kh, ph and co2 relationship

C

confusion

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Jun 3, 2006
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I've read a good bit on the relationship between these 3 parameters and seen the charts, but I have a question I haven't seen answered, and in fact have seen conflicting comments on:

is the same amount of CO2 injection required to raise the actual CO2 level as the KH of a tank varies? So, for instance, if I have a KH of 1 and 1 bubble/sec gives me 30ppm of CO2, will 1 bubble/sec give me 30ppm of CO2 if my KH were 7?
 
You measure your CO2/ppm by comparing your kH and the current pH of the water. The result of comparing the two factors tells you the CO2/ppm in the water table.

If you find that you are not getting the ppm that you want you increase the bubble rate until the desired ppm is reached. Continuous adjusting of bubble rate is the way to get it. Obviously, this is more easily accomplished through the use of pressurized CO2 and a needle valve which will give you a precise bubble rate and ppm.
However you can tinker with a DIY reactor or reactors until you get into the ball park that you're looking for. It just won't be as precise.
I hope that this answers your question.

Len
 
KH and PH will not really effect CO2, only CO2 will effect CO2. So no, abundance of KH or a lack of KH will not require more CO2 or less CO2 injected into the water to acheive the same level of dissolved CO2. The abundance or lack of KH will effect the PH values for a given CO2 amount, but not the CO2 itself. The CO2 amount is affected by bubble rate, the quality of reactor, and the rate at which gas-off is occuring out of your tanks water.
 
kH is just a buffer that stabilizes the tank's pH. Higher kH stabilizes the pH against vacillating pH values, but does not require one to inject more CO2.

I thought loaches' explanation was a good one. If you're still confused, you've got the right handle. :):)

Len
 
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