Calculating Co2?

[chrismr]

Have tried searching, but to no avail as there is that stupid 3 letter cut off on words for search... so sorry if anybody lands up repeating themselves

So anyway, how do I calculate CO2 levels in my aquarium? I came across a table which indicated CO2 in relation to KH, but there are so many things which can influence the peramters of a tank, such as using peat (as I do), etc.

Have seen there are a couple of CO2 tests around, although hard to find, but just wanted to check they were necessary (or any good) before buying...

 

[phlawed]

Have tried searching, but to no avail as there is that stupid 3 letter cut off on words for search... so sorry if anybody lands up repeating themselves

So anyway, how do I calculate CO2 levels in my aquarium? I came across a table which indicated CO2 in relation to KH, but there are so many things which can influence the peramters of a tank, such as using peat (as I do), etc.

Have seen there are a couple of CO2 tests around, although hard to find, but just wanted to check they were necessary (or any good) before buying...

http/www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_plant_co2chart.htm schroll halfway down enter numbers

 

[jimbooo]

chucks calculator

hope that helps. dont know about peat, i know it effects it. hopefully they will mention it here but i haven't time to read it.

good luck

James

EDIT
Phlawed: how funny, great minds think alike hey

 

[chrismr]

Thanks guys...

However, as I am using peat would I need to input the perameters of my tap water prior to it going into the tank with the peat or doing anything to it?

Edit: no, never mind, that would be absolutely pointless because to attain the required level of co2 in future, I would need to test the tank water, not the tap water....

 

[jimbooo]

it's a tricky one mate. are we talking pressurised or yeast?

i dont usually test my co2, i just pump enough in to get the plants pearling and make sure the fish are still happy. my PH test is awefull so i cant really tell what it is anyway.

 

[chrismr]

Well, I have the little nutrafin yeast based thing from my 120 litre in the large tank, but I know it will be near useless in the larger 270 litre tank, so it will be going back into the 120 (which I was going to get rid of, but decided to keep)

I am thinking of getting a pressurised CO2 system for the larger tank, but I would really like to know what current CO2 levels are sitting at.

It is just that going by that graph, it is feasible that some people won't need CO2 isn't it? I think it will be a little easier for me to get my head around it when I get home and test my kh and ph levels. But still, have no idea on the effect the peat will have on working out the current level of CO2 in the tank.

If I remove the peat, how long should I wait before testing to determine CO2? I only used the peat to induce spawning in my keyholes (well, that and to generally lower ph to a level which fish prefer)

I plan on getting yet another tank which the keyholes will be going into and I will try and get them to spawn in that, so not too worried about removing the peat. I just don't know how long it will continue to affect the water after removal....

Rather than start a new thread will ask here..... when using WPG, is that working on US or Imperial gallons?

 

[jimbooo]

WPG is using USG.

i really dont know what to suggest regarding the peat. it will totally throw your readings if it lowers PH. after all the reason we use PH as an indicator is due to the direct effect on it by adding co2. injecting co2 leaves carbonic acid in the water hence lowering the PH. it is not the PH directly that governs co2 content. ie if the PH is being lowered by an additional additive there is no way to tell how much of the PH drop is due to the co2 and how much of it is down to the peat.

i'm a bit stumped mate. as to removing it and waiting i dont know how long it would take i'm afraid having never used it. i'd guess a week with 2x 50% water changes would bring things back to normal, then leave just the co2 going for a week with no peat and retest. just guessing here, anyone else have any sugestions.

to give you an indication of the output of the nutrafins. i had 2 on my 180L and just about got to 20-30ppm with my own mixture and changing it every 7 days. 3 nutrafins would probably be constant at about 30-40ppm but that depends on your KH. mine is 13 so if yours is simmillar you can expect the kind of results as stated above.

 

[RYO]

http/www.tropica.dk/article.asp?type=aquaristic&id=445
or
http/www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/..._calculator.php