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#1
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CO2 question
First I want to thank everyone who has helped me get started on DIY CO2, and
especially Kush who told me I might be using water that was too hot... that was in fact the problem. I also read Leigh's response to someone regarding doubling the amount of mixture in the bottle, and did that, and it gave me more frequent bubbles than I had had, but the pH didn't go down. I'm getting a bubble about every 3-4 seconds, piped into the intake of my Emperor 400 power filter. My CO2 normally has been about 2-3, now it is staying a fairly stable 8ppm (KH 2 & pH 7). I am even seeing a little pearling which is very rewarding. My question is, should I be satisfied with this? I would love to see more pearling, but I don't necessarily want extra-rapid plant grown... I would like them to grow of course, but.... I think you understand. Also, I'm suspecting the Emporer is not making the best use of the CO2 I'm getting. Are there any suggestions that aren't (1) very expensive (2 and more important) won't look ugly in my tank. thanks so much, bob |
#2
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CO2 question
Bob,
I really can't say if using a reactor/bubble counter will be better or worse than what you're doing now. But there are many you can purchase which aren't too expensive. Also, ugly is very subjective. I use the Hagen system which is basically that same as DIY. They sell the reactor seperately at big Als , but here's a good photo of what it looks like. http://www.petsmart.com/fish/shoppin...ucts/product_3 3004.shtml Personally, I love watching the bubbles go up the diffuser! -Frank "Bob A" wrote in message ... First I want to thank everyone who has helped me get started on DIY CO2, and especially Kush who told me I might be using water that was too hot... that was in fact the problem. I also read Leigh's response to someone regarding doubling the amount of mixture in the bottle, and did that, and it gave me more frequent bubbles than I had had, but the pH didn't go down. I'm getting a bubble about every 3-4 seconds, piped into the intake of my Emperor 400 power filter. My CO2 normally has been about 2-3, now it is staying a fairly stable 8ppm (KH 2 & pH 7). I am even seeing a little pearling which is very rewarding. My question is, should I be satisfied with this? I would love to see more pearling, but I don't necessarily want extra-rapid plant grown... I would like them to grow of course, but.... I think you understand. Also, I'm suspecting the Emporer is not making the best use of the CO2 I'm getting. Are there any suggestions that aren't (1) very expensive (2 and more important) won't look ugly in my tank. thanks so much, bob |
#3
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CO2 question
That's not a lot of bubbles for a fresh batch of a DIY yeast mixture. Maybe
you have a leak? I usually get about a bubble per second with a new batch. Jody "Bob A" wrote in message ... First I want to thank everyone who has helped me get started on DIY CO2, and especially Kush who told me I might be using water that was too hot... that was in fact the problem. I also read Leigh's response to someone regarding doubling the amount of mixture in the bottle, and did that, and it gave me more frequent bubbles than I had had, but the pH didn't go down. I'm getting a bubble about every 3-4 seconds, piped into the intake of my Emperor 400 power filter. My CO2 normally has been about 2-3, now it is staying a fairly stable 8ppm (KH 2 & pH 7). I am even seeing a little pearling which is very rewarding. My question is, should I be satisfied with this? I would love to see more pearling, but I don't necessarily want extra-rapid plant grown... I would like them to grow of course, but.... I think you understand. Also, I'm suspecting the Emporer is not making the best use of the CO2 I'm getting. Are there any suggestions that aren't (1) very expensive (2 and more important) won't look ugly in my tank. thanks so much, bob |
#4
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CO2 question
Jody,
How long does it take for you to get bubbles after you prepare a fresh batch? Thanks, Frank "Jody" wrote in message . .. That's not a lot of bubbles for a fresh batch of a DIY yeast mixture. Maybe you have a leak? I usually get about a bubble per second with a new batch. Jody "Bob A" wrote in message ... First I want to thank everyone who has helped me get started on DIY CO2, and especially Kush who told me I might be using water that was too hot... that was in fact the problem. I also read Leigh's response to someone regarding doubling the amount of mixture in the bottle, and did that, and it gave me more frequent bubbles than I had had, but the pH didn't go down. I'm getting a bubble about every 3-4 seconds, piped into the intake of my Emperor 400 power filter. My CO2 normally has been about 2-3, now it is staying a fairly stable 8ppm (KH 2 & pH 7). I am even seeing a little pearling which is very rewarding. My question is, should I be satisfied with this? I would love to see more pearling, but I don't necessarily want extra-rapid plant grown... I would like them to grow of course, but.... I think you understand. Also, I'm suspecting the Emporer is not making the best use of the CO2 I'm getting. Are there any suggestions that aren't (1) very expensive (2 and more important) won't look ugly in my tank. thanks so much, bob |
#5
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CO2 question
May I? It depends how warm the water is to start. In a two-liter juice
bottle, using room-temperature water and bakers yeast, about 20 minutes. I only get a bubble a second for the first hour or two. After about a week, at 68º, I get approximately 1 bubble every five to six seconds. Frank Mamone wrote in message .. . Jody, How long does it take for you to get bubbles after you prepare a fresh batch? Thanks, Frank "Jody" wrote in message . .. That's not a lot of bubbles for a fresh batch of a DIY yeast mixture. Maybe you have a leak? I usually get about a bubble per second with a new batch. Jody "Bob A" wrote in message ... First I want to thank everyone who has helped me get started on DIY CO2, and especially Kush who told me I might be using water that was too hot... that was in fact the problem. I also read Leigh's response to someone regarding doubling the amount of mixture in the bottle, and did that, and it gave me more frequent bubbles than I had had, but the pH didn't go down. I'm getting a bubble about every 3-4 seconds, piped into the intake of my Emperor 400 power filter. My CO2 normally has been about 2-3, now it is staying a fairly stable 8ppm (KH 2 & pH 7). I am even seeing a little pearling which is very rewarding. My question is, should I be satisfied with this? I would love to see more pearling, but I don't necessarily want extra-rapid plant grown... I would like them to grow of course, but.... I think you understand. Also, I'm suspecting the Emporer is not making the best use of the CO2 I'm getting. Are there any suggestions that aren't (1) very expensive (2 and more important) won't look ugly in my tank. thanks so much, bob |
#6
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CO2 question
I can tell you, it takes about an hour or so for me. I'm just beginning so
that's just my experience. I don't start the injection until I see a layer of tiny bubbles on the surface. bob "Frank Mamone" wrote in message .. . Jody, How long does it take for you to get bubbles after you prepare a fresh batch? Thanks, Frank "Jody" wrote in message . .. That's not a lot of bubbles for a fresh batch of a DIY yeast mixture. Maybe you have a leak? I usually get about a bubble per second with a new batch. Jody "Bob A" wrote in message ... First I want to thank everyone who has helped me get started on DIY CO2, and especially Kush who told me I might be using water that was too hot... that was in fact the problem. I also read Leigh's response to someone regarding doubling the amount of mixture in the bottle, and did that, and it gave me more frequent bubbles than I had had, but the pH didn't go down. I'm getting a bubble about every 3-4 seconds, piped into the intake of my Emperor 400 power filter. My CO2 normally has been about 2-3, now it is staying a fairly stable 8ppm (KH 2 & pH 7). I am even seeing a little pearling which is very rewarding. My question is, should I be satisfied with this? I would love to see more pearling, but I don't necessarily want extra-rapid plant grown... I would like them to grow of course, but.... I think you understand. Also, I'm suspecting the Emporer is not making the best use of the CO2 I'm getting. Are there any suggestions that aren't (1) very expensive (2 and more important) won't look ugly in my tank. thanks so much, bob |
#7
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CO2 question
Not clear how large your tank is? For my 55 gal, I needed two DIY 2-liter
bottles. I have since switched to compressed gas. also the bio-wheel on the emperor will cause you to lose a lot of co2. Best if you don't have such (i.e. another type of filter) or at least keep the water level filled up high to reduce the splashing of water. Possible to remove the biowheel,; never have done that; of course that removes some of your bio filtration. Bob Alston "Bob A" wrote in message ... First I want to thank everyone who has helped me get started on DIY CO2, and especially Kush who told me I might be using water that was too hot... that was in fact the problem. I also read Leigh's response to someone regarding doubling the amount of mixture in the bottle, and did that, and it gave me more frequent bubbles than I had had, but the pH didn't go down. I'm getting a bubble about every 3-4 seconds, piped into the intake of my Emperor 400 power filter. My CO2 normally has been about 2-3, now it is staying a fairly stable 8ppm (KH 2 & pH 7). I am even seeing a little pearling which is very rewarding. My question is, should I be satisfied with this? I would love to see more pearling, but I don't necessarily want extra-rapid plant grown... I would like them to grow of course, but.... I think you understand. Also, I'm suspecting the Emporer is not making the best use of the CO2 I'm getting. Are there any suggestions that aren't (1) very expensive (2 and more important) won't look ugly in my tank. thanks so much, bob |
#8
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CO2 question
Yes, it does depend. It depends on your yeast, temp, how tight the rig is,
etc. I usually set mine up before going to bed, and of course have bubbles in the morning. I have stayed up on occasion and heard bubbles after about an hour. I used the juice bottles for quite awhile since I liked the sturdy bottoms and larger openings. But I finally decided that they leaked too much for me out of the lid. Try pressing down on the lid and see if you get more bubbles. If you do, that means your lid is leaking. I switched to the soda bottles. It actually makes more sense using the soda bottles since they are made to hold in, yes, CO2! The lid fits tighter and has more threads. I hated to switch; the juice bottles just *feel* better. Jody "kush" wrote in message ... May I? It depends how warm the water is to start. In a two-liter juice bottle, using room-temperature water and bakers yeast, about 20 minutes. I only get a bubble a second for the first hour or two. After about a week, at 68º, I get approximately 1 bubble every five to six seconds. Frank Mamone wrote in message .. . Jody, How long does it take for you to get bubbles after you prepare a fresh batch? Thanks, Frank "Jody" wrote in message . .. That's not a lot of bubbles for a fresh batch of a DIY yeast mixture. Maybe you have a leak? I usually get about a bubble per second with a new batch. Jody "Bob A" wrote in message ... First I want to thank everyone who has helped me get started on DIY CO2, and especially Kush who told me I might be using water that was too hot... that was in fact the problem. I also read Leigh's response to someone regarding doubling the amount of mixture in the bottle, and did that, and it gave me more frequent bubbles than I had had, but the pH didn't go down. I'm getting a bubble about every 3-4 seconds, piped into the intake of my Emperor 400 power filter. My CO2 normally has been about 2-3, now it is staying a fairly stable 8ppm (KH 2 & pH 7). I am even seeing a little pearling which is very rewarding. My question is, should I be satisfied with this? I would love to see more pearling, but I don't necessarily want extra-rapid plant grown... I would like them to grow of course, but.... I think you understand. Also, I'm suspecting the Emporer is not making the best use of the CO2 I'm getting. Are there any suggestions that aren't (1) very expensive (2 and more important) won't look ugly in my tank. thanks so much, bob |
#9
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CO2 question
55g tank.
I have had 2 bottles going for a few days, and getting over a bubble per second. Maybe the second batch is a better brew. I am reading 17ppm CO2. I do suspect I'm losing a lot of the CO2 with this type of reactor. I'm going to be searching for something better. I saw some at marinemonsters for $25, may look into those again. I have decided to take out my heater, so putting in a reactor won't be so bad. I don't know if this was a good idea (comments?) but when my pH got down to 6.8 I added 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, tested KH a few hours later, and it had gone up from 2d to 3d. PH level did not change appreciably. thanks! bob "Bob Alston" wrote in message . .. Not clear how large your tank is? For my 55 gal, I needed two DIY 2-liter bottles. I have since switched to compressed gas. also the bio-wheel on the emperor will cause you to lose a lot of co2. Best if you don't have such (i.e. another type of filter) or at least keep the water level filled up high to reduce the splashing of water. Possible to remove the biowheel,; never have done that; of course that removes some of your bio filtration. Bob Alston "Bob A" wrote in message ... First I want to thank everyone who has helped me get started on DIY CO2, and especially Kush who told me I might be using water that was too hot... that was in fact the problem. I also read Leigh's response to someone regarding doubling the amount of mixture in the bottle, and did that, and it gave me more frequent bubbles than I had had, but the pH didn't go down. I'm getting a bubble about every 3-4 seconds, piped into the intake of my Emperor 400 power filter. My CO2 normally has been about 2-3, now it is staying a fairly stable 8ppm (KH 2 & pH 7). I am even seeing a little pearling which is very rewarding. My question is, should I be satisfied with this? I would love to see more pearling, but I don't necessarily want extra-rapid plant grown... I would like them to grow of course, but.... I think you understand. Also, I'm suspecting the Emporer is not making the best use of the CO2 I'm getting. Are there any suggestions that aren't (1) very expensive (2 and more important) won't look ugly in my tank. thanks so much, bob |
#10
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CO2 question
I initially used a fine airstone as a diffuser. Eventually I decided on a
reactor from Plant Guild. http://www.familychest.com/plantguil..._reactors.html I have been very happy with it in my 55 gal. Bob "Bob A" wrote in message ... 55g tank. I have had 2 bottles going for a few days, and getting over a bubble per second. Maybe the second batch is a better brew. I am reading 17ppm CO2. I do suspect I'm losing a lot of the CO2 with this type of reactor. I'm going to be searching for something better. I saw some at marinemonsters for $25, may look into those again. I have decided to take out my heater, so putting in a reactor won't be so bad. I don't know if this was a good idea (comments?) but when my pH got down to 6.8 I added 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, tested KH a few hours later, and it had gone up from 2d to 3d. PH level did not change appreciably. thanks! bob "Bob Alston" wrote in message . .. Not clear how large your tank is? For my 55 gal, I needed two DIY 2-liter bottles. I have since switched to compressed gas. also the bio-wheel on the emperor will cause you to lose a lot of co2. Best if you don't have such (i.e. another type of filter) or at least keep the water level filled up high to reduce the splashing of water. Possible to remove the biowheel,; never have done that; of course that removes some of your bio filtration. Bob Alston "Bob A" wrote in message ... First I want to thank everyone who has helped me get started on DIY CO2, and especially Kush who told me I might be using water that was too hot... that was in fact the problem. I also read Leigh's response to someone regarding doubling the amount of mixture in the bottle, and did that, and it gave me more frequent bubbles than I had had, but the pH didn't go down. I'm getting a bubble about every 3-4 seconds, piped into the intake of my Emperor 400 power filter. My CO2 normally has been about 2-3, now it is staying a fairly stable 8ppm (KH 2 & pH 7). I am even seeing a little pearling which is very rewarding. My question is, should I be satisfied with this? I would love to see more pearling, but I don't necessarily want extra-rapid plant grown... I would like them to grow of course, but.... I think you understand. Also, I'm suspecting the Emporer is not making the best use of the CO2 I'm getting. Are there any suggestions that aren't (1) very expensive (2 and more important) won't look ugly in my tank. thanks so much, bob |
#11
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CO2 question
when you use that diffuser does the pump on it fill the tube of the diffuser
with oxygen,when your water gets oxygenated from your plant,I find my main filter shoots out oxygen when my plants start to peal due to a high oxygen content in the water.I guees it could be c02 becuse there would be a high content of that too,but i think it's oxygen, would that mess things up in the reactor. thx "Bob Alston" wrote in message . .. I initially used a fine airstone as a diffuser. Eventually I decided on a reactor from Plant Guild. http://www.familychest.com/plantguil..._reactors.html I have been very happy with it in my 55 gal. Bob "Bob A" wrote in message ... 55g tank. I have had 2 bottles going for a few days, and getting over a bubble per second. Maybe the second batch is a better brew. I am reading 17ppm CO2. I do suspect I'm losing a lot of the CO2 with this type of reactor. I'm going to be searching for something better. I saw some at marinemonsters for $25, may look into those again. I have decided to take out my heater, so putting in a reactor won't be so bad. I don't know if this was a good idea (comments?) but when my pH got down to 6.8 I added 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, tested KH a few hours later, and it had gone up from 2d to 3d. PH level did not change appreciably. thanks! bob "Bob Alston" wrote in message . .. Not clear how large your tank is? For my 55 gal, I needed two DIY 2-liter bottles. I have since switched to compressed gas. also the bio-wheel on the emperor will cause you to lose a lot of co2. Best if you don't have such (i.e. another type of filter) or at least keep the water level filled up high to reduce the splashing of water. Possible to remove the biowheel,; never have done that; of course that removes some of your bio filtration. Bob Alston "Bob A" wrote in message ... First I want to thank everyone who has helped me get started on DIY CO2, and especially Kush who told me I might be using water that was too hot... that was in fact the problem. I also read Leigh's response to someone regarding doubling the amount of mixture in the bottle, and did that, and it gave me more frequent bubbles than I had had, but the pH didn't go down. I'm getting a bubble about every 3-4 seconds, piped into the intake of my Emperor 400 power filter. My CO2 normally has been about 2-3, now it is staying a fairly stable 8ppm (KH 2 & pH 7). I am even seeing a little pearling which is very rewarding. My question is, should I be satisfied with this? I would love to see more pearling, but I don't necessarily want extra-rapid plant grown... I would like them to grow of course, but.... I think you understand. Also, I'm suspecting the Emporer is not making the best use of the CO2 I'm getting. Are there any suggestions that aren't (1) very expensive (2 and more important) won't look ugly in my tank. thanks so much, bob |
#12
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CO2 question
Best I can tell the bubbles in my diffuser/reactor are only co2 bubbles.
Cause that is what I am bubbling in. It is my understanding that concentrations of co2 do not interfere with concentrations of O2 and vice versa. anyway the reactor seems to ensure all the co2 gets absorbed by the water and none lost, bubbling to the surface. Bob "mark" wrote in message . ca... when you use that diffuser does the pump on it fill the tube of the diffuser with oxygen,when your water gets oxygenated from your plant,I find my main filter shoots out oxygen when my plants start to peal due to a high oxygen content in the water.I guees it could be c02 becuse there would be a high content of that too,but i think it's oxygen, would that mess things up in the reactor. thx "Bob Alston" wrote in message . .. I initially used a fine airstone as a diffuser. Eventually I decided on a reactor from Plant Guild. http://www.familychest.com/plantguil..._reactors.html I have been very happy with it in my 55 gal. Bob "Bob A" wrote in message ... 55g tank. I have had 2 bottles going for a few days, and getting over a bubble per second. Maybe the second batch is a better brew. I am reading 17ppm CO2. I do suspect I'm losing a lot of the CO2 with this type of reactor. I'm going to be searching for something better. I saw some at marinemonsters for $25, may look into those again. I have decided to take out my heater, so putting in a reactor won't be so bad. I don't know if this was a good idea (comments?) but when my pH got down to 6.8 I added 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, tested KH a few hours later, and it had gone up from 2d to 3d. PH level did not change appreciably. thanks! bob "Bob Alston" wrote in message . .. Not clear how large your tank is? For my 55 gal, I needed two DIY 2-liter bottles. I have since switched to compressed gas. also the bio-wheel on the emperor will cause you to lose a lot of co2. Best if you don't have such (i.e. another type of filter) or at least keep the water level filled up high to reduce the splashing of water. Possible to remove the biowheel,; never have done that; of course that removes some of your bio filtration. Bob Alston "Bob A" wrote in message ... First I want to thank everyone who has helped me get started on DIY CO2, and especially Kush who told me I might be using water that was too hot... that was in fact the problem. I also read Leigh's response to someone regarding doubling the amount of mixture in the bottle, and did that, and it gave me more frequent bubbles than I had had, but the pH didn't go down. I'm getting a bubble about every 3-4 seconds, piped into the intake of my Emperor 400 power filter. My CO2 normally has been about 2-3, now it is staying a fairly stable 8ppm (KH 2 & pH 7). I am even seeing a little pearling which is very rewarding. My question is, should I be satisfied with this? I would love to see more pearling, but I don't necessarily want extra-rapid plant grown... I would like them to grow of course, but.... I think you understand. Also, I'm suspecting the Emporer is not making the best use of the CO2 I'm getting. Are there any suggestions that aren't (1) very expensive (2 and more important) won't look ugly in my tank. thanks so much, bob |
#13
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CO2 question
Bob Alston wrote ...
It is my understanding that concentrations of co2 do not interfere with concentrations of O2 and vice versa That's true only to a point. Liquid water has a finite capacity to contain dissolved gasses. Beyond a certain point, it isn't helpful to add more gas because the excess will simply bubble out. A pressure bubble builds over the impeller in your mechanical filter, which every so often comes out with a rush - in my house scaring the bejeezus out of the cat who sleeps under the tank stand where it's nice and warm. Colder water contains more dissolved gasses than warmer water. Therefore, as you raise your temperature on your thermostat, you reduce the potential for total dissolved CO2 and O. I keep my thermostats set between 72º and 74º, which probably ****es off my angels, but which is good for my plants and also inhibits algae growth. |
#14
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CO2 question
Well - if I stop bubbling in co2 the bubbles from my reactor disappear.
Agree with your statements, however they seem consistent with what I wrote. So I don't think you were really disagreeing with what I wrote. Bob "kush" wrote in message ... Bob Alston wrote ... It is my understanding that concentrations of co2 do not interfere with concentrations of O2 and vice versa That's true only to a point. Liquid water has a finite capacity to contain dissolved gasses. Beyond a certain point, it isn't helpful to add more gas because the excess will simply bubble out. A pressure bubble builds over the impeller in your mechanical filter, which every so often comes out with a rush - in my house scaring the bejeezus out of the cat who sleeps under the tank stand where it's nice and warm. Colder water contains more dissolved gasses than warmer water. Therefore, as you raise your temperature on your thermostat, you reduce the potential for total dissolved CO2 and O. I keep my thermostats set between 72º and 74º, which probably ****es off my angels, but which is good for my plants and also inhibits algae growth. |
#15
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CO2 question
On Sun, 09 Mar 2003 13:20:13 GMT, "kush"
wrote: That's true only to a point. Liquid water has a finite capacity to contain dissolved gasses. It's completely true at the O2 and CO2 levels found in our tanks. Chuck Gadd http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua |
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