Help With Brand New Pressurized Co2 Setup

[anvil63]

Ok, I finally got all the pieces together for my Co2. I set it up last night and everything is going pretty well. No leaks at least. I am having a problem getting consistent flow out of the regulator. I am using a pH controller so I don't think this is as big a deal as if I were running it without, but I'd really like to get it to setttle down.

Secondly, I want to dose carbonate to raise my KH to the 6-8 degree range from 3 where it is now. So I can get around 25-30ppm CO2 at pH7. Is there a calculator for this anywhere?

Third, could anyone venture a guess how long a 20lb Co2 tank will last on a 150 gallon tank using the pH controller. I know this depends on a ton of different factors tank is pretty heavily planted, under 384 W of light w/ minimal surface agitation. Any rough estimate would be great since I have no idea.

Thanks,
Carl

 

[srolfe]

I assume you have a needle valve. On my setup, I had problems getting a steady bubble count with the bubble counter installed. I removed it, added a check valve so water would not enter the system and set the count by observing bubbles coming out of the tube in water. I drilled a hole in my canister filter intake and placed the tube in it. Works Fine.

I was using RO water until I switched to tap and I was adding approx 1/2 teaspoon buffer per 5 gallons to raise the KH 2 points. You will need to experiment.

You will probably use 2-3 tanks a year-best guess.

Make sure you calibrate your controller and check your tank occasionally with a PH test kit. I calibrated my system and killed a few fish with CO2 overdoses until I figured out that the controller had gone out of whack which I confirmed with a PH test. Recalibrated and now check once a week with test kit. Do not assume that the controller is giving you the correct reading.

 

[mikenas102]

KH calculator