Rancher
Seedling
- Joined
- 9 Nov 2015
- Messages
- 5
I have received, but not yet set up, a CO2 "SodaStream" setup with a bazooka diffusor. I have not run CO2 before, so I have some questions I hope I can get help with. (Tank parameters are below.)
1. The water where I live is quite soft. Typically the tank has KH 2-3 (usually 2) and GH 5-7 (typically 6).
2. I am not 100% sure of the pH as it seems to be about 7.4-7.6 (i.e., right on the line between the "Low pH" and "High pH" APA test kits).
3. TDS ranges from about 110 (post-water change) to 160 (right before a weekly water change).
4. *Currently* the lights come on from 6.30-8.15 AM and then 5-10 pm. There are some algae issues, so I think this will need to change.
I am currently using Liquid Carbon and 1/2 strength EI dosing for the plants. Obviously when I get the gassed CO2 set up, I will dispense with the Liquid Carbon.
Filtration is via a Fluval 206 external.
My questions:
A) I plan to start the CO2 slow (1 bps) and move up over time. I am concerned, however, that the KH is insufficient and/or the pH will drop too much. Will this be an issue?
B) I know that I should start the CO2 2 hours before the lights come on. I assume this would be 3.00 pm if the lights come on at 5.00, but (as in #4 above) I do have them on for a few hours in the morning. Should I just cut this morning period (due to algae) out and keep the night one? Is 5 hours enough for the plants?
C) when should I kick the EI dosing to full-strength? 1 week later? Longer? Less?
D) should I place the atomizer close to the filter's intake or under the outflow? Both have been suggested so I am not really sure what to do. My tank's circulation is not great
I am sure there are other questions I have forgotten, but any advice on these would be appreciated!
1. The water where I live is quite soft. Typically the tank has KH 2-3 (usually 2) and GH 5-7 (typically 6).
2. I am not 100% sure of the pH as it seems to be about 7.4-7.6 (i.e., right on the line between the "Low pH" and "High pH" APA test kits).
3. TDS ranges from about 110 (post-water change) to 160 (right before a weekly water change).
4. *Currently* the lights come on from 6.30-8.15 AM and then 5-10 pm. There are some algae issues, so I think this will need to change.
I am currently using Liquid Carbon and 1/2 strength EI dosing for the plants. Obviously when I get the gassed CO2 set up, I will dispense with the Liquid Carbon.
Filtration is via a Fluval 206 external.
My questions:
A) I plan to start the CO2 slow (1 bps) and move up over time. I am concerned, however, that the KH is insufficient and/or the pH will drop too much. Will this be an issue?
B) I know that I should start the CO2 2 hours before the lights come on. I assume this would be 3.00 pm if the lights come on at 5.00, but (as in #4 above) I do have them on for a few hours in the morning. Should I just cut this morning period (due to algae) out and keep the night one? Is 5 hours enough for the plants?
C) when should I kick the EI dosing to full-strength? 1 week later? Longer? Less?
D) should I place the atomizer close to the filter's intake or under the outflow? Both have been suggested so I am not really sure what to do. My tank's circulation is not great
I am sure there are other questions I have forgotten, but any advice on these would be appreciated!