Co2: No idea where to begin. Kits?

[OldFishKeeper]

Yes, thanks. This 75g has been running for over 8 months with fish now, including 6 months with the exact fish I'll be using.
I won't be starting a tank, just a heavy rescape and starting co2

I generally understand how ph effects fish and I will of course be introducing the co2 slowly but I was wondering if the pH would fluctuate a lot as the tank adjusted with the ph controller.

Another clarifying question, but the pH controller will stop excess co2 building up at night or when the lights are off ?
So I wouldn't need to run the pH controller or the solenoid off a timer plug, because the solenoid will be controlled by the ph controller which would essentially do the job of a timer in this scenario?

If you are doing a "heavy rescape", you may want to monitor and stabilize your BB cycle before starting CO2. Doing both at the same time may not have the best outcome.

Your pH Controller should maintain the set pH level and control the solenoid regardless of the time of day so no timer should be necessary.

 

[OldFishKeeper]

This thread makes me love my liquid fertilizer even more.

Could you enlighten me/us on what liquid fertilizer has to do with the topic?

 

[MaloK]

Could you enlighten me/us on what liquid fertilizer has to do with the topic?

Fertilizers that contains biologically available Co2 are to me way over the top, If you're keeping ordinary plants, they will just continue to grow even in an environment they cant really thrive, instead of dying.

 

[OldFishKeeper]

Fertilizers that contains biologically available Co2 are to me way over the top, If you're keeping ordinary plants, they will just continue to grow even in an environment they cant really thrive, instead of dying.

Hmm, interesting.

 

[MaloK]

Hmm, interesting.

They have their drawbacks.

But compared to a nomenclature of pressurized technology. I find them a really easy compromise. They requires some kind of supervision once established, but are really neat regarding $$$ economy and wont blow up while you're in vacation.

This is still in optics of keeping plant that have no superfluous requirement tho.

One of their big drawback is that they create more nitrates.

But something like that can be managed too.

 

[OldFishKeeper]

They have their drawbacks.

But compared to a nomenclature of pressurized technology. I find them a really easy compromise. They requires some kind of supervision once established, but are really neat regarding $$$ economy and wont blow up while you're in vacation.

This is still in optics of keeping plant that have no superfluous requirement tho.

One of their big drawback is that they create more nitrates.

But something like that can be managed too.

No need to say more...

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Could you enlighten me/us on what liquid fertilizer has to do with the topic?

I can do that for you.

Plants tanks to succeed need the right ballance of 3 things: light, nutrients and CO2. Think of this like a 3-legged stool. Fro the stool to be balanced all 3 legs must be the same length. The same applies to the 3 things in a planted tank.

We can do any type of planted tank we want starting with the more basic low light easy to groow plants whuch often get all they need from a basic light or even room light and no added CO2 or ferts. At the other end of the spectrum are plants that need a lot of light and nutrienst and CO2 to thrive or even to grow in some cases.

Most planted tanks do not require added CO2 to do well. At the same time, no matter what type of plants one has, adding CO2 at the right level to the water will cause them to do better. This may also mean more ferts and or more lighting is needed. Many of the plants in my 3 tank pics will not work without extra everything.

So, if one is going to do a planted tank with pressurized CO2 for the plants, they need to be prepared to get the ferts and light part right, And this is why I suggested the OP might want to start with a less advance approach and work up to added CO2.

I would mention that for over 20 years I have added both some amount of ferts and a liquid CO2 boost using SeaChem's Flourish Excel into all but one of my planted tanks. I add both ferts and Excel after water changes only. However, I never put Excel into the tank with pressurized CO2 added. Excel is somewhat controversial. All I can say is that my experience has proved to me that, when, used properly, it is not harmful to the fish or inverts that I have kept in planted tank inluding a few for over 20 years.

 

[MaloK]

I have a java fern jungle that has received no fertilization in the last 8 months, reaching out the water, and another tank that grows green string algae on industrial scale.

Just with the light, nothing more. There is only shrimps in there.

loll

 

[OldFishKeeper]

@rebe, you can reach me on PM if you wish...

 

[rebe]

Hello!
I've ordered what I think I'll need for my co2 set up, I was hoping anyone can confirm I'm not missing things. I've only ordered a small disposable co2 cylinder but I plan to get a bigger refillable one when this runs out.

- Dual gauge regulator (JBL advanced)
- solenoid (Milwaukee)
- ph controller (Milwaukee MC122)
- a 500g disposable co2 cylinder (JBL)
- air tubing, check valve, diffuser with replaceable ceramic disks

My questions:
1. If I lose power, will the solenoid keep the flow of co2 open or closed? It will be connected to a ph controller
2. I have API liquid pH tests and I will have the ph controller, should I still order a drop checker and bubble counter?
3. Can you normally attach the solenoid directly to the regulator, or do you need tubing in-between?
4. Should I use or leave out a check/flow valve? I was thinking it would stop water flowing back when co2 is shut off

Ph Controller questions ( @OldFishKeeper I hope you don't mind me asking)
1. If the target pH level means there is a certain level of co2 in the water, does that mean there will be too much co2 when it's lights out/night as the plants won't be using any co2?
2. Do you have any advice on how to work out what pH level to set the controller to, in order to have a suitable level of co2 in the tank?

 

[OldFishKeeper]

Hello!
I've ordered what I think I'll need for my co2 set up, I was hoping anyone can confirm I'm not missing things. I've only ordered a small disposable co2 cylinder but I plan to get a bigger refillable one when this runs out.

- Dual gauge regulator (JBL advanced)
- solenoid (Milwaukee)
- ph controller (Milwaukee MC122)
- a 500g disposable co2 cylinder (JBL)
- air tubing, check valve, diffuser with replaceable ceramic disks

My questions:
1. If I lose power, will the solenoid keep the flow of co2 open or closed? It will be connected to a ph controller
2. I have API liquid pH tests and I will have the ph controller, should I still order a drop checker and bubble counter?
3. Can you normally attach the solenoid directly to the regulator, or do you need tubing in-between?
4. Should I use or leave out a check/flow valve? I was thinking it would stop water flowing back when co2 is shut off

Ph Controller questions ( @OldFishKeeper I hope you don't mind me asking)
1. If the target pH level means there is a certain level of co2 in the water, does that mean there will be too much co2 when it's lights out/night as the plants won't be using any co2?
2. Do you have any advice on how to work out what pH level to set the controller to, in order to have a suitable level of co2 in the tank?

I think you need a brass bubble counter with fine adjustment attached to your solenoid. Check out a complete guage set picture from Milwaukee. That is how you should connect the tubing to your diffuser.

If power goes out, the solenoid will not be open.

I have issues with my API PH test kit...it always reads too high. I have just ordered BIOPHARM PH test kit from Amazon for $10. (US).

The drop checker I referenced should have a back flow but I would recommend an inline back flow check valve for added insurance.

The PH Controller is designed to keep the preset PH level at all times. If the tank does not need CO2 at night, it won't turn on.

You determine the PH level needed for the plants and fish in your tank and set the CO2 to maintain that level.

Hope this helps...Jim

 

[rebe]

I think you need a brass bubble counter with fine adjustment attached to your solenoid. Check out a complete guage set picture from Milwaukee. That is how you should connect the tubing to your diffuser.


The drop checker I referenced should have a back flow but I would recommend an inline back flow check valve

Is this the kind of valve you mean? I can order these

Also this is what the regulator I chose looks like. When looking for an image of it, I saw this second image which looks like a solenoid connected to it directly.

I hope my Milwaukee solenoid will connect to the regulator which is a different brand

 

[OldFishKeeper]

Is this the kind of valve you mean? I can order these
View attachment 364292
View attachment 364293



Also this is what the regulator I chose looks like. When looking for an image of it, I saw this second image which looks like a solenoid connected to it directly.
View attachment 364294
View attachment 364295
I hope my Milwaukee solenoid will connect to the regulator which is a different brand

I have a feeling that the solenoid will not work with a lot of additional parts and expense. You may be better off to buy the Milwaukee dual guage kit complete with solenoid and bubble counter/valve. Hope you can cancel or return the parts already ordered...Jim

 

[rebe]

I have a feeling that the solenoid will not work with a lot of additional parts and expense. You may be better off to buy the Milwaukee dual guage kit complete with solenoid and bubble counter/valve. Hope you can cancel or return the parts already ordered...Jim

Thank you Jim, I actually really struggled to source the bits I got without an insane mark up already. The only full kit option I can find which delivers to where I live in Ireland, would cost me €500 with shipping.
With the stuff I ordered I'm only paying about €350 including shipping.
I had a look for a Milwaukee set but I can't find any with normal price.
I unfortunately can't afford massive mark ups, so I'll need to see if the stuff I ordered works.
If not I'll return it and I'll have to keep saving

 

[OldFishKeeper]

Thank you Jim, I actually really struggled to source the bits I got without an insane mark up already. The only full kit option I can find which delivers to where I live in Ireland, would cost me €500 with shipping.
With the stuff I ordered I'm only paying about €350 including shipping.
I had a look for a Milwaukee set but I can't find any with normal price.
I unfortunately can't afford massive mark ups, so I'll need to see if the stuff I ordered works.
If not I'll return it and I'll have to keep saving

I am shocked at the prices you must pay! In order for the Milwaukee solenoid to work with your existing parts, you have to find the parts required to connect it to the dual guage kit:

The parts, if available to you, may not be that expensive.

I am not that familiar with newer JBL products but, in your case, maybe it is better to go with the JBL in your second picture. You can skip the controller and put a timer on the solenoid to come on 2 hours before your lights in the morning and off an hour before the lights go off at night.

Provided you have a way to fine tune the CO2 flow rate, you could use the bubbles in the diffuser to monitor the PH with the test kit I mentioned or one of those stick on glass PH checkers.

Aquarium accessory jbl proflora co2 - Aquarium Accessories - Fish - Animals

Energize your aquarium with the JBL Aqua Proflora CO2 accessory for optimum growth of your aquatic plants. Pet shop.

gallop-store.com

Not the ideal but may provide something until you can find a reasonable Controller.

Good luck...Jim