Calculating Co2

[BigIan]

When calculating co2, Do you use the ph/kh reading from the tap or from the tank?

as with ADA AS then the ph will be lower than it should any way...

Really n000b question i know but i`m confused

 

[George Farmer]

Test the pH and KH of the aquarium water to measure the CO2 in the aquarium water.

Testing for CO2 in the tapwater isn't necessary.

 

[BigIan]

But how do you account for the ph drop caused by AS is what i was trying to ask in a dumb kind of way...

 

[Liam]

Just take out the sample to be tested from the tank and leave it 24-48 hours to get your tank water ph without Co2. I guess if the soil keeps lowering the ph then you might want to do the test every now and then.

 

[JamesC]

But how do you account for the ph drop caused by AS is what i was trying to ask in a dumb kind of way...

You've stumbled on one of the problems with the pH/KH chart method of measuring CO2. It's not accurate when you have something that is altering the pH. According to these charts I have over 100ppm CO2. Your best bet is to try the 1 pH drop method. This is where you drop the tank pH by 1 point from tank water that has been left standing in a jar. This should give you about 30ppm CO2.

James

 

[Miss Wiggle]

probably me being dim and this is of no help, but as you haven't added the soil yet, how about before adding the soil you get the Co2 on and test it all, work it out and record all the measurements and what you need things set to to get it right, then add the soil, your gonna leave the tank a week or so before adding the fish again so you can sort the ph out, so then the ph should have got back to what it was before adding the soil so just put it back to how you measured it before.

 

[George Farmer]

Aqua Soil may drop pH because of its effect on KH, thus the tables may remain useable.

I'll get back to you on that.

 

[BigIan]

If you would please sir, my stuff should be arriving tomorrow, so the sooner the better