Finally pressurized CO2!! Few questions for those in the know

[TrickyD119]

After a few weeks I’ve finally gotten my kH up to 4° in my 29g (started < 1) and can finally take my regulator, reactor etc out of their box (no solenoid, at least yet).

I’m going to start with 1 bubble every 2 seconds and go from there, but I have a few other questions also.

1. In the beginning stages, when and how often should I measure my pH to most accurately determine where I’m at?
2. Should I let the CO2 run 24/7 or shut it off at night? If I should shut it off, when should I turn it on and off in relation to lights on, lights out?
3. What are the odds or Oxygen being an issue? Should I be running my sponge filter when lights are out?

Can’t wait to fire this baby up, thanks in advance for any help.

 

[carpguy]

1. In the beginning stages, when and how often should I measure my pH to most accurately determine where I’m at?

The pH will vary throughout the day. You should measure at the same time each day for consistency. I don't think it especially matters when that is, but it should always be the same. I'd test daily until you're happy with the levels and then weekly.

1. Should I let the CO2 run 24/7 or shut it off at night? If I should shut it off, when should I turn it on and off in relation to lights on, lights out?

I run mine 24/7 and know of many pressurized folks that do. It'll produce the widest swings, but the swings aren't that wide and it works in practice. If you subscribe to the TDS/osmotic shock school of thought (its not the pH its the hardness), then the swings aren't really a problem in the first place).

Others turn it off at night or use a solenoid. If you run it 24/7 you can expect the pH to be lowest at lights on; other methods will tend to keep the pH more even.

You can run bubbles or sponges counter to the lights to drive off CO2 when the tank is dark. I don't think its necessary, but its an option.

1. What are the odds or Oxygen being an issue? Should I be running my sponge filter when lights are out?

The CO2 levels are completely independent of the O2 levels. CO2 doesn't displace Oxygen. If it's not an issue without the CO2, it shouldn't be an issue with it.

 

[TrickyD119]

Thanks for the reply carpguy, I appreciate it.