CO2 system

CBWMN

AC Members
Oct 11, 2007
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El Paso, TX
I bought my first pressurized CO2 system.
I got a used Milwaukee dual gauge regulator, bubble counter, needle valve unit with a PH controller.
It’ll be used on a 46 gallon bowfront with 4 angels and 2 LF ABN’s/
A couple of questions:
What bubble count should I start with?
The PH with DIY CO2 has been at 6.6 - 6.8, so maybe I should set the PH controller at the sam level.
I got a DIY reactor but at first I think I’ll continue to inject into the XP2 inlet tube.
Thank you,
Charles
:thm:
 
TBH, most people dont use the ph controller as it is just an added unnecessary expense. You need to get a drop checker, this will measure the co2 concentration in your tank and the indication fluid will change accordingly, your goal is to match the color to that of the 30ppm goal. I have my presurized system feeding right into my eheim canister and i dont really rely on bubble/sec. I look soley at the drop checker and i keep my co2 on 24/7 despite the solenoid, i dont really turn it off. Fish are sensitive to PH changes and believe it or not, a higher than normal ph is better than daily ph flucuations. I know there is a ph method to determining co2 concentration, i havent experimented with that at all. I also have an airstone that kicks on for about 12 hours or so at night to help release co2 and create good aeration for the tank. I could have kicked the solenoid off and had no co2 at night but i would rather have more consistant concentrations. The airstone does release co2 from the water but it is also important to remember that there will still be a concentration of it, i have been trying to monitor the change and nothing seems too huge. I have about 4-6bps, i think atleast, i also monitor the health of the plants as an indication of what needs to be changed or altered. I am still playing around with eveything, trying to calibrate it just right so some of my methods may change over time.
 
New CO2 system

TBH, most people dont use the ph controller as it is just an added unnecessary expense. You need to get a drop checker, this will measure the co2 concentration in your tank and the indication fluid will change accordingly, your goal is to match the color to that of the 30ppm goal. I have my presurized system feeding right into my eheim canister and i dont really rely on bubble/sec. I look soley at the drop checker and i keep my co2 on 24/7 despite the solenoid, i dont really turn it off. Fish are sensitive to PH changes and believe it or not, a higher than normal ph is better than daily ph flucuations. I know there is a ph method to determining co2 concentration, i havent experimented with that at all. I also have an airstone that kicks on for about 12 hours or so at night to help release co2 and create good aeration for the tank. I could have kicked the solenoid off and had no co2 at night but i would rather have more consistant concentrations. The airstone does release co2 from the water but it is also important to remember that there will still be a concentration of it, i have been trying to monitor the change and nothing seems too huge. I have about 4-6bps, i think atleast, i also monitor the health of the plants as an indication of what needs to be changed or altered. I am still playing around with eveything, trying to calibrate it just right so some of my methods may change over time.

First, I do have drop checkers, 4KH solution, etc.although IMO the PH & KH test kits tell me the same thing.. I've been on DIY CO2 for years. IMO, the DC's are just more unsightly stuff to hang inside the aquarium. HOWEVER, I wll use thm at first.

Second, I'm confused. Isn't the PH controller supposed to maintain cnstant PH night and day?

The reason I ask these questions is, I don't know where to start bubble wise.
I bought a $14 bottle of glycerine for the bubble counter, now I need to know how to adjust the needle valve.

Thanks for the response.
Charles
 
the ph controller can do that, i dont have experience with it, i would check both methods and see which one is more accurate, thats what i would do if i was in your position.
 
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