balance ferts and have CO2 in line with your lighting so your plants produce O2.

 

[Bk718]

once you introduce co2 into the tank the ph drops are not sudden and will be slowly changing over time. How are you going to be injecting co2? pressurized/diy/hagen nutrafin? if its any of the last 2 then your ph will not drop as low and if it does drop then just increase the water agitation with the filter overflow or an airstone.

 

[uglyfido]

The Ph drop from DIY Co2 is slow and will not affect your fish. As for pressurized, I have no idea. I guess it would depend on what your settings are.

 

[Canuck]

If you're adding CO2, you will be reducing the O2, so watch for that in your tank.

CO2 and O2 are independent of each other, adding CO2 will not reduce oxygen, and with good light, nutrients and healthy plants you'll probably end up with a higher level of O2.

 

[Bk718]

CO2 and O2 are independent of each other, adding CO2 will not reduce oxygen, and with good light, nutrients and healthy plants you'll probably end up with a higher level of O2.

:iagree:

 

[Volenti]

CO2 and O2 are independent of each other, adding CO2 will not reduce oxygen, and with good light, nutrients and healthy plants you'll probably end up with a higher level of O2.

This is true, however in order for fish to get rid of CO2 in their blood (via the gills) the concentration of dissolved CO2 in the water has to be less than what's in the blood, that's how too high a concentration of CO2 can kill fish even if the oxygen content is in excess.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

yes co2 and o2 are different but there is a point where if your putting so much co2 in the water it can kill your fish. been there done that.....

 

[Canuck]

I never suggested you couldn't suffocate your fish, I was just pointing out that the CO2 and O2 content were independent of each other. Therefore adding reasonable levels of CO2 does not pose a danger to your fish and may in fact increase your oxygen levels.