So it would appear there is in fact a god of planted tanks. And I have royally p***ed him off!
On Tuesday I was arrogant enough to say that I had two keys to success and that keeping planted tanks would be easy from here on in. Oh the hubris! Well someone or something, disagreed with me… big time.
It seems that whilst I was typing my last post, congratulating myself on how I had achieved stable Co2 levels, I had an issue with my Co2 system and gassed all my fish and shrimp. 18 animals dead. Literally as I was typing that post.
Completely gutted. The lone Rasbora Espei especially had been with me for years. Worst thing is I’m now almost certain it was completely my fault.
It looked like a case of end-of-tank dump, except I have a dual stage regulator which has been working perfectly through several end-of-tank periods. I’ve been talking to Co2Art (who have been brilliant with me recently) and I think I have a reason narrowed down. For some reason I had the pressure knob all the way open and the working pressure cranked way up to 60psi. Apparently this coupled with increased pressure from an emptying tank can cause the symptoms of end-of-tank dump even on a dual stage reg.
When I set up the new tank I went from using a steady 40psi to opening the working pressure up fully. Not sure why I did this. I think I had hardly touched the regulator for 6 months prior to the move. Just changed the gas bottles. I think I just forgot how to set it. Like I say, my fault.
But there’s more…
So next night, I’m staring at a still and lifeless tank when I notice that my Hygrophila mini (you know, the one I was chirping on about in my previous post, about how well it was doing
), were all starting to show quite serious signs of a Co2 deficiency. The leaves were starting to go see-through and some detached when I brushed them.
But how could this be? I had been pumping in so much Co2 that I had wiped out a community of animals.
Not sure if you remember a few posts back but I increased the lighting by one hour at the same time as introducing the solenoid to halve the Co2. Sounds a bit stupid right?
What’s even more stupid is that instead of shutting off the gas at 22:00 (1 hr before lights out), I had it set for 20:00 (3hrs before lights out). I can’t even tell the 24hr clock.
Nobody’s fault but mine.
If this is the reason, this has been going on since Saturday and looks like it’s only just now shown itself in terms of damaged plants. Needless to say I’ve cut the lights back to 6 hours and extended the Co2 period.
But there’s more…
Somehow during my investigations with the Co2 system I’ve done something to my solenoid. It now makes an annoying crunching sound every 10 mins or so. I think it’s either a loose bolt or a bit of dirt inside. I need to give it a good look later when I’m home from work. Nothing serious hopefully.
So there you go. Hopefully the god of planted tanks will see this post and back the hell off a bit!
However I stand by my two keys for success. I’m not going to panic. It’s been working fine for a month, so I’ll try to identify the problem, make some adjustments and monitor the situation. I’ll get the Co2 stable again, get the lighting right, carry on with my water changes and I’m sure it will work itself out.
In this hobby you’re never done learning, and I’ve certainly learnt a lesson this week... It’s just that I haven’t learnt all the lessons.
CD