Hello fellow friends of UKAPS,
I am having an internal dilemma regarding this issue.
In my journal, I mentioned some observations that I have made with dissolved oxygen (using a probe, I was amazed at the impact that my bubbler had on levels, albeit this was done in a tank free of plants and fish).
I can provide several links, but I am going to make some statements based on some things I have read:
1) Tom Barr prefers the use of “sealed-Ish” wet-dry filters in his sump for gaseous exchange - many people fear for driving off co2. He further claims that his high levels of co2 are possible because of his DO levels which are around 7-8 ppm (nearly maxed).
2) Ceg (who I have not met but love reading his posts) uses a spray bar and time and time again suggests flow distribution and surface agitation increase overall health of aquarium. His spray bar waterfalls onto the surface of the water column. I’ll be honest, I am considering a spray bar and if I had one I would consider removing the bubbler. These same ideas are echoed by several well-respected members on UKAPS.
3) Dennis Wong extensively talks about the necessity for gaseous exchange for stable aquarium.
4) ADA Lilly bar positioning making a little vortex to make gaseous exchange more possible.
5) Henry’s law to discuss equilibria.
Now, a bubbler (the one I have is embedded into my power head) will increase gaseous exchange at the surface and as a result ensure high DO levels but also force my dissolved co2 to get to equilibrium of 3ppm—unless I pump it in faster.
I have 2 options:
1) run it during photoperiod + at night (all day)
2) run it only during night (not during photoperiod)
The only benefit to 2 is that I will not off gas co2 and my co2 tank will last longer — what this also means is my DO levels may decrease during this time (except the oxygen released by plants will probably keep my levels high enough, if I pick option 1).
What I am interested in is having a healthy system.
If I do not have sumps/spray bars/have a fast-flowing shallow tank (like a river or stream), is using the bubbler a “nice” equivalent alternative.
I attached a picture of the bubbler in the tank for a visual.
So, I think the answer is that both strategies will work - but which one will be better?
I am posting because I have not yet read a thread where some one is advocating for option 1, and I don’t think it’s that outlandish (but if it is, please let me know, ha).
Cheers,
Josh
I am having an internal dilemma regarding this issue.
In my journal, I mentioned some observations that I have made with dissolved oxygen (using a probe, I was amazed at the impact that my bubbler had on levels, albeit this was done in a tank free of plants and fish).
I can provide several links, but I am going to make some statements based on some things I have read:
1) Tom Barr prefers the use of “sealed-Ish” wet-dry filters in his sump for gaseous exchange - many people fear for driving off co2. He further claims that his high levels of co2 are possible because of his DO levels which are around 7-8 ppm (nearly maxed).
2) Ceg (who I have not met but love reading his posts) uses a spray bar and time and time again suggests flow distribution and surface agitation increase overall health of aquarium. His spray bar waterfalls onto the surface of the water column. I’ll be honest, I am considering a spray bar and if I had one I would consider removing the bubbler. These same ideas are echoed by several well-respected members on UKAPS.
3) Dennis Wong extensively talks about the necessity for gaseous exchange for stable aquarium.
4) ADA Lilly bar positioning making a little vortex to make gaseous exchange more possible.
5) Henry’s law to discuss equilibria.
Now, a bubbler (the one I have is embedded into my power head) will increase gaseous exchange at the surface and as a result ensure high DO levels but also force my dissolved co2 to get to equilibrium of 3ppm—unless I pump it in faster.
I have 2 options:
1) run it during photoperiod + at night (all day)
2) run it only during night (not during photoperiod)
The only benefit to 2 is that I will not off gas co2 and my co2 tank will last longer — what this also means is my DO levels may decrease during this time (except the oxygen released by plants will probably keep my levels high enough, if I pick option 1).
What I am interested in is having a healthy system.
If I do not have sumps/spray bars/have a fast-flowing shallow tank (like a river or stream), is using the bubbler a “nice” equivalent alternative.
I attached a picture of the bubbler in the tank for a visual.
So, I think the answer is that both strategies will work - but which one will be better?
I am posting because I have not yet read a thread where some one is advocating for option 1, and I don’t think it’s that outlandish (but if it is, please let me know, ha).
Cheers,
Josh