Search results for query: *

What fluid are you using? Pre mixed or making your own? It is unusual to stay lime green all the time. Try removing it from the tank water and leaving overnight out of the tank. If it doesn’t return to blue this way then something is wrong with the solution.

I don’t really understand what you mean..... No not for filtration purposes. If you have extra circulation pumps then you should be fine distribution wise also.

Hi, you will likely just have to try it and see however I suspect the 306 will become more of a tool for keeping your equipment out of the tank for the inline heater and co2 systems and then the fx6 will be used for filtration and distribution. I would be inclined to remove all media from the...

That ran on only a 180l tank and due to my injection rate i always suffered burping and bypass. I guess the main benefit asides the lack of in tank bubbles is that you can get a truer co2 reading in your tank via the drop checker as it isn’t effected directly by the co2 mist. To be honest I...

I ended up with a layer of shower puffs and all sorts in my reactor to try to keep the co2 in the reactor......I could never get it to work properly which is why I tolerate the mist from inline diffusers now, at least those bubbles in the tank are tiny and useful.

If running multiple filters you could run multiple reactors with smaller injection rate to each which will reduce the ‘burping’ allow better dissolving and also likely improve co2 distribution via different filter outflows. I understand you may not want to do this due to the flow loss but it...

I often thought about doing it this way round, do you ever get a filter ‘burp’ where excess co2 that builds up comes out in one go or do you get 100% dissolution? I think with the amount I inject I would get frequent ‘burping’ which would also be a waste. I guess as you run twin diffusers...

I think if distribution in the tank is good it doesn’t matter where the co2 enters, the bubbles will still create the same issue. They also tend to be highlighted as they reflect the light. The mist is unfortunately a means to an end unless like you say you utilise other injection methods. They...

I’m using the co2 art inline.....really good imo, took a day to settle but misting beautifully now

Thanks Siege, I hadn’t seen them but they confirm all I have been trying to achieve....but failing to :lol: I have a skimmer, good surface agitation, a good surface area, good circulation but still don’t reach the plateaux of co2, it surpasses it. I may have to go for the less desirable slower...

Thanks Edvet, sorry I don’t use a ph regulator, I meant the co2 regulator to directly turn co2 injection on/off. After 15minutes of the gas being off the fish are much happier. Incidentally it was only the siamensis that seemed affected, tetras and shrimp seemed fine, I guess some fish are more...

Hi, we all know the co2 injection struggle.... but how can we know at what rate co2 degasses from our tanks? It will vary from tank to tank I guess based on surface area, temperature, surface agitation etc but how long before the end of a photoperiod can co2 be switched off? ......or again does...

What constitutes a very large tank? I have been considering one of these also mainly for adjustment accuracy but also the option to run multiple manifolds if necessary from one co2 bottle (wouldn’t want multiple bottles due to space under the tank). Aquascaper 1500 tank, 448 litres. Would this...

A lot really depends on your tank, plant species lighting etc as to how much c02 you will need to inject. Easy plants with low lighting for example will do fine at lower c02 levels but if your running high light with demanding species then you will need c02 to be high and very well distributed...

Hi, as said you will likely be looking at at least a 1, likely more ph drop in low kh water. What injection method are you using as in tank or inline diffusers can produce misting within the tank which can have a greater effect upon the drop checker readings providing a false representation of...

so I've added a scrunchy....not even a whole one. I cut the string which holds it together, unravelled it and it was like a long sock. I cut about 1/3 off and tucked it into itself forming a sausage shape. I tied the end off and then stuck it into the reactor. I thought that it may get forced to...

Thanks Victor, it was the noise really with the supplied media balls. Read many threads suggesting no media but I need something as there is bypass without. I am worried about the media blocking the out pipe so suggestions as to how many bath scrunchies are welcome.....im guessing finding a...

Hi, yeah it can be a pain to disconnect as I've just discovered! The noise was just horrendous, hard plastic balls rattling around, but with no media in I'm getting bypass. I think I'll try the bath scrunchies, soft so won't rattle and cheap :D strangely the media seemed to make no difference to...

Hello, does anyone suffer horrendous noise from their reactor when full with the bioballs? Cheerio, Ady.

Hi. Drop checkers are just a guide, to be more 'sure' of having 30ppm for lights on its best not to second guess the dc so having lime green representation for lights on removes as many guesstimates as possible. More often than not even when the dc shows a lime green we still won't be providing...

yep the sun is bright, but also can be shaded by cloud cover, algae or even the surrounding vegetation by the river/stream. The sun rises and sets also reducing intensity throughout the day, only at full intensity for a relitively short period. Reflection/refraction of light during...

Hi MrMacey, Spnl is on the correct train of thought here: It isnt necessarily because of the fluctuating levels of c02, algae dont really care about lack of c02, but the effect the fluctuation has on the health of the plants is the issue. If c02 fluctuates/drops off then, presuming lighting...

top of each page next to your username is an 'Inbox' just click that and start a 'new conversation' adding the member you'd like to message :thumbup:

this may be a useful thread :thumbup: Just how much C02 do you use! | UK Aquatic Plant Society Cheerio, Ady.

Mmm, maybe there us a continuity issue in manufacture. I run one on my tank and it's very good, producing a nice fine mist. However I originally planned on running 2, one on each of my 2 filters, but the second one produced very large bubbles like your experiencing. I removed it and presumed it...

2kg bottle, 9 weeks on 250l tank via inline boyu diffuser. Short photoperiod/injection period during this start up phase....maybe 7hrs gas on per day with good surface agitation.

You could buy a boyu inline diffuser from a well known auction site, about £8 new and they work fine on 1.5 bar pressure. Cheaper than buying an alternative regulator. I have an aqua medic reg too and I use the boyu inlines :)

Lol, the way that reads means you must work for sea life centre! I read 550.35 gallons....a whale tank! Quick google search and I found the boyu orca tl 550 which is 35 gallons :) Boyu inline diffusers work on low pressure, infact I run mine through an aqua medic reg no problems. Hope that...

I could do this as I have 2 filters, 2 diffusers and 2 co2 bottles with regulators and solenoids as originally I was going to run two. However it seems overly complicated when I can just use one system timed. Got a decent amount of surface movement, but its more based on past experience and...

Thanks guys. My theory is based purely on getting optimum levels for lights on which means co2 being right at the uppermost concentration at that point. Even with a longer slower bubble rate I still had difficulty with fauna throughout the photoperiod as concentrations rose. This way I'm hoping...

Hi, i have always had difficulty in maintaining c02 at a good all round level throughout the photoperiod. Im currently experimenting with c02 to try and maintain peak levels (regards livestock) throughout my photoperiod without distressing the fish. I understand the light, c02 relationship and...

Yep, true dat :) That will be the beauty of ph readings. Ill be able to assess off gassing rates to determine how early I can switch off the gas :)

I think from what Clive suggests from the posts above, how far it needs to drop to have a good c02 level can depend upon alkilinity and maybe your tank is working well with less of a drop for lights on because the water is higher in kh and masking the extent of the fall/injection? With mine...

Yes it will be a useful tool in determining injection periods, rates and even gas off times to allow a better understanding of when to switch on and off. I'm interested to see how long the co2 hangs around in the water once injection stops.....but that will require a very late night possibly :)

mmm, im hoping it is measuring water ph irrelevant of direct gas contact because that would be the best of both worlds in a mist tank, good levels of dissolved gas along with a good mist for direct access. Reading these posts from Clive in Deanos Journal, it suggests a 1ph drop to be sure of...

Hi, ive recently purchased a ph meter: HM DIGITAL PH-80 Handheld PH Meter: Amazon.co.uk: Kitchen & Home I want to see what is happening with my c02 pre, during and post photoperiod/injection period, and after water changes etc. I feel this will be more accurate than a drop checker in a heavily...

Quick search of the forum :banghead: and BOOM! ;) Maybe i was correct in my thinking :bookworm: Note to self....practice what you preach and use the search function. Slapped wrist :oops:

Ha, im sure there has been much discussion on the different types of c02 injection and the results. On reflection im sure if it were viable we wouldnt be consistently given advice to turn c02 injection on 1hr pre photoperiod, i suppose the theory of inline diffusers still is most effective as...

Hi, after reading a lot of recent posts regards ph readings pre and during the photoperiod to determine co2 concentrations it got me thinking about injection methods.... I'm currently using an inline atomiser, which by all accounts is aimed at supplying a 'mist' of co2 to the plants for direct...

Don't think there's any conclusive figures, but liquid carbon products break down in the water column over a 24hr period, so to be safe its best to dose just before lights on if possible to ensure good availability for the plants in the critical stage. I have to own up, that sometimes my nano...

Hi, I agree with Tomfish, bps is a guide for your reference regards any changes you make, bubble counters vary so not always comparative. Lime green dc for lights on is what your aiming for so that sounds good, although this needs balancing with your lighting intensity....sometimes even yellow...

Hi, if this is a new set up with new plants and no fauna id just crank the c02 right up to help the plants adapt to underwater life, you can dial it back later for fauna and the plants will be better able to cope as they are adapted to their submersed life. no real need to monitor (within...

I would guess so, a hob wouldn't create the surface flow of your spraybar, combine that with what is a 2x more powerful filter with greater turnover and you will be moving more water and at the surface which will increase gaseous exchange. You may need to use more gas, but your plants will...

Hi, drop checker turning blue just shows that the co2 is out gassing which is good overnight as the plants produce carbon dioxide too so it will be nice for any inhabitants. All you need to do now is carefully increase your injection rate and or injection period before lights on to ensure a lime...

You sure your check valve isn't leaking, cracked, split.....I had a metal one go recently, very faint hairline crack, confused me for a while :)

Tap water is fine.

Hi Bertie, sorry about the issues your having. As a first port of call id remove the co2 line from the atomiser and do a dip test in a small cup of water to ensure your co2 is making it to the diffuser. If it is then its likely to be a fault or pressure issue with the diffuser. As others have...

Hi jojo, if you've checked the compatability of the reg and cylinder and all is well, it maybe the o ring seal. I had a similar confusing issue with a same size cylinder refill last time i swapped, where like you there was a leak. i returned to the gas supplier to check the cylinder sizes (which...

Hi Martin, if youve hooked up another c02 bottle and have c02 injecting then you dont need to do anything differently. You may want to reduce the lighting slightly until you optimise c02 injection rate again to be safe. If you run out completely then switch the lights off until you get a refill...

Hi, The thing is when you get your plants the best thing to do is vastly over compensate co2 injection rates whilst you have no livestock. The more the merrier as far as the plants are concerned, they will be having a hard time trying to adapt to life underwater so give them plenty of co2. This...

Every days a school day :), I didn't know that about the uptake rates of plants, but either way co2 needs dialling to each individual tank as you say off gassing effects concentrations and there are many variables which effect off gassing; surface vegetation, physical plant mass, tank covers...

Hi, It's all about balancing injection rate with off gassing and uptake rates from plants (when you get them). Some tanks only need 1hr to get upto level, then plant uptake and off gassing keep it from rising to lethal concentrations throughout the photoperiod. Other tanks like my own and...

This is the colour of my dc, not against a white background i know, but agree with the others it needs to be more lime in colour. Its just a guide though, light intensity and livestock will determine how much c02 you need and can safely inject :)

Hi Mike, just measured my 2kg co2 cylinder and its actually 50cm high :(......darn 2cm!

thats the one i was thinking of....pleased to hear it was ok to run longer co2 line :thumbup:

I remember that thread, the needle valve and bubble counter were eventually placed near to the tank to easily see adjustments I think, if they were at the other end then you'd be twoing and froing from the tank to the outhouse to see what was going on in the tank :) I also seem to remember that...

Ah well that may be a different kettle of fish...if its a low tech system with no current carbon enrichment and you have bba then it could be due to fluctuations in co2 from water changes.....you may need to reduce your water change frequency. Cheerio, Ady.

I would say the plants utilise a carbon source for healthy growth.....with fluctuating levels they don't grow as healthily which results in algae. Fluctuating lc will be as bad for the plants as fluctuating gas so if you have bba, then this will most likely be the issue.

Hi Jon, If I were going to ever run co2 on my aquanano, I'd do exactly that, both to hide equipment and to give the best distribution. I doubt whether there will be enough co2 being used on this small tank to effect the pump in any way. With regards the filter media, the co2 will be distributed...

The more you do the better. 50% per day for the 1st week, every other day for the 2nd week, 3rd day for the third week and then down to one 50% per week as part of a normal routine. This keeps organic waste low and the water clean to give the plants the best start. Cheerio, Ady.

Hi Dean, just set it up, diffuser attached just miss out the bubble counter for now, It's not essential, just a guide. You have no livestock in your tank, and the more co2 the plants get the better. You can order/buy another bubble counter and fit it later just by cutting a section of your co2...

Hi, this was discussed a little in this thread: Can liquid carbon be mixed with EI solutions? | UK Aquatic Plant Society and also there is an in depth thread here which details diy liquid carbon: Glutaraldehyde | UK Aquatic Plant Society its also worth considering however that if your struggling...

Yeah test it as Paulo said, but my old boyu inline had an audible hiss, it may just be noisey!

Does it not tell you everything you need to know here?: Fire extinguisher CO2 | UK Aquatic Plant Society Cheerio,

Seems I was adding to my reply as you have reposted and I think I've answered your question :) I didn't notice at first that you had just carried out a water change so edited my post. Cheerio, Ady

If you've increased carbon availability then your resultant pearling is a good sign of happy plants. You don't have to see pearling to have healthy plants, but from your changes it's a good response. Often though plants can respond like this after a water change due to the higher levels of co2...

Could we not use one of those 'treasure chest' aquarium ornaments, hook it up to our co2 and count how long it takes for the lid to lift and release the magic co2....? Maybe even a clam, or a surfacing diver....? and then use the clock in our house so we don't even need to buy a watch.... Great...

I'm considering an additional filter for my tank, and if I go this route I'm going to make a reactor for it and test it out for myself!

Hi, I'm interested in this. Your critters were at the limit when using the diffuser method....and how are they now? Also what does your dc show now? I've often thought about how much misting can effect dc colour, even when the dc is positioned at the furthest point away from the co2 source. My...

for some of the bits and pieces you may need theres a thread just popped up in the for sale section.... bubble counter, drop checkers, diffusers etc plus regulator and solenoid too. Maybe worth a look...

I've just got my first runners....tank will be due a rescape before it fills in!

Yeah, I'm experiencing this too with the e. sp. mini. You could just buy some more of course to fill it out, if funds allowed?

Yep great write up mate, it'll be appreciated by many!

Personally I think it needs to be lighter, difficult to tell though from images. If it isn't altering overnight I'd definitely try to increase injection rate to get a definite change in colour. Best to do it when your at home for a few days to increase very slowly if there is livestock already...

Hi, Did you hear the solenoid click when it went if? Does it click both when switched on and off, you should be able to hear an audible clunk. If not its probably broken, but If it does then ensure its mounted the correct way as they are directional....you probably know this but always worth...

Hi jojo, Good job setting it up. Is this set up being added to a new tank without livestock, or to an already running set up? If its without livestock crank up the co2 to an uncountable bubble rate as 350l will need a lot. There are many factors which can effect injection rate, for example high...

I'd agree that his lighting is lower than you'd expect when reading his stats. You think it's megawatts but they are always raised high. it probably also has something to do with the daily maintenance schedules his staff operate in reducing any organic build up. He has no doubt finely tuned his...

I only change dc solution every month or so, but I try to lift the dc out at every water change to refill the air gap for consistency in reaction times. As for photoperiod and co2 I'd do as you've just said and see how it goes unless someone who's dry started suggests otherwise. Cheerio, Ady.

Hi Dean, yeah a little more info is needed for accurate answers. I know from remembering your journal that your light unit is a Hagen glo twin t5 unit but its hung very high above the tank so although it seems a lot of light at first glance, par at the substrate will be much reduced due to the...

a labyrinth fish of some sort? Gourami/siamese fighter?

Hi, once added it should turn a definite blue colour so something is wrong. Either your 4dkh solution is compromised or the the reagent is. I'd guess the reagent as I'm sure it's supposed to be bromo blue, which is blue in colour.

Are you adding a reagent to your clear 4dkh water though?

How is the surface scum issue? Id just take it out, clean it out and add some more of your solution, it may have been contaminated. I definitely wouldnt go turning your c02 off for a day, unless your not running lights otherwise you may damage your plants. Without livestock your not running the...

Mine stays green till the next morning after co2 goes off at 9.15pm. Don't worry about it mate.

No prob, should see the change within a couple of hours max....if it changes. The surface scum could also be slowing degassing but wouldn't explain why the colour won't go yellow even with extreme co2 injection. If the solution is good (after tank removal test) then the only explanation for not...

Try removing the drop checker from the tank for a few hours or even overnight. If it returns to blue then most likely as said your tank water is slow to degas, although unlikely with the open top. If it returns to blue try it again in the tank, and try positioning the dc in different positions...

Hi Murf, have you any livestock in the tank? If not id blast the c02 high as the plants may seem ok, but 4xt5 ho bulbs may well have already done the damage during the period of no c02, even with the addition of liquid carbon. You may find you get a delayed reaction from the plants with some...

The benefit of running pre filter is longer contact time so in theory gas exchange should be more efficient thus you should use less....but as we all know should and do are two very different things in the planted tank world :crazy:

Hi mate, not as yet as I just tested it the other day, it's not actually running yet but it'll be something to monitor. Unfortunately it won't be easy to compare as I'm going to be running more surface agitation and no cover glass this time round so gas off will be greater anyway. Cheerio Ady

It's funny because I ran my boyu on the filter outlet last time round and the bubbles were tiny coming into the tank. This time round I've opted for the filter inlet and I get even better misting but when I switched the filter off the other day I noticed that the bubbles coming back into the...

H there, Just to add to the above although I haven't used the up inline I do run a boyu. If found it to be very good, but the hiss is quite loud so if it's not running in a cabinet it will be annoying. Mine is in an undertank cabinet and I can't hear it with the doors closed. Also I only run at...

Hi mate, Both your fauna and your dc are telling you the same thing so id say your dc solution is indicative of high levels of c02 within your tank. I've always suffered a similar battle with being on the brink with c02 so the next scape Im simply going to reduce lighting intensity so I can run...

Its a good way of adding an extra carbon source which is always good for the plants....species dependant of course....algaecide benefits too, and gives you a little bit of leaway regards gas c02 and its effects on the fish. Key is not to overdo the lighting, optimise the pressurised c02 and add...

No problem Alan, steady away is definitely the best way with pressurised c02 as its all too easy to gas the fish (as you may have read in my journal :( ) 4bps for me ended up being far too little and it ended up being an uncountable number to achieve the right levels :crazy: Every tank is...

Hi Alan, there is no reason you cant use both, i do with no ill effects to the fish and the more carbon available to your plants the better, plus the algaecide is an added benefit. BBA is usually down to fluctuationg co2, and gsa can be down to low phosphate levels. Now your running pressurised...

Do it! Do it! Offer on.

Hi Rick, personally if opting for no c02 id run the 2x t8's, as opposed to the t5's. High light and no c02 is a recipie for disaster, i know Troi has suggested he finds this the best way on the low tech route. As suggested already, carpeting plants are more needy of c02 than high light, so be...

Only half fill the 'ball' to give a larger surface area within the drop checker for better gas exchange to alter the reagents ph. If its full this will take much longer due to the smaller contact area and a larger volume of fluid to react with. Cheerio, Ady.

Cool, if you can grow plants without c02 im sure youll take to it like a duck to water. Keep us posted.

Hi Troi, are you setting up a new tank for the pressurised c02 or putting it on an existing one? Good luck, Ady.