help with co2 system

[mrChimps]

I have just bought the JBL co2 system (500g)

Before i set it up, i would like to know what tests to run on the tank to determine how much co2 i need? whats test should i do (ie ph etc)

the tank size is 30/15/15, if this helps.

Also can anyone give me an estimate on how long the 500g bottle will last?

regards
mrChimps

 

[djlen]

You want to know how stable your water is(buffer). Knowing your kH will tell you. You want a kH of at least 3.0 - 3.5. My guess that yours, in the UK will be a bit higher.

When you know the kH and the pH, you look here

http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_plant_co2chart.htm

at either the calculator or the chart on the bottom of the page. It will tell you where you stand as far as CO2 absorption goes.
As you will see from the info on that page, 25 - 30ppm is what most people shoot for, for optimum growth.

Keeping CO2 in the water column as long as possible involves, among other things, keeping the surface disturbance to an absolute minimum. So the life of any bottle of CO2 depends, in large part, on the filtration system. Filters that don't cause much disturbance to the surface of the water can/will lengthen the time between fills. I measured the difference in months after changing filters.

Len