Co2, Ph, Kh And Bogwood.

[Squid]

So, i believe you have to look up on those useful charts to see what your CO2 levels are, using the PH and the KH of the water. Obviously this is the tank water and not the tap water. But there are other things that can and will affect the tank water inbetween water changes. I have a couple of bits of wood in the tank, one of which is quite a dense piece which seems to lower my PH.

After a water change, my PH will be marginally higher than just before the water change. How do people ensure that the CO2 levels are correct with these minor fluctuations. Should I just try to ensure that the upper and lower levels of the PH/KH are mapped to the upper and lower levels of the CO2, and hope that the upper and lower levels fall between 25 and 30 ppm.??

If that makes no sense, let me know.

Cheers
Squid

 

[JamesC]

Not quite 100% sure what you mean. When doing water changes your pH will rise because the new water will have less CO2 dissolved in it. But this shouldn't be a problem as long as the GH and KH are the same. pH fluctuations will not harm fish or shrimp as is often quoted. As long as your CO2 reactor/diffuser is working properly then your CO2 levels will be up to their normal levels within a hour or sooner and the plants probably won't have even noticed.

James

 

[Themuleous]

Not really understanding that mate, but the easiest way round potential pH effects of bogwood would be to use the '1 pH point' method.

1) Take some water out of the tank
2) Leave it to stand for 24hrs
3) Measure the pH
4) Measure the pH of 'fresh' tank water
5) Compare the two

A difference of 1 pH point between the two readings indicates a CO2 of about 30ppm

Sam

 

[Squid]

Appologies, im a bit new to CO2 and still trying to figure it all out. I guess the main point of what im trying to say is.. in order to manage how much CO2 to produce with my chosen CO2 solution, i need to monitor the CO2 levels by testing the PH and KH levels. If the PH level is not just being affected by the CO2, but also being affected by the Bogwood, will this cause me issues, as the changing PH will affect the CO2 reading.

Still not that clear is it... sorry.

Squid

Not really understanding that mate, but the easiest way round potential pH effects of bogwood would be to use the '1 pH point' method.

1) Take some water out of the tank
2) Leave it to stand for 24hrs
3) Measure the pH
4) Measure the pH of 'fresh' tank water
5) Compare the two

A difference of 1 pH point between the two readings indicates a CO2 of about 30ppm

Sam

I guess thats the point im making.as the PH changes, the CO2 levels will have too. This makes it harder to regulate the introduction of CO2?

Confused.

Squid

 

[Themuleous]

I see what you're saying, basically, if the pH is being affect by things other than the CO2 how do you know how much CO2 you've got?

The 1 point method I described above should account for that as both samples will be equally affected by the bogwood, so the measured affect is due to the CO2

Help?

Sam

 

[Squid]

I see what you're saying, basically, if the pH is being affect by things other than the CO2 how do you know how much CO2 you've got?

The 1 point method I described above should account for that as both samples will be equally affected by the bogwood, so the measured affect is due to the CO2

Help?

Sam

Yes that makes sense.. but i guess the bogwoods effect on a PH is more gradual?

To be honest im probably worrying about this unnecessarily.. i may take this particular bit out anyway, as it has some unwanted algae on it at present.

Thanks
Squid