Co2 Measurements?

[G_Sharky]

hey guys,
I have a 20 gallon planted tank and I use the Nutrafin Natural plant CO2 system and I was wonderin if anybody know's how much(ppm) or if i have enough co2 in the tank.....I'm currently running a 130 watts PC light and the bubble rate is about 1 bubble/5 seconds there's about 9 bubbles following each other at the ladder. My ph is 7.2(lights on) and 7.6(lights off) and my KH is 40 ml or 4 degrees....thanks.....

 

[pseud]

I think you made a mistake measuring your pH. If there's any difference then the water would probably have a higher pH with lights ON. CO2 DROPS the pH, with lights on the plants are photosynthesizing and using up CO2, thus the pH will rise.

In any case, you have between 3 and 7 ppm co2. Not nearly enough.

I'd recommend throwing the nutrafin system out and using the ladder with a DIY CO2 system composed of a 2l soda bottle, 2 cups of sugar, and 1tsp yeast.

Good luck!

 

[George Farmer]

Is your KH 40ppm or 4 degrees? These are two seperate readings. 40ppm is 2.2 dKH and 4 dKH is 72ppm.

Assuming your pH is 7.4 (average) and your KH is 4 then your CO2 will be 5ppm. Even less CO2 if your KH is 40ppm.

With that much light over 20 Gallons you drastically need to increase your CO2. Algae will take over very soon otherwise.

I recommend you read all the pinned articles. They are all relevant to your situation.