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Used this method on my current main display for nearly 2 years now. No problems. The filter seal issue is interesting. I've heard stories but never experienced an issue myself or spoken to anyone with actual experience.

Hi Viktor :) This is very interesting. In videos I have seen their diffusers in action. A lot of the bubbles seem to be wasted by reaching the surface quickly. Is this what you have seen too?

80 litre aquarium, 2Kg CO2, 5 months.

My choice too.

Some have issues with gas build-up and cavitation (burping) in the filter, especially with higher injection rates. Some have experienced unstable CO2 levels due to this. The jury is out on potential long-term damage to the filter impeller with the constant smashing of bubbles too. But...

Liquid carbon is a viable alternative to CO2 injection, especially in smaller aquaria where the economics work better. I would cut regular EI dosing by 50%, personally. Otos will help against algae, as will Amano shrimp and other shrimp. Just ensure your fish won't eat them.

Re: pH Controllers...how to maintain a CO2 level AND pH leve pH controllers are widely regarded amongst many planted tank enthusiasts as a waste of money and may actually do more harm than good. They rely on the pH/KH/CO2 relationship to determine CO2 levels. You need to test your KH (which...

If you have so much CO2 (and light) that it causes the plants' nutrient demand to exceed the nutrients available then algae growth may occur.

Hi Christie Using a CO2 fire extingusher (FE) is no more dangerous than using an off-the-shelf system. The gas pressures and principles of operation are the exactly same. The only real difference is the main cylinder valve. On a fire extinguisher it is a lever. On an off-the-shelf system it...

It has to be the low-range pH reagent, and not the wide range.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NUTRAFIN-pH-T ... 0233662097

Yes, and yes. I'm currently using one on the inlet of my filter. Works great. CO2 mist is great, but only if you get it distributed effectively. Otherwise some plants get more than their fair share, at the potential expense to others.

In reality it doesn't make much difference. Dose when is most convenient for you. Just dose regularly and in sufficient qtys.

It works fine with no need for adjustment. I've never adjusted mine. It's a good piece of kit...

I haven't tested it properly but since cutting my tap with RO my plants pearl a lot more. Same light, same nutrients, same circulation, same CO2 bubble rate. Whether or not it is CO2 related, I don't know.

Excel + CO2 = more growth and less algae. Overdo either and you potentially harm livestock.

I've posted too.

In that case I'm not sure then - sorry! I'll have a think and post back if I get any more ideas... :idea:

Hi, Was that photo taken with the solenoid on or off? I can see from your image that the working pressure is reading over 2 bar, which should be plenty to operate any diffuser, but what is the reading when the solenoid is on? What type of diffuser do you have? Some diffusers require around 2...

Does that mean with cooler water less CO2 injection is required to reach a given level compared with warmer water? This is interesting, as I also assume a plant's nutrient requirement goes up as temperature increases due to the increase in metabolic processes?

I don't really understand it. Perhaps it's a poor translation. I'd say measuring pH is not a very accurate way to measure CO2, especially in a tank with a substrate that both reduces and buffers pH... Why are you asking? CO2/algae issues?

I am using this reg with an UP diffuser on my 240 litre, and it works great.

Have you considered an inline diffuser? viewtopic.php?f=37&t=8959

What pH reagent are you using? Bromo blue shouldn't turn red - only blue > yellow.

Link added. Thanks, Paulo.

Is there a seal fitted to the regulator? There should be one that seals between the reg and the bottle. You also need to use an appropriately sized spanner/wrench to tighten the regulator onto the bottle properly. Hand tight is not tight enough. I'm assuming the bottle is a refillable-type -...

Yes, it's a good idea to place the drop checker at the point at where CO2 is least 'expected'. This way, if there's 30ppm CO2 there, then there will likely be a minimum of 30ppm CO2 elsewhere. As a side note - always adjust CO2 slowly and keep an eye on livestock. Some species are more...

It's a Boyu model with 16mm fittings. Kindly donated by Paulo!

Exactly my thoughts mate. I go through about 4x 2Kg FE every year so that's a good trigger point for me. Just changed one too! :thumbup:

Just cleaned mine, as described earlier in the thread. The difference is really quite remarkable. The bubbles must be 10x smaller. I've dropped the CO2 rate and fitted a drop checker to be on the safe side until I come up with an appropriate BPS rate. Quite chuffed actually! :D

I will clean mine this weekend and observe any differences! Thanks, guys. :)

Any of you guys have experience cleaning your inline diffusers? I'm sure my bubbles are getting bigger. I expect the internals to get a little clogged over time, even on the filter outlet. Also the ceramic exterior is exposed to some light, so algae may get a light covering. I've also...

Hi Noddy Take a look at this thread - viewtopic.php?f=37&t=13509&start=0

That's plenty of light for most, if not all plants, especially with good CO2 and other nutrients.

Hi Robbie and welcome to UKAPS! If you're on a tight budget then consider a pressurised system using a 2Kg CO2 fire extinguisher. http://ukaps.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=266 Or disposable system - viewtopic.php?f=37&t=7696 Dennerle, Dupla and JBL are amongst the best off-the-shelf...

Good question! :D Most inline diffusers are designed to be place on the outlet, so the CO2 microbubbles or mist can be distributed effectively throughout the water column. CO2 like this, in its gas form, is more efficient at delivering CO2 to the plants. It also means that one can run a...

It's the same reliability as using CO2 charts, as it's using the pH/KH relationship. The only difference is with this method you don't actually refer to a chart or need a KH test kit, but rely on the pH difference between your CO2 enriched and non-enriched aquarium water i.e. a difference in...

Not according to my calculations Let's do KH 20 pH 8.3 CO2 would be around 3ppm (assuming only carbonic acid is the only acid present) pH 7.3 CO2 30.1ppm KH 20 a difference in 1 pH = 27ppm CO2 Let's do KH 1 pH 7 CO2 is 3ppm pH 6 CO2 30ppm KH 1 a difference is 1 pH = 27ppm CO2

This is way I've done it - 1. Take a sample of tank water in a test tube. 2. Shake it vigorously for 60 secs to ensure all CO2 has been gassed off. 3. Test the pH. Let's say it's pH 7.6. 4. Take another sample of tank water, at an appropriate point in time to ensure plenty of CO2 is...

Thanks, Dave. What other adjustments do you make, if any? What lighting levels do you typically run?

Thanks guys. I've dropped the CO2 and added fish now. I'll keep you updated in my Project Scree Iwagumi journal.

Most of us are aware that stable CO2 levels are necessary to help prevent algae issues. My question is can we drop CO2 levels without causing an algae bloom? Here's my situation. I have been injecting silly amounts of CO2, as I have no fauna in the aquarium. We're talking 50+ppm CO2...

I have mine on the filter inlet hose. This way the bubbles are diffused entirely before entering the water column.

Spray bars are probably the most effective in terms of decent all-over circulation, but are generally the ugliest. Lily pipes do work well, especially if there's plenty of flow. They also look the best in terms of minimal impact on the aquascape, but are fragile and relatively high maintenance...

I think the lack of replies/help is an indication that no one knows the answer. I have no experience with the Dennerle re-fills so don't know if the thread is compatible with another manufacturer, or if there are adaptors available. One of my LFS, The Waterzoo are a Dennerle stockist. You...

The pH drop is terms of rate and qty. is quite normal. Keep an eye on your livestock to ensure the CO2 levels are not too high, especially at night when plants use up oxygen and produce CO2 (respiration).

Before I bought my first pressurised system I used to use two Nutrafin systems at either end of the tank. I used a DIY mixture (1/2 tsp yeast, no baking soda) and alternated changing the mixtures every 10 days. CO2 was stable enough to give me good results with no problem algae. Check out my...

Hi jimmy james and welcome to UKAPS! I would say it's probably best to add Easycarbo just before lights on. However, I add mine first thing in the morning, and the lights aren't on until 3pm, so I guess it doesn't really matter...

viewtopic.php?f=37&t=11115 :D

Thanks mate. Why have you chosen the AM1000 over the UP?

I'm after an external inline CO2 reactor with 17mm fittings and capable of dealing with 10+ BPS. I've seen some non-UK models on ebay etc. but are there any available in the UK? Any thoughts, please?

I have pure thin bleach in a pump dispensing bottle (out of reach from children). I put the diffuser in a drinking glass so the ceramic plate faces upwards, then add a small amount of bleach direct to the surface of the ceramic disc. After a few minutes rinse off the bleach (and drinking...

Check out a list of retailers to see if any are local. If not then consider mail-order. http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q= ... =&gs_rfai= The Colombo Flora-Grow 95g re-fills may be more available. I'm not sure if they have the same fitting though...

I've seen this unit in action and it looks great. Performs well too, from the two days I saw it running. At £13.99 per re-fill, it may not be the least expensive CO2 option available, but if you're dosing a small aquarium then the extra cost may worth the trade-off.

Nice one, James. I agree. I actually stopped regularly using a CO2 drop checker since running lower lighting and 'lean' nutrient dosing in my set-ups, meaning I can run lower CO2 without issues. I would be very surprised if my CO2 was over 20ppm. It makes perfect sense for me; fish are...

They've always been interchangeable, Dave.

1 bubble per second is a good starting point for 100 litres. Better to underdose CO2 than overdose if there's fish/inverts present. There are so many variables to consider when calculating bubble rate. For instance in my old 125 litre I used to have 1 bubble every 2 seconds, but the bubbles...

Nice little vs. review - thanks for sharing! :D

You may need to consider upping the flow if you're going to take the plunge into a heavily planted tank with CO2 injection etc. The 10x rule works well for most applications, so 2400lph in your case. You can achieve this with another powerhead or filter. An external filter is the weapon of...

Cheap glass/ceramic diffusers work just as well, if not better, and look nicer. You'll benefit from decent water circulation to ensure the CO2 microbubbles are distributed throughout the water column effectively.

What you trying to say?!? I only broke one of Dan's ADA lily pipes!! :shh: I'm ok with cheap glass diffusers... :lol:

I've used the direct into filter method for a few years with no issues. There are claims that CO2 may damage the filter but I've never experienced it. CO2 mist/microbubbles rather than 100% dissolved CO2 is apparently better for plant growth as the plants can use the CO2 in its gaseous form...

Indeed, pH crashes are often deliberately brought about to induce spawning in some fish, but these are not brought about by CO2.... I know of plenty of planted tank owners that run KH 0 with no issues long-term. Simply concentrating more on regular maintenance, such as water changes, filter...

Hi James What bubble rate are you running? It is feasible that if you're running 30ppm CO2 in such a large aquarium then you may have used 500g in 10 days, especially if you have decent surface movement and/or are running CO2 24/7. Most guys with larger aquariums run at least 2Kg CO2...

In some cases - yes. http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/p ... blogid=234 Liquid carbon products are very economical in smaller aquaria, and in the recommended doses, potentially safer. CO2 probably kills more fish than anything else in the planted tank. However, as mentioned, CO2 gas is...

Here you go mate - http://www.calaqualabs.com/Nano.html

Have you read this, Thomas? It doesn't get much simpler. viewtopic.php?f=34&t=266 Then this - http://www.ukaps.org/drop-checker.htm

Hi Alex CH is KH. The figure 240 refers to 240ppm or mg/l. 4 to 6 and 6 to 8 with be degrees KH (dKH). One degree is 17.9ppm so 240/17.9 = 13.4 So your KH is 13.4. To be honest I wouldn't worry about the stickers etc. Instead invest in some 4dKH solution to fill your permanent CO2 test...

I think Dan Crawford had similar issues with an older batch of solution. Try PMing him.

In my experience it's luck of the draw with any of the 'budget' diffusers, Rhinox included. To guarantee a good 'mist' you may have to pay for it. ADA, Cal Aqua and Fish Vet are reliable. Or you could get lucky. My Rhinox 1000 produces the best mist I've seen from any diffuser, ADA included...

Hi Paul You fill a CO2 drop checker with 4dKH solution and pH reagent. This then goes green with 30ppm. More CO2, it goes yellow, less it goes blue. This explains more... http://www.ukaps.org/drop-checker.htm Making your own solution is relatively simple, or you can buy it from Aqua...

Yes and yes. They love it.

Totally agree with Ed there about pressurised CO2. It's probably the single biggest step one can make to help achieving success in the planted tank hobby.

The pH swings do not harm the fish at all. It happens, sometimes to a bigger extreme, in nature. Because the pH swing is gradual, the fish adapt very well. However, if you suddenly put a fish from pH 6 into pH 8 instantly, then there would likely be issues - but this isn't the case with CO2...

Hi zed and welcome to UKAPS! Most consider an in-line reactor better than a diffuser in larger aquaria. You'll need a good filter to ensure the CO2 enriched water is circulated effectively throughout the water column, but this isn't so important if you're lighting levels are low. Do you...

I've had good results with a Rhinox 5000 into a 1200lph external filter inlet. 2-3BPS.

Amazonia is more nutrient-rich than Malaya. Plus you have more water in the bigger tank... I had clouding in my nano with Amazonia. Cleared up after a few weeks and regular water changes.

Newly set up tank, Mark? Slight haze maybe bacterial bloom and/or new Aqua Soil.

Yep, JBL are good IME. They just need to sort out their liquid fert range now...

Apparently you can get it to fit by reducing the diameter of the male part of the reg with emery cloth. I'm sure JamesC explained how somwhere... Hopefully he'll chime in here.

Good question. I've considered doing the same myself. I understand it's possible to obtain reducers to go from the FX5 hose to 16mm, so that would work.

http://www.1st4aquatics.com/tmc-v2-co2- ... 3322-p.asp With a seperate needle valve, for more control over bubbke rate, I reckon these may work nicely. No contents gauge though...

As suggested, it's almost down to pure luck with the budget glass diffusers. But if the bubbles are small enough and are getting distributed around the water column, then it doesn't matter where they come from. I have Rhinox 1000, 2000 and 5000 in three tanks now. All work great, but none...

Yes. Some make their own solution up. You need accurate scales though. The recipe is on the net somewhere.

I'm fairly sure the Red Sea stuff is bromo blue.

You're best changing the mixture well before CO2 production stops. Fluctuating CO2, whilst lights are on, is a huge algae trigger. A typical mixture should give 10 days output. You may find this link useful - http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/p ... cle_id=606

Glass diffusers - look nice but pain to clean every week or so. You'll need 2 or three at least in your tank. Good flow is a must, more than you have at present. Typically 3x turnover min. (look at 10x filter rating) i.e. 7200 lph rated (2x Fluval FX5 for instance). In-line diffuser - zero...

I'd go Rhinox 5000. Are those JAP models the same? I got mine from AE. It comes with suckers, the 2000 doesn't (not sure about 3000). I'm not sure how effective those spirals bubble counters are. The one diffuser I've used with them is crap. You will get getter results by upgrading the...

Interesting. I love my Dennerle reg (classic pro). I've used six different manufacturers and it's the best so far. I've had it about 4 years with no issues, solenoid included (Aqua Medic).

It depends on the diffuser or reactor. If you have the ladder (or 'Flipper', that Dennerle call them) style, then these act as bubble counters, as you can seen the bubble production. Glass/ceramic diffusers or inline reactors need a bubble counter, as there's no other way to accurately monitor...

Two Rhinox 5000 would do nicely. With something like this - http://www.aquaessentials.co.uk/index.p ... ts_id=1194 Or an inline reactor would likely be more efficient for CO2 consumption.

Hi Steve I dispute lux per sq. inch too... Lux (lumens per sq. metre) is a measurement of our eyes' sensitivity to light, not physical light. Green causes the highest light perception, and green is the least useful light for plant growth. It's a little better than wpg though. But 2.7wpg in...

Welcome to UKAPS, Steve! I'm not sure who told you 2.7wpg is low-tech. It's actually high light in that tank size and you'll be able to grow anything... I'd recommend pressurized CO2 for sure. Excel alone won't provide sufficient carbon to feed the plants' need with all that light. Either...