Cheers mate, cool video. I still looked even if I have had a heavy planted aquarium for over 2 years now. You're so right. Most important thing is observation. Fish and plants will tell you how they're doing. I watch my tank for 2 hours sometimes and I can't get enough. I'm at 4 smaller bubbles/sec now but the tank is heavily planted. I drilled a hole in the white intake pipe and put the co2 tube in there so all the co2 disperses evenly through circulation/ don't know if it the right thing to do... but the plants are growing like crazy. You got good info in here, thanks again. Have a good one!
Okay I have to watch this series because going to dive in the pool of co2 use. Thank you for making it. I have a few question but I’ll watch first before asking
Oh yes the fun of determining CO2 bubble rate. Ended up doing little bit my own thing along with some of what you have stated. Drop checker was what started to get me truly dialed in to where I needed to be for CO2 levels. Just kept it green and watched it all start coming together. Initially used a Yeast DIY setup for my CO2 with a powerhead to diffuse co2. Stayed with above set up but added an max mix co2 reactor powered by the powerhead. The powerhead and reactor was intank for this setup. Later added a second unit and dropped the bubble rate again. Inital bubble rate was 3 to 5 via powerhead, dropped to 2 to 3 bubbles with first max mix co2 reactor and finally dropped it to 1 bubble, maybe less, with the second Max mix co2 reactor added. Might have been less than that, I just remember the bubbles being really slow compared to when I first set up and the second set up with the co2 reactor added to the set up and then the final set up of 2 Ista's attached to the powerhead intank. This was for a 29 gallon tank that was packed full of plants, like Hollywood rainforest Jungle scenes levels of greens. Later did DIY CO2 reactor using PVC pipe outside the tank. Worked well for me so long as I watched the flowrate of water versus bubble rate of CO2. Used this DIY setup on a 10 gallon. Planning on doing an DIY inline reactor for my 30 gallon next planted tank set up. Just need to add all the stuff need since just added water after dry start method for starting my Dwarf Hairgrass
@@TheWaterBox, why is it that the bubbles rate of my diy co2 is decreasing over time? In 5 to 10 mins, it slowly goes down from 3bps to automatically stopping? Please help!0
I have a co2art pro -se series kit with some accessories needed to get started with my planted tank. Your video's are helping me learn. I'm do worried I'm going to mess something up. Thank you so much for all your video's.
@@TheWaterBox Thank you. I had a little hiccup up on the second day which was yesterday but all is good now and I know what to do next time if it should happen. My psi had dropped to zero and thankfully IG to the rescue. Your video's had helped A Ton too though. You gave me confidence.
The problem with the Tom Barr chart is that if you refer to this chart in order to determine the proper CO² being injected into the aquarium is going to require a pH pen, NOT a liquid drip tester kit. Something that calibrates accurately (pH pen). Vs.. an approximate color chart!!
My KH is 6. I guess that need to start my lights later then 1 hour because my ph is higher when the lights come on and lower when the CO2 goes off. 7.2 starting and ending the 8 hour light period at 7.0 BPS is 2 in a 40 breeder. Lights currently come on 1 hour after CO2. Still love the channel because it is entertaining.
im not trying to be stupid but I just set up a new co2, my first time ever and ive been watching your videos... Love them all!!!!!! My Question is, do you turn the valve all the way open on the canister or do you just open a little????? Ive got 1 bubble per second, (somewhat) but not action from the diffuser… have I don't something wrong???
for the PH swing method… I just take the 1st reading straight before lights and co2 turns on? I read somewhere I need to take a sample of tank water and let it sit for 24-48hrs to degas it before taking the 1st reading…I’m confused 😅
I know this is an old video but, I could use the pH testing solution in a drop checker ?? I know you don't reccomend that but it's all I can get at the minute lol.....
I’ve been watching your videos this morning and they have been so helpful! Earned my sub today. Do you need to keep increasing the co2 bps rate as the tank becomes more densely planted? I have noticed that some of my older plants seem to get droopy as I add additional plants to the aquarium and I’m wondering if this is because the new plants are using co2 so there isn’t as much available in the aquarium.
I am new to it. Setting up my tank soon. Got my Co2 regulator etc. I have got a 55ltr tank, want to do Aquascaping. Then of course precious fish but first the plants need to grow and everything must be ok for fish. Can I aswell have 1 bubble every 2 or three seconds and so on? My friend said 1 bubble per second is too much. I am confused now. Can you help please? Thanks.
I haven't seen how you deal with the changes in ph in a DIY Co2 nano tank. I mean, how quickly the ph changes and the effect this has on livestock in the tank.
I can pump 60 bpm in a 10 liter tank, but because the KH of my tap is 20, I can not get more than 19-20 ppm of CO2 in my water. I start the CO2 at 7 AM, lights turn on at 9, and at 4 PM, when I turn CO2 off, my PH is 7.4 and my CO2 is at 20. Increasing the bpm is only wasting CO2. Fortunately, most plants, even the advanced ones do not "require" more than 20. Of course they could use 30 if they would be able to get it, but it's not a necessity for them to grow, they'll just grow a little slower. I think this is the perfect balance for me. My endler guppies prefer more PH and harder water, and I can still deliver 20 ppm of CO2 for plant growth. If I had lower KH I could deliver more CO2, but I wouldn't want to make my fishes more uncomfortable so my plants would be more comfortable. People should put the needs of their fauna before the needs of their flora, a PH of 6.6 is insanely low for most species, plants and fish alike.
Interesting. PH is 7.6 out of city tap with GH of 25 or so drops. Pending on how well I diffuse CO2 my Bubble rate is anything from less than 1 a second to 2 a second if using inline or a reactor setup, up to 5 if I only use a powerhead as source of diffusion. So long as my Fluval Drop Checker stays green it works well for me
@@Puma1Sunfire1 I've never seen my PH drop below 7.2 no matter how much CO2 I pumped in the water, but that says more about the quality / surface area of my diffuser than the buffering capacity of my tap water. The PH of my tap water is 7.8. I also seem to have slightly more GH than KH in it which makes it very hard for the plants to absorb nutrients, so I'm planning to mix a ratio of 30% distilled and 70% tap water to get 14 KH, then I'll put GH salts in the water to increase it to at least 20 and I further dilute this when necessary. I have very small tanks, so this is the most budget friendly solution for me, a complete RO system would be way too expensive and even the hourly output of the smallest one would cover my entire weekly water change schedule.
My best growth ever was with DIY co2, I’d use a 2.5 gallon jug and the co2 was uncontrolled 24/7. With pressurized I’ve been more conservative with the co2
You mentioned PH probe, which monitor are you using? I've used all kinds of controllers and monitors on my reefs over the last 20 years, I realize that calibration is part of the maintenance. Just curious which brand you would recommend. I'm looking at the pinpoint but I alway considered them junk. Also, what PH fluid (s) are you calibrating with? With salt water and the Apex i had two 7 and 11, with fresh water I assuming 7 and if a second calibration is required 4? Thanks and I hope you understand what i mean lol
I currently haven't gotten one yet myself. When I'm ready, I'll let y'all know which one I got. I know what you mean but as I haven't settled on getting one yet (I may set one up for my 120g) I don't have those answers yet :)
Not about BPS but quick question for you. I am about to scape my first planted tank. Some of the plants I have available are not in great condition and have brown algae. Do you clean off the leaves or simply cut them away or would you just ditch them and start from scratch? Roots are in fine condition. Over to you
If you can clean it off, do it. Otherwise it may likely stick to the leaves for a very long time (namely slow growers like anbius) so it's up to you. I find the "dead" brown algae rubs off over time but it takes a while.
Remove algae if you can or pending on your aquarium setup and parameters add in Amano Shrimp, Nerite Snails or Oto cats as algae control if you want to. Love a green tank but hate removing algae from leaves of slow growers.
Is that 100% correct? To measure at two different times the two parameters like before lamps go on and when all has been lit for x hours? It makes sense though. But my Tetra 6in1 test strips measure KH and pH. When using the Tetra app with my camera it will precent a 7th parameter CO2. I assume that it will as we know derive the number from the levels on that single measurement occasion (KH and pH). So when CO2 drive pH down your measuring approach makes sense. But means that Tetra is doing it wrong?! 🤔 Thanks for the video!
Chung, I have a couple of quick (i hope) questions: 1) CO2 Drop checkers, is there ANY DIFFERENCE in the bell shaped vs. smaller ball shaped glass in tank drop checkers? (reliability, accuracy, etc. or no difference). 2) If given the choice, any all costs were equal or not a consideration, would you opt for in tank or inline CO2 difusser? I'm looking at hooking up CO2 for my 29 gallon planted tank, using a Fluval 207 canister, and Fluval 3.0 LED for lighting, plants are doing just OK, looking for more lush growth. I am also dosing with Seachem: Excel, Flourish, Potassium & Iron supplements, several times a week per bottle instructions.
1) No difference. only maybe in set up for how much solution to use. But they all work the same. It mainly comes down to which look you like and ease of use for you. 2) I will always opt for an in-line diffuser than an in-tank. In-line diffusers diffuses 10x better and spreads the co2 enriched water around the tank way better.
I'm just wondering if this co2 injection will cause ph fluctations that is harmful to fish. I guess not cause a lot of people do it. But i'm just curious. Thanks
Can I ask, do you leave your Co2 on 24/7 or do you switch it off at night? The reason I ask, is that my PH indicator goes green in the day, but overnight it goes back to blue. Should it stay green all the time?
No. Your plants don't need or use co2 when it's not actively in photosynthesis (when the light are on). Leaving the Co2 on when the plants are not using it can over-saturate your tank too much with co2 and kill the livestock in your tank. If you have no livestock then it won't matter so much.
I'd suggect not going by the crop checker to figure out how to adjust your co2. Instead, you should be using this method I outline in this video link and only use the drop checker to spot check your tank. Video Link: th-cam.com/video/Q8Ql1V7h-I0/w-d-xo.html
I’ve just set up a new co2 system and am still adjusting my bps. I’m measuring based on pH level and adjust accordingly. My kH is 9 so my pH should ideally be at 6.8-7. I’m at 3bps and still can’t get below 7.1. How long should I wait for the pH to change?
Hi, I'm completely new at this, have experience in aquariums but not plants, I started DIY yeast only 5 days now but plan to do pressurized citric acid bottle soon, I put the airline inside a small powerhead in the same timer that the lights, when is running really almost invisible bubbles came out and I aim at the HOB flow but in the bottom of the tank and when off I see big burps every 10 or 20sec so no need to take it out of tank. Only drawback I see is having to move powerhead a little to Prime it, Do you think is a good method and not use a diffuser? Thanks
I just set up a co2 tank. Regulator w/ bubble counter, PU tubing, a check valve, and a glass diffuser. I set the flow to 1 bps, and I can see it in the bubble counter, but can’t see it coming out of the diffuser. Is this because the flow is just too minute to see or is it more likely a leak somewhere
At one BPS you still should see it come out of the diffuser. Try turning it high for a few second and see if you can see it when that happens. Othereuse check for leaks and makes sure you have the chech valve on the right way.
My friend greath info i learn a lot of your video.. bless I just bought a 450 liter aquarium with 2 external filters,can you tell me how i must setup them in mij thank? Grt Jermai
@@Leysner77 I'd set them up with the outflow on each end of the tank so it creates cross flow. As for media, I would put in all mechnical (sponges/floss) and all bio media. I'd leave a compartment empty for chemical filtration when needed.
@@TheWaterBox ahh oke so both outflows in de back corner of the thank,focused on the middel of the tank? When i do that way.. the are 2 flows i have co2 difusser that vannot circulate when i do that setup
Help. My JBL dropchecker won't turn back to blue color, it stays green all the time even 12 hours after co2 stopped injecting. Only when I take it out of the water it turns blue.
Bubble count has nothing to do with PSI. It'll just build the pressure up to what it need to diffuse through the diffuser. It might take a few minutes but it will be fine.
Help please! Why is it the bubble rate in my diy co2 is decreasing overtime? The bps decreases from 3bps to totally automatically shutting off in 5 to 8 mins. I've checked for possible leaks, so far there's none. What seems to be the problem?
Hi Jewel Go, That sounds like a real bother. What kind of regulator do you have? Sounds like maybe either a problem with one of the stages in your regulator or a faulty needle valve. If you have a working pressure gauge, see if you can raise that pressure if it's lower than like 20psi.
It doesn't work that way. You give it many BPS as needed to get your target amount of co2 in your tank. See this video: th-cam.com/video/Q8Ql1V7h-I0/w-d-xo.html
What does an airstone bubbler in your tank do to effect the amount of CO2 needed to be injected into the tank? Will you need to add more, less or same amount of CO2?
Doing that you are raising your o2 levels higher so it gives you more room to adding more co2. O2 and Co2 levels are nindividual to each other. If you have more o2 in your tank, it doesn't take away co2 and vice versa.
you will be releasing co2 in your tank to the atmosphere if you run an airstone, you can do this but you will have to inject more co2 for the same effect, many aquascapers run their airstone(s) on a timer to work only when the lights and co2 are off, there will be plenty of o2 in the tank during the daylight hours if your tank is somewhat heavily planted.
Of course. The numbers is constant. Temps changes the rate of diffusion in your tank not the amount of Co2 at a specific PH/KH measurement that I know of. The PH or KH might change in your tank though but that has nothing to do with the chart.
@@TheWaterBox I just started injecting Co2 yesterday and am trying to make sure I get to 30ppm. But that graph shows me at 30 ppm at 6.6 PH and 4 KH which is where my tank is always at.
My amazon swords did great, but those are next to bulletproof. My Christmas moss got covered in hair algae... and between that and my fish deciding to have a salad with it, my moss was not growing fast enough to outcompete the algae and my fish. I live in NYC and the tap water comes out at 7.0 PH and 0 KH. I use Neutral Regulator to bump the KH up as I've had my PH crash before without any buffer. The Neutral Regulator being phosphate based most likely had a hand in the hair algae outbreak. I read and watched on your channel that algae is a result of imbalanced nutrients. So the obvious nutrient in short supply was Co2, as I have a Finnex planted plus and lots of phosphate and dose ferts. I also want to grow some carpeting plants like Monte Carlo. My water being so soft is great for my tank because my fish are South American (Angelfish, German Blue Rams, Cardinal Tetras, and Corydoras) so they like that. All the driftwood in my tank is what's causing my PH to hang around 6.6 even though it comes out at 7 and is buffered with Neutral Regulator. Currently using a drop checker with you're DIY 4 KH solution. Looks like I'll just rely on that and how my fish are doing to see if I have the right amount of Co2?
@@anthonyjserianni2268 Ah I see. Yes, you need to buffer your KH. In this case, just measure the drop. Just remember, a point drop between co2 off and co2 on is a 30ppm measure in co2. 30ppm is considered the "ideal" level of co2 in tank (that's assuming you're able to keep that level of grow with lighting and nutrients). So just keep 1 point or less. Just keep an eye on your fish. So for 6.6, never go under 5.6. But for you, just go slowly, 0.1 drops at a time and keep an eye on everything and see if that works. I would just drop it 0.1 at a time for a week for each 0.1 and see the results.
It's good. Pressurized Co2 is more effective and less of a hassle though but DIY Co2 works great.I usually suggest going the citrus acid/baking soda mix.
No, it shouldn't unless you are "spriting" your tank which might make it look murky. Kinda making your tank water look like sprite. But that depends on how you're diffusing the co2 into your tank.
No no no just watch?? Many fish have died by doing that I have done ph drop test 1 point drop means 30ppm of co2 per hour which is essential measure ph 1 hour before lights and co2 come on then 1 hour after and keep bubble count 2 3 per second?
Siri sent me here I don’t know why. I’m not interested in aquariums, I just want to know how long does it take a bubble of air to ascend 1 foot! I guess that’s all I can do is just guess. What, maybe two seconds? F it! I’m just going with that…
MORE TO LEARN ABOUT PLANTED TANKS: ☑️ Beginners Planted Tank Guide: goo.gl/oCujCK ☑️ Aquarium Lighting Guide: bit.ly/2INYuMA ☑️ Aquarium Co2 Guide: bit.ly/2rSteVY ☑️ The Dry Start Method: goo.gl/XC8Rnz ☑️ Using Soil: goo.gl/PxkvK4
Hey can you direct message me on Twitter @Gers0n__ I just followed you, I have some questions regarding on a co2 regulator I just ordered, I would highly appreciate it!
I learned all about aquariums from this guy when I first started
awe, thanks!
Uploading at 4:00 am!? What an absolute mad man
Na, I uploaded around 1am. It's just schedules to be released at 3a. :P
This is great, i just started c02 yesterday. I have 2 bubbles per second. Can't wait to see if i need more or not.
Cheers mate, cool video. I still looked even if I have had a heavy planted aquarium for over 2 years now.
You're so right. Most important thing is observation. Fish and plants will tell you how they're doing.
I watch my tank for 2 hours sometimes and I can't get enough. I'm at 4 smaller bubbles/sec now but the tank is heavily planted.
I drilled a hole in the white intake pipe and put the co2 tube in there so all the co2 disperses evenly through circulation/ don't know if it the right thing to do... but the plants are growing like crazy.
You got good info in here, thanks again.
Have a good one!
If it works, keep at it!
Thanks for these videos. They are always clear, to the point, in simple terms and always give me a little chuckle as a bonus.
Glad to hear it! :)
I'm about to start using co2 in my aquarium and I'm super nervous but your videos have been helpful.
Glad they helped!
Amazing video and tanks brotha, keep it up.
Okay I have to watch this series because going to dive in the pool of co2 use. Thank you for making it. I have a few question but I’ll watch first before asking
Great! Hope it helps!
Thank you for this very helpful and nuanced presentation.
Glad it was helpful!
Oh yes the fun of determining CO2 bubble rate. Ended up doing little bit my own thing along with some of what you have stated. Drop checker was what started to get me truly dialed in to where I needed to be for CO2 levels. Just kept it green and watched it all start coming together. Initially used a Yeast DIY setup for my CO2 with a powerhead to diffuse co2. Stayed with above set up but added an max mix co2 reactor powered by the powerhead. The powerhead and reactor was intank for this setup. Later added a second unit and dropped the bubble rate again. Inital bubble rate was 3 to 5 via powerhead, dropped to 2 to 3 bubbles with first max mix co2 reactor and finally dropped it to 1 bubble, maybe less, with the second Max mix co2 reactor added. Might have been less than that, I just remember the bubbles being really slow compared to when I first set up and the second set up with the co2 reactor added to the set up and then the final set up of 2 Ista's attached to the powerhead intank. This was for a 29 gallon tank that was packed full of plants, like Hollywood rainforest Jungle scenes levels of greens. Later did DIY CO2 reactor using PVC pipe outside the tank. Worked well for me so long as I watched the flowrate of water versus bubble rate of CO2. Used this DIY setup on a 10 gallon. Planning on doing an DIY inline reactor for my 30 gallon next planted tank set up. Just need to add all the stuff need since just added water after dry start method for starting my Dwarf Hairgrass
Wow! Thanks for the detailed share. It'll help peeps that read the comments. 👍
No shizzle, this is probably the sharpest "no babble" aquarium channel in YT
Thanks!
5:10 "I don't know what is wrong with you." LOL, that's hilarious.
;)
You earned my sub you have by far the best information on co2
Thanks! Glad it helped!
@@TheWaterBox, why is it that the bubbles rate of my diy co2 is decreasing over time? In 5 to 10 mins, it slowly goes down from 3bps to automatically stopping? Please help!0
Great looking tanks.. Thanks for the vid
Thanks!
This guy is like the practical genius living next door. Great video :)
Thanks! 😃
Thank you thank you thank you. Making CO2 simple and easy to understand is not easy. Much appreciated 🙏
I'm glad it helps ! :)
Man thank so much for all thoses video soooo helpfullll
I have a co2art pro -se series kit with some accessories needed to get started with my planted tank. Your video's are helping me learn. I'm do worried I'm going to mess something up. Thank you so much for all your video's.
It's not that hard once you get it down. :)
@@TheWaterBox Thank you. I had a little hiccup up on the second day which was yesterday but all is good now and I know what to do next time if it should happen. My psi had dropped to zero and thankfully IG to the rescue. Your video's had helped A Ton too though. You gave me confidence.
Hiccups happens. :) You'll get it down!
So every time i want to know a specific thing about Aquariums and search, i end up on your channel :)
Well that's a good thing right? LOL
For reals!! I love this channel. No “blah blah blah” just facts and clear explanation!
Beautiful tanks! Thanks for breaking down this semi technical concept.
Thanks for watching buddy!
Love watching ur videos!!
Well, thanks for watching! :)
@@TheWaterBox of course..... Great info!
The problem with the Tom Barr chart is that if you refer to this chart in order to determine the proper CO² being injected into the aquarium is going to require a pH pen, NOT a liquid drip tester kit. Something that calibrates accurately (pH pen). Vs.. an approximate color chart!!
Thanks for the information. Very helpful ...
My pleasure
Great video!
Thanks!
Great video! Definitely your videos worth it!
Thank Manuel! You're awesome!
My KH is 6. I guess that need to start my lights later then 1 hour because my ph is higher when the lights come on and lower when the CO2 goes off. 7.2 starting and ending the 8 hour light period at 7.0 BPS is 2 in a 40 breeder. Lights currently come on 1 hour after CO2. Still love the channel because it is entertaining.
You can do it that way if you want.
im not trying to be stupid but I just set up a new co2, my first time ever and ive been watching your videos... Love them all!!!!!! My Question is, do you turn the valve all the way open on the canister or do you just open a little????? Ive got 1 bubble per second, (somewhat) but not action from the diffuser… have I don't something wrong???
On the canister you turn it all the way on. Your regulator regulars what comes out.
for the PH swing method… I just take the 1st reading straight before lights and co2 turns on? I read somewhere I need to take a sample of tank water and let it sit for 24-48hrs to degas it before taking the 1st reading…I’m confused 😅
Keep up the good work no nonsense here like the forums 😂
Thanks for watching. I'm glad you enjoyed.
I know this is an old video but, I could use the pH testing solution in a drop checker ?? I know you don't reccomend that but it's all I can get at the minute lol.....
Great series on CO2. Lovin your vids.
Thanks for watching!
I’ve been watching your videos this morning and they have been so helpful! Earned my sub today. Do you need to keep increasing the co2 bps rate as the tank becomes more densely planted? I have noticed that some of my older plants seem to get droopy as I add additional plants to the aquarium and I’m wondering if this is because the new plants are using co2 so there isn’t as much available in the aquarium.
Sometimes, yeh. It depends on how much and what kind you're adding. The best way it to measure it with the pre and post lights on check
@@TheWaterBox thank you!
Thank you!
I am new to it. Setting up my tank soon. Got my Co2 regulator etc. I have got a 55ltr tank, want to do Aquascaping. Then of course precious fish but first the plants need to grow and everything must be ok for fish. Can I aswell have 1 bubble every 2 or three seconds and so on? My friend said 1 bubble per second is too much. I am confused now. Can you help please? Thanks.
I haven't seen how you deal with the changes in ph in a DIY Co2 nano tank. I mean, how quickly the ph changes and the effect this has on livestock in the tank.
I can pump 60 bpm in a 10 liter tank, but because the KH of my tap is 20, I can not get more than 19-20 ppm of CO2 in my water. I start the CO2 at 7 AM, lights turn on at 9, and at 4 PM, when I turn CO2 off, my PH is 7.4 and my CO2 is at 20. Increasing the bpm is only wasting CO2. Fortunately, most plants, even the advanced ones do not "require" more than 20. Of course they could use 30 if they would be able to get it, but it's not a necessity for them to grow, they'll just grow a little slower.
I think this is the perfect balance for me. My endler guppies prefer more PH and harder water, and I can still deliver 20 ppm of CO2 for plant growth. If I had lower KH I could deliver more CO2, but I wouldn't want to make my fishes more uncomfortable so my plants would be more comfortable. People should put the needs of their fauna before the needs of their flora, a PH of 6.6 is insanely low for most species, plants and fish alike.
Thanks for your insights!
Interesting. PH is 7.6 out of city tap with GH of 25 or so drops. Pending on how well I diffuse CO2 my Bubble rate is anything from less than 1 a second to 2 a second if using inline or a reactor setup, up to 5 if I only use a powerhead as source of diffusion. So long as my Fluval Drop Checker stays green it works well for me
@@Puma1Sunfire1 I've never seen my PH drop below 7.2 no matter how much CO2 I pumped in the water, but that says more about the quality / surface area of my diffuser than the buffering capacity of my tap water. The PH of my tap water is 7.8. I also seem to have slightly more GH than KH in it which makes it very hard for the plants to absorb nutrients, so I'm planning to mix a ratio of 30% distilled and 70% tap water to get 14 KH, then I'll put GH salts in the water to increase it to at least 20 and I further dilute this when necessary. I have very small tanks, so this is the most budget friendly solution for me, a complete RO system would be way too expensive and even the hourly output of the smallest one would cover my entire weekly water change schedule.
I use a co2 calculator online based on kh, ph and gallons of water. It then gives a recommended range of bps.
Gabriel Atienza link?
@@cameronsisson8954 aquariuminfo.org/co2calculator.html
Perfect!
So if I use a drop checker that stays yellow, should I be double checking using the co2 chart
My best growth ever was with DIY co2, I’d use a 2.5 gallon jug and the co2 was uncontrolled 24/7. With pressurized I’ve been more conservative with the co2
Woot!
You mentioned PH probe, which monitor are you using? I've used all kinds of controllers and monitors on my reefs over the last 20 years, I realize that calibration is part of the maintenance. Just curious which brand you would recommend. I'm looking at the pinpoint but I alway considered them junk. Also, what PH fluid (s) are you calibrating with? With salt water and the Apex i had two 7 and 11, with fresh water I assuming 7 and if a second calibration is required 4? Thanks and I hope you understand what i mean lol
I currently haven't gotten one yet myself. When I'm ready, I'll let y'all know which one I got. I know what you mean but as I haven't settled on getting one yet (I may set one up for my 120g) I don't have those answers yet :)
Not about BPS but quick question for you. I am about to scape my first planted tank. Some of the plants I have available are not in great condition and have brown algae. Do you clean off the leaves or simply cut them away or would you just ditch them and start from scratch? Roots are in fine condition. Over to you
If you can clean it off, do it. Otherwise it may likely stick to the leaves for a very long time (namely slow growers like anbius) so it's up to you. I find the "dead" brown algae rubs off over time but it takes a while.
Remove algae if you can or pending on your aquarium setup and parameters add in Amano Shrimp, Nerite Snails or Oto cats as algae control if you want to. Love a green tank but hate removing algae from leaves of slow growers.
Is that 100% correct?
To measure at two different times the two parameters like before lamps go on and when all has been lit for x hours?
It makes sense though.
But my Tetra 6in1 test strips measure KH and pH.
When using the Tetra app with my camera it will precent a 7th parameter CO2. I assume that it will as we know derive the number from the levels on that single measurement occasion (KH and pH).
So when CO2 drive pH down your measuring approach makes sense. But means that Tetra is doing it wrong?! 🤔
Thanks for the video!
I'd get a liquid test kit or a more expensive test strip kit.
Chung, I have a couple of quick (i hope) questions:
1) CO2 Drop checkers, is there ANY DIFFERENCE in the bell shaped vs. smaller ball shaped glass in tank drop checkers? (reliability, accuracy, etc. or no difference).
2) If given the choice, any all costs were equal or not a consideration, would you opt for in tank or inline CO2 difusser?
I'm looking at hooking up CO2 for my 29 gallon planted tank, using a Fluval 207 canister, and Fluval 3.0 LED for lighting, plants are doing just OK, looking for more lush growth.
I am also dosing with Seachem: Excel, Flourish, Potassium & Iron supplements, several times a week per bottle instructions.
1) No difference. only maybe in set up for how much solution to use. But they all work the same. It mainly comes down to which look you like and ease of use for you.
2) I will always opt for an in-line diffuser than an in-tank. In-line diffusers diffuses 10x better and spreads the co2 enriched water around the tank way better.
@@TheWaterBox Thanks Chung! I appreciate the input, once I get it rigged up I'll be sure to send you before & after pics.
Awesome!
I use a drop checker. In the morning it's blue and by the end of the day it's green.
Glad to hear it.
I'm just wondering if this co2 injection will cause ph fluctations that is harmful to fish. I guess not cause a lot of people do it. But i'm just curious. Thanks
Great video. Thank you.
Thank you for watching!
Yessir this was great
Thanks!
Can I ask, do you leave your Co2 on 24/7 or do you switch it off at night? The reason I ask, is that my PH indicator goes green in the day, but overnight it goes back to blue. Should it stay green all the time?
No. Your plants don't need or use co2 when it's not actively in photosynthesis (when the light are on). Leaving the Co2 on when the plants are not using it can over-saturate your tank too much with co2 and kill the livestock in your tank. If you have no livestock then it won't matter so much.
I have an small aqua neo diffuser with 2 bubbles per second. But my drop checker still stays at blue, should I increase my bubble per second sir?
I'd suggect not going by the crop checker to figure out how to adjust your co2. Instead, you should be using this method I outline in this video link and only use the drop checker to spot check your tank. Video Link: th-cam.com/video/Q8Ql1V7h-I0/w-d-xo.html
I’ve just set up a new co2 system and am still adjusting my bps. I’m measuring based on pH level and adjust accordingly. My kH is 9 so my pH should ideally be at 6.8-7. I’m at 3bps and still can’t get below 7.1. How long should I wait for the pH to change?
Where is your PH before the co2 is injected? How are you diffusing your co2?
Hi, I'm completely new at this, have experience in aquariums but not plants, I started DIY yeast only 5 days now but plan to do pressurized citric acid bottle soon, I put the airline inside a small powerhead in the same timer that the lights, when is running really almost invisible bubbles came out and I aim at the HOB flow but in the bottom of the tank and when off I see big burps every 10 or 20sec so no need to take it out of tank. Only drawback I see is having to move powerhead a little to Prime it, Do you think is a good method and not use a diffuser? Thanks
It's fine.
@@TheWaterBox Thanks a lot, following you now!!
Awesome! Thanks for subbing!
hi, can suggest what liquid to put in the co2 bubble counter? i put water in it, but it always evaporated over few days.
It shouldn't evaporate that quick. You might check for leaks in your bubble counter.
I just set up a co2 tank. Regulator w/ bubble counter, PU tubing, a check valve, and a glass diffuser. I set the flow to 1 bps, and I can see it in the bubble counter, but can’t see it coming out of the diffuser. Is this because the flow is just too minute to see or is it more likely a leak somewhere
At one BPS you still should see it come out of the diffuser. Try turning it high for a few second and see if you can see it when that happens. Othereuse check for leaks and makes sure you have the chech valve on the right way.
The Water Box yeah I I have to turn it crazy high to get it flowing and then turn it back down to 1-2bps
It takes time to build up. It's normal.
My friend greath info i learn a lot of your video.. bless
I just bought a 450 liter aquarium with 2 external filters,can you tell me how i must setup them in mij thank?
Grt
Jermai
What kind of filters? Canister? HOB?
@@TheWaterBox
Jbl 1501 and jbl 1901
Juwel rio 450 tank
@@Leysner77 I'd set them up with the outflow on each end of the tank so it creates cross flow. As for media, I would put in all mechnical (sponges/floss) and all bio media. I'd leave a compartment empty for chemical filtration when needed.
@@TheWaterBox ahh oke so both outflows in de back corner of the thank,focused on the middel of the tank? When i do that way.. the are 2 flows i have co2 difusser that vannot circulate when i do that setup
The flow should carry the co2 around the tank.
Do a wave maker or powerhead affect amount co2 in aquarium
No. It will help distribute the co2 in the tank better so it's good to have one if you don't have good flow in your tank.
Help. My JBL dropchecker won't turn back to blue color, it stays green all the time even 12 hours after co2 stopped injecting. Only when I take it out of the water it turns blue.
How are you injecting co2? It might be your liquid that you're using.
My diffuser needs a minimum of 30psi, if I have a low bubble count will that still reach 30 psi?
Bubble count has nothing to do with PSI. It'll just build the pressure up to what it need to diffuse through the diffuser. It might take a few minutes but it will be fine.
I have a 30gallon tank. How long should my Co2 be on? I have it set for 6 hours at the moment.
Just stay with 6 hours and adjust from there.
Hello was just wondering what liquid you put in your bubble counter
It's called DHK4 water. Next vid on Thursday will cover that. :)
The Water Box thanks brilliant videos
He said bubble
Hello There I was wondering dhk4 in a bubble counter 😂
@@Funkybadger ive heard of people using mineral oil bit you have the chance of pushing it into the tank. Just tank water or tap water is fine.
Help please! Why is it the bubble rate in my diy co2 is decreasing overtime? The bps decreases from 3bps to totally automatically shutting off in 5 to 8 mins. I've checked for possible leaks, so far there's none. What seems to be the problem?
Hi Jewel Go,
That sounds like a real bother. What kind of regulator do you have? Sounds like maybe either a problem with one of the stages in your regulator or a faulty needle valve. If you have a working pressure gauge, see if you can raise that pressure if it's lower than like 20psi.
If it's for a DIY setup, it could be your mix. I'd double check the measurements on the mix again.
you are a god
LOL thanks.
How many bubble per second for tank size 60x30x45 is better?
It doesn't work that way. You give it many BPS as needed to get your target amount of co2 in your tank. See this video: th-cam.com/video/Q8Ql1V7h-I0/w-d-xo.html
What does an airstone bubbler in your tank do to effect the amount of CO2 needed to be injected into the tank? Will you need to add more, less or same amount of CO2?
Doing that you are raising your o2 levels higher so it gives you more room to adding more co2. O2 and Co2 levels are nindividual to each other. If you have more o2 in your tank, it doesn't take away co2 and vice versa.
you will be releasing co2 in your tank to the atmosphere if you run an airstone, you can do this but you will have to inject more co2 for the same effect, many aquascapers run their airstone(s) on a timer to work only when the lights and co2 are off, there will be plenty of o2 in the tank during the daylight hours if your tank is somewhat heavily planted.
Is the CO2. Kh ph chart accurate for a wide range of temperature? I.e. if you test in summer and winter do they show the same result?
Of course. The numbers is constant. Temps changes the rate of diffusion in your tank not the amount of Co2 at a specific PH/KH measurement that I know of. The PH or KH might change in your tank though but that has nothing to do with the chart.
The Water Box thanks for the clarification! Great videos.
np
Is it important to have CO2 when you have bubblers
I have a 6.6 PH and 4KH which puts me at 30ppm at the same PH.... Does this mean I can only use a drop checker to measure my Co2?
Are you actually injecting co2?
@@TheWaterBox I just started injecting Co2 yesterday and am trying to make sure I get to 30ppm. But that graph shows me at 30 ppm at 6.6 PH and 4 KH which is where my tank is always at.
@@anthonyjserianni2268 How are you plants doing without co2? Your water is very soft. Where are you sourcing it from?
My amazon swords did great, but those are next to bulletproof. My Christmas moss got covered in hair algae... and between that and my fish deciding to have a salad with it, my moss was not growing fast enough to outcompete the algae and my fish. I live in NYC and the tap water comes out at 7.0 PH and 0 KH. I use Neutral Regulator to bump the KH up as I've had my PH crash before without any buffer. The Neutral Regulator being phosphate based most likely had a hand in the hair algae outbreak. I read and watched on your channel that algae is a result of imbalanced nutrients. So the obvious nutrient in short supply was Co2, as I have a Finnex planted plus and lots of phosphate and dose ferts. I also want to grow some carpeting plants like Monte Carlo. My water being so soft is great for my tank because my fish are South American (Angelfish, German Blue Rams, Cardinal Tetras, and Corydoras) so they like that. All the driftwood in my tank is what's causing my PH to hang around 6.6 even though it comes out at 7 and is buffered with Neutral Regulator. Currently using a drop checker with you're DIY 4 KH solution. Looks like I'll just rely on that and how my fish are doing to see if I have the right amount of Co2?
@@anthonyjserianni2268 Ah I see. Yes, you need to buffer your KH. In this case, just measure the drop. Just remember, a point drop between co2 off and co2 on is a 30ppm measure in co2. 30ppm is considered the "ideal" level of co2 in tank (that's assuming you're able to keep that level of grow with lighting and nutrients). So just keep 1 point or less. Just keep an eye on your fish. So for 6.6, never go under 5.6. But for you, just go slowly, 0.1 drops at a time and keep an eye on everything and see if that works. I would just drop it 0.1 at a time for a week for each 0.1 and see the results.
Hi, in the CO2 carbonate chart. The KH valie are in ppm?
No, in degrees.
@@TheWaterBox thanks!!
👍
DIY co2 is good or bad?
It's good. Pressurized Co2 is more effective and less of a hassle though but DIY Co2 works great.I usually suggest going the citrus acid/baking soda mix.
is it normal for water to be slightly murky when using CO2?
No, it shouldn't unless you are "spriting" your tank which might make it look murky. Kinda making your tank water look like sprite. But that depends on how you're diffusing the co2 into your tank.
No no no just watch?? Many fish have died by doing that I have done ph drop test 1 point drop means 30ppm of co2 per hour which is essential measure ph 1 hour before lights and co2 come on then 1 hour after and keep bubble count 2 3 per second?
your chart is different with other chart at Kh=4, Ph= 6.6 and CO2 = 30.1 ? why?
Different from which chart?
dope
Totes!
Siri sent me here I don’t know why. I’m not interested in aquariums, I just want to know how long does it take a bubble of air to ascend 1 foot! I guess that’s all I can do is just guess. What, maybe two seconds? F it! I’m just going with that…
can you suggest how they call that method
dahhhhh
What?
Double the life of your test kits by using half the drops and only 2.5ml tank water instead of the 5ml
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More co2 in the tank the better. Only way its too much is if your fish are gasping.
Thanks for commenting!
I liek plantz
I haz plantz!
write that down
DO IT!
No
Yes
MORE TO LEARN ABOUT PLANTED TANKS:
☑️ Beginners Planted Tank Guide: goo.gl/oCujCK
☑️ Aquarium Lighting Guide: bit.ly/2INYuMA
☑️ Aquarium Co2 Guide: bit.ly/2rSteVY
☑️ The Dry Start Method: goo.gl/XC8Rnz
☑️ Using Soil: goo.gl/PxkvK4
Hey can you direct message me on Twitter @Gers0n__ I just followed you, I have some questions regarding on a co2 regulator I just ordered, I would highly appreciate it!
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