CO2 Ladder

[Bloo]

Thanks my bubbles are running 99% fine now. Will do a PH test regularly each evening over the next few days / weeks to see how it changes.

 

[Bloo]

My bubbles are running fine now and my PH has dropped all the way from 8.2 to 7.8 in a matter of days. This is OK isn't it ? and not too big a chance too soon ?

 

[smithrc]

hi bloo

as the CO2 content of the water rises the PH will 'lower' (numerically lower)

with a KH of 11 and a PH of 7.4 the Co2 will be about 5ppm - very low still...

for a planted tank it should be around 20 - 30ppm

If you head for PH 7.1 - you'll be right in the middle

 

[Bloo]

Ahh okiedokie - well how to go about lowering my PH even more ? More CO2 ?
Sorry if I'm asking daft questions, but I've never really kept live plants (successfully that is) and I'd like to try I've read masses of pinned topics (and a really great 26 page document on CO2!) but it's probably a case of info overload in a short space of time

Edit: I've tested my KH randomly over weeks now and it's always dead on 11.
Or should I lower my KH if so, how ?

I've seen that I can use RO water to lower my KH but I'm very uncertain how to do this correctly and without constantly having to buy weekly RO water at the LFS or to buy an RO unit (it just seems like to much faffing for me).
The other way I see is by using chemicals - another thing I'm reluctant to do.

Edit again: after the test tube stood for a few minutes, it actually looks like my PH is now 7.6 and not 7.8 anymore. Good news I suppose !

 

[Bloo]

Shucks Sherbit Damn ! (Apologies for the expression) but one of my very expensive plecs have just gone belly up !
Why What did I do wrong. I am MORTIFIED !
I just did a 25% water change and really hope I did the right thing. I feel awful.

What went wrong ??

 

[smithrc]

hmm... whats the PH at?

If the CO2 has really kicked in the PH swing could be the culprit

Keep the KH whare it is - the more CO2 you add the lower the PH will go.

make sure you still have a good flow across the surface though or it could cause problems.

To be honest it dosn't sound like the CO2 is the reason for the death.
(what plec was it?)

 

[Bloo]

It was one of my L255's (£40). Healthy as anything
Nitrate was at approx 20 and that was before the water change even, so it's definitely not the other water parameters. I don't even have to test for anyting else as it's a well established tank.

Oh what the heck - just tested it anyway. Ammonia 0 & Nitrite 0 as well.

Edit: the other one in the tank seems fine, but who knows.....

 

[smithrc]

it was just the PH I was wondering about... I've posted in your other thread.
Sorry for you loss. (we lost Josie - Our 264 to a CO2 incident - Lornas fave plec )

 

[Bloo]

Thanks. I only have a few other small fish in the tank and they are all fine (for now.....) so we shall see how it goes over the next few days.