I'd like to request that members take a little time to estimate and post their CO2 injection rates in ml per minute. Many times we try to compare CO2 levels or injection rates using bubbles per second, which as many experienced hobbyists know, isn't that helpful. The bubbles are on different equipment and under varying operating pressures, which all impact the size of the bubbles. If we are able to start gathering some information on injection rates in ml per minute, diffusion methods, tank size, light levels, and plant mass; we might better be able to compare methods and help beginners find an injection rate with which to start based upon their specs.
Of course this isn't a replacement for good horticulture like observing plant growth and other methods to estimate CO2 concentration (drop checker or ph/kh chart), but it could be another tool to help people get it right or trouble shoot problems.
To estimate your injection rate use a graduated cylinder inverted over your diffuser, so that it captures the bubbles. Make sure the cylinder is full of water so that the CO2 can displace the water. In my case I had to use a small graduated cylinder and a small plastic funnel (all from my DIY ferts kit) to capture the bubbles and funnel them into the cylinder. After 60 seconds I measured 1.4 ml of CO2 gas trapped within the cylinder. It is best to do it this way for diffusers and atomizers since they are under some working pressure which effects the gas volume while still in the line or bubble counter. Removing the diffuser and putting the line straight in could change the injection rate to be measured.
The method will have to be adapted for other injection methods like reactors by simply taking the line off the reactor and running into the measuring cylinder. While these systems are under some working pressure, it is much less than an atomizer...so hopefully there won't be a significant change to the bubble rate.
I'll start:
45 cm aquascape with medium plant density (Iwagumi-ish) and high light. Moderate surface agitation, no skimming
Injection rate 1.4 ml/min through ADA pollen glass diffuser.
Also, if you have any comments on the method please share them. I should add that this is not my idea, this was proposed by Tom Barr some years ago, however the method has never caught on. I hope we can change that.
Of course this isn't a replacement for good horticulture like observing plant growth and other methods to estimate CO2 concentration (drop checker or ph/kh chart), but it could be another tool to help people get it right or trouble shoot problems.
To estimate your injection rate use a graduated cylinder inverted over your diffuser, so that it captures the bubbles. Make sure the cylinder is full of water so that the CO2 can displace the water. In my case I had to use a small graduated cylinder and a small plastic funnel (all from my DIY ferts kit) to capture the bubbles and funnel them into the cylinder. After 60 seconds I measured 1.4 ml of CO2 gas trapped within the cylinder. It is best to do it this way for diffusers and atomizers since they are under some working pressure which effects the gas volume while still in the line or bubble counter. Removing the diffuser and putting the line straight in could change the injection rate to be measured.
The method will have to be adapted for other injection methods like reactors by simply taking the line off the reactor and running into the measuring cylinder. While these systems are under some working pressure, it is much less than an atomizer...so hopefully there won't be a significant change to the bubble rate.
I'll start:
45 cm aquascape with medium plant density (Iwagumi-ish) and high light. Moderate surface agitation, no skimming
Injection rate 1.4 ml/min through ADA pollen glass diffuser.
Also, if you have any comments on the method please share them. I should add that this is not my idea, this was proposed by Tom Barr some years ago, however the method has never caught on. I hope we can change that.