Help Me With Co2

[ghent_3rd]

I really want a cool looking planted tank nbut I have had to repllace the plants in my tank a couple of times now. Some plants will grow great and then just drop dead over a couple of days so I am thinking of taking on a CO2 unit and am looking at the Nutrafin DIY unit. I can see a lot of people use but am not sure if I have the confidence to do it myself as I really do not want to harm the fish!!

Could someone please explain the process for me so that I can gain some confidence and hopefully get a quality looking tank!!!

 

[kenneth_kpe]

A really really good place to look would be the pinned sections hehehe
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=105266

anyway it covers everything read it and ask us if you dont get some of the points and facts stated in the article

 

[ghent_3rd]

I have read the article and I think I can get my head around what is going on .

I just want to now really whether or not it is an easy to use product and would I have to be a total idiot to get it totally wrong!! )

 

[MoreCoffee]

Hi,

The Nutrafin DIY CO2 units are easy to install and operate. Not sure on the size of your tank, but each Nutrafin unit is recommended for a 70L tank. I have 2 units feeding into my 130L tank without any problems.

(Oh and if anybody is wondering ..... yes you can feed 2 fermentation containers into a single diffuser.)

You can easily make your own DIY system, but I've stuck with the nutrafin system becuase the diffuser 'bubble ladder' works really well and the fermentation containers do look much tidier than old 2ltr drinks bottles (even if they are smaller).

The only problem I had was with the fermentation ingredients supplied with the kit. The 'activator' and 'stabiliser' (yeast and bi-carb of soda to you and me) failed to ferment. I've had much better results using normal breadmaking yeast and bicarbonate of soda bought in the local supermarket .... also MUCH cheaper !

I'm sure you've read the info about CO2 and the lighting requirements and also the effect on your PH. My PH dropped from about 8.0 down to 7.2. To reduce the effect of this on my fish, I installed a single until and ran that for 2 weeks then added a second unit. So the change in PH was staged and the fish had time to adjust. As an extra, I have added a non-return valve to the CO2 airline to prevent syphoning from the tank.

I also stagger the days that I change the fermantation 'brew' so that there is a constant supply of CO2.

Below is a copy of a CO2 brew that I'm using. This is not my brew, I found it on one of the fourms (proabably this one!).
I have been using it without any problems for about 3 weeks.

=========================================
Buy a tin of allinsons bakers yeast (orange tin about 3 inches tall) in the bakery section - (activator)
Then buy some bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) - (stabaliser)
Thats your ingredients sorted for 6 months and a hell of a lot cheaper plus far superior quality.

The mixture

- add 1/2 a teaspoon of yeast to a coffee mug
- pour in 1/2 cup of luke warm water (not hot) and dissolve.
- add sugar to the nutrafin canister to the bottom fins.
- add 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to the nutrafin cannister
- pour in dissolved yeast solution
- top up with luke warm water 2cm below the top fin (to prevent overflow)
- stir the mixture well

Plug the tube back in the top and wait.
Within 1 hour you will definatly see bubbles (mine takes about 5 mins)
if it doesn't work you have a leak, most likley from the top. make sure it's screwed on really tightly.

follow that and it will work i promise, should last 7-10 days but best to change after 7
==================================================

I'm sure you can use any brand of yeast .... I used the one mentioned. It is available in your area (I live near Leicester) - the Co-Op sell it !.

.......... And yes ! it really does help with plant growth !!

 

[ghent_3rd]

Thanks very much Mr G, you have given me all the info I needed, just wait for abit more cash and I'm running out to get one!!!

How local to Leicester are you, what shops do you use???

Be good to compare tanks with someone local over the net via email if you fancy it.

 

[MoreCoffee]

How local to Leicester are you, what shops do you use???

I'm in Whitwick ... near M1 Jn23.
The main shops in Leicester I use are Bristall garden centre, mainly for aquatic plants and Friends In Soggy Homes - F.I.S.H - in the Birstall/wanlip area. But I also use Bardil's garden centre in Nottingham (I work in Notts).

I would advise taking a PH and KH reading on your tank PRIOR to adding CO2. From those readings you'll be able to work out your current CO2 levels. Mine started at about 8-10, then went up to 18-20 with 1 unit and finally settled around 28 with 2 units.

No problem if you want to compare tanks sometime ...... in a couple of weeks I may have some spare rooted plant cuttings if you want any.

Mr G

 

[ghent_3rd]

I was going to go over to FISH today for a look but left it a bit late and traffic was getting a bit bad. I live near City Centre so I also have a couple of other shops near me. Ocean Commotion is pretty good on Clarendon Park Road off the Welford Road and I ahve been to Clearwater aquatics. They ahve got agreat range, marines as well, but the staff there are not that helpful. Living so close to the M1 have you been to Wharf Aquatics at Pinxton. It is an absolute must even if you are not buying because it is just such a great place. I could spend the whole day there just looking at everything that they have to offer. might take you up on the plant cuttings, think I am going to test what you said in my water first. I know that they represent something but what does the KH and GH actually mean and what levels should I be looking for?

Definately going to get one of those units now though, might not be for a couple of weeks until I get a bit of cash in. I only have a small tank, 60 litre at most, so 1 unit will be plenty for me. Can't get abigger 1 until we move house the girlfriend says!!

Thanks again for your help MR G.

My name's John by the way.

 

[MoreCoffee]

Hi,

I've been to Ocean Commotion but didnt mention it becuase I couldnt remember the name !!
I got my Otocinclus from them.

I've not been to Wharf Aquatics ... but will put it on the list of things to do.

As for your water readings. I'm no expert here, but understand enough of the basics to satisfy
my needs (and those of my fish!).
Other than adding CO2 I dont play around with any of my readings, some people specifically raise or lower their PH value depending on their requirements, but the advice usually offered by those with more knowledge than I, is leave things alone unless you really NEED to change them.

This link will give you a much better description of each, without assuming you are some sort of scientist! - Aquarium Water Chemistry !


Water in my area is very hard, this isnt a bad thing when adding CO2 as a high KH reading gives a good buffering capacity to avoid huge swings in your PH.
My tap water PH is high, so there is room for a drop, acutally my PH is high enough that the PH drop was beneficial to the fish. Adding CO2 WILL lower your PH !

If you check your PH and your KH you can find out your CO2 level using one of the online calculators/charts
(sorry dont have a link at the moment - currently at work!)

I checked my readings before adding CO2 and then each day for a week after adding CO2, so I could monitor any changes - - - there were no problems, everything settled well within safe limits.
A gradual decrease in PH and an increase in CO2. My fish became more active and within a week there was a noticable increase in plant growth. Also I got an increase in algae during the first week or so, apparently this is normal. It cleared withing 3 weeks as the plant growth really took off ..... and my otocinclus and amano shrimp enjoyed the feast !

You might want to take a photo of the tank 'Pre-CO2' and then another one about 10 days or 2 weeks after CO2, you'll be suprised at the difference !

Mr G (Al)