Increasing Co2 Levels

[Rhea]

I'm currently running a 260L tank, with a pressurised CO2 system. I've been struggling to get my CO2 up to 30ppm, and wondered if there's anything in my setup I need to change, or whether I should just keep upping the amount of CO2 I'm putting in

I'm using the JBL pressurised CO2 system, with a Rhinox diffusor. The diffusor is in a back corner with the spraybar vertically above it to help distribute the CO2, the intake of my filter is in the other back corner. I'm currently running at 3bps, and my permanent drop checker is staying blue.

Does this sound about right? I know each tank is different, but is there a range of bps that is normal?

Thanks for any help

 

[Underwurlde]

Does the spraybar disturb the waters surface alot? (Position it such that it 'gently agitates the surface').
Do you use an airstone?
Also in-line reactors are more efficient than diffusers, but the rhinox isn't bad.

Andy

 

[2pods]

I'm currently running a 260L tank, with a pressurised CO2 system. I've been struggling to get my CO2 up to 30ppm, and wondered if there's anything in my setup I need to change, or whether I should just keep upping the amount of CO2 I'm putting in

I'm using the JBL pressurised CO2 system, with a Rhinox diffusor. The diffusor is in a back corner with the spraybar vertically above it to help distribute the CO2, the intake of my filter is in the other back corner. I'm currently running at 3bps, and my permanent drop checker is staying blue.

Does this sound about right? I know each tank is different, but is there a range of bps that is normal?

Thanks for any help

I'm running a FE with the Aquamax reg, solenoid and external reactor with a 400L tank.
My dropper is green with 2 bps.

What are you using for your dropper mix ?

Peter

 

[Rhea]

My spraybar is causing very little surface movement, I think my hatchets disturb it more than the spraybar at the moment!

For the drop checker I'm using the 4dkh solution from aquassentials, which after receiving one of the faulty batch I have tested to make sure it's about right.

Something I missed was my CO2 is currently on for 9 hours a day while my lights are on.

 

[2pods]

My spraybar is causing very little surface movement, I think my hatchets disturb it more than the spraybar at the moment!

For the drop checker I'm using the 4dkh solution from aquassentials, which after receiving one of the faulty batch I have tested to make sure it's about right.

Something I missed was my CO2 is currently on for 9 hours a day while my lights are on.

It's a long shot, but have you checked for leaks ?

Peter

 

[Rhea]

Not yet, but it's now on my list to do tonight......

 

[vic]

BPS is a relative measurement. It is unlikely that the bubble size is consistent across say 4 bubble counters and therefore the injection rate is different for each of the bubble counters. The bubble count is merely an indication of the relative change of the rate of injection when you adjust your needle valve. Leaks are a real possibility. Also, if you have a cannister filter I would suggest that you give some serious thought to building an in-line diffuser. Google DIY diffusers and you will have lots of options. The in-line diffusers are more efficient simply because the CO2 is exposed to the water column for a longer period of time thereby enhancing the liklihood of diffusion into the water column. Try increasing your bubble count but be very attentive to your drop checker. It would also be a good idea to recharge the drop checker before increasing the CO2 injection rate. You should avoid any surface disturbaqnce as is possible. The surface disturbance will result in off gassing of the CO2. A heavily planted tank does not need surface disturbance.

 

[SuperColey1]

I have always read (from several very reliable sources) that the ceramic diffusor is THE best way to diffuse CO2 into the tank because when allied with good circulation it distributes the micro bubbles directly to the leaves surface!!.

 

[Rhea]

Checked for leaks using washing up liquid and couldn't find anything, the tubing, bubble counter and diffusor are relatively new so I needed to make sure they were connected together properly.

I have just upgraded to this diffusor from a JBL spiral that came with the CO2 set so I don't really want to swap it for an inline diffusor yet without trying to work out what's going on - I'd also heard that the micro bubbles were good for plants but we'll see.......

How can I check my circulation is good enough for this diffusor to work - should I be able to see any of the CO2 bubbles reaching the water surface? I'm currently trying to battle various hair/brush algaes so dosing Excel whilst I'm trying to get this sorted but my glosso is really starting to suffer