Setting Up Pressurised Co2

[DaveW]

I'm will be setting up a JBL pressurised co2 set and would like to confirm a couple of things before I start.

I have the set 2, which is the one with the night solenoid. So, on setting up I have to have the solenoid on 24 hours a day to get the co2 level correct, then have it connected it to the lighting timer. Which lends me to the first question, how long do I have to leave it until I can test the co2 level? I understand that the right time to test is when the lights are off, but I don't know how long it takes for the level to settle so it can be tested.

I'm going to use the diffuser that came with the set, but I was wondering if anybody could give me a good starting point, as in bubbles per minute, for a 33 us gallon tank. And so to the other question, will 35 to 40 bpm be to much to start with (I realise it differers tank to tank).

Any help will be gratefully received!

 

[zig]

Hi daveW

I dont have a JBL system but i can give you some general pointers to get you started

Within a couple of hours you should have sufficient co2 in the water to be able to test, id build it up slowly at first, watch your fish for signs of stress, gasping at the surface etc obviously if you see this you are overdoing it, the bubble rate really depends on the tank as you have allready said, it will depend on how effective the diffuser is, and how much or how little surface agitation you have, i would start off with 3-4 bubbles every ten seconds to begin with (about 20bpm) and in a couple of hours i would then test to see what levels you are achieveing, if you have low co2 readings...up the bubble rate, generally somewhere 30bpm and 60bpm is generally correct, although i find on my own setup a much lower bubble rate does the trick (about 25bpm) so it really does depend.

It will take you a couple of days to feel comfitable with the setup, just make sure you dont have any leaks, you can test any connections for leaks with washing up liquid and a bit of water, with the solenoid you will find that if you swich it on an hour before lights on this will allow for a sufficient buildup of co2 in the water.

Other than that its pretty easy, just be prepared to babysit the tank the day you set it up so there are no mishaps, basically just keep an eye on it in the beginning and you should be fine.

Im sure others can give you a few more tips that i have overlooked.........

 

[DaveW]

Many thanks zig, that's pretty much what I want to be sure on. I was a bit nervous when I set up the diy mix but pressurised ... with it being very easy to OD the fish, I'm very nervous.
Thanks again.

 

[zig]

Many thanks zig, that's pretty much what I want to be sure on. I was a bit nervous when I set up the diy mix but pressurised ... with it being very easy to OD the fish, I'm very nervous.
Thanks again.

I wouldnt say its very easy to OD the fish, they will take a certain amount of stress before its critical, the best indicator really is to watch them (and testing the ph), if they start heading for the surface and stay there you know its too much, i need to reach about 60+ppm for this to happen.

The other obvious thing is make sure you have sufficient KH somewhere above 3 is good, i have to buffer my water so i have to be careful here as i run the co2 24/7.

Theres no harm starting off slowly and dont worry if you dont reach 30ppm quickly this wont cause your tank to be enveloped in a massive cloud of algae or anything, just take it nice and easy, take all day if you have to, id say the first day i turned on my pressurised co2 i was checking the ph probably every hour, it will take a bit of fiddleing around initially to get it right, this is why i started mine at a weekend when i knew i would be there to watch the tank.

If in any doubt post questions here or run an airstone if you over do it, but i wouldnt panic the fish are hardier than you probably think...............best of luck with it, the co2 is a great piece of kit it takes a lot of the heartache out of planted tanks and makes it so much easier..........so i look forward to seeing the results.

 

[DaveW]

Well it's up and runnning.

I set it up yesterday after the water change. The deffuser told a good few hours to get going, but it all went well. I tested the water this morning and the co2 was just over 20ppm. I'll turn it up a bit tonight, give it another test and take it from there.

Thanks again zig.

 

[DaveW]

Just a quick update. Turned it up a bit, tested it this morning and it's between 30 & 35ppm.
I'm very happy now.
Just need to install the new lighting, but I'm just waiting for my ferts to arrive.