Setting up CO2 with pH probe, does bubble rate matter?

[gummyworms]

Hello,

Im setting up a CO2 system today and I was wondering whether it matters what I should set my target bubble rate to be if I am hooking the system up to CO2. I am planning to set the solenoid to keep the pH at around 7.0.

Should I try to optimize the bubble rate so that the solenoid is turned on and off as little as possible? Does this optimize solenoid life?

Thanks
Shawn

 

[dundadundun]

i would not try to optimize solenoid life, rather turn the bubble rate down to where it buys you some time before the fish die in the event of a leak or failure.

 

[jmhart]

So are you are using a pH controller?

If so, bubble rate doesn't really matter. You don't want it too fast, but you don't have to be too exact with it.

 

[gummyworms]

Calculating CO2 using kH and pH

Just wanted to double check my CO2 calculations.

According to my Salifert KH test (which I used back in my saltwater days, my kH is 24 dkH, this is off the chart, but may be accurate because I have well water. Does this seem abnormally high?

My pH from my probe is currently 8.5.

According to http://csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_plant_co2chart.htm, I should lower my pH to around 7.7 to achieve about 15 ppm CO2.

Does this sound about right?

 

[jmhart]

Yes, it sounds about right. However, you may still want to get a drop checker. I use a pH controller and a drop checker so that I can get exactly where I want.

The other method, of course, is to slowly lower your pH down via co2 over the course of a couple of days(always watching the tank while the pH drops) and then, when you see your fish at the top gasping, turn the controller up just a hair. Then you'll have max co2.