chipster55

Hi All-

I would like to know if anyone is using a C02 system with a pH regulator. Is this a good or bad way to control ph in a planted tank..I just started with planted tanks and would like opinions both pro and con..Thanks so much

Fish Addict

From what I know:
PROS: Keeps pH at the right acidity & Helps plants
CONS: Co2 Can be Expensive/Hard to maintain. Co2 is pretty advanced for a first time planted tank... There are chemicals that you can use that may be cheaper..

pepetj

I use DIY CO2 in planted tanks.

I see no need to use pH regulator to shut-off the CO2 injection UNLESS you have extremely soft water (e.g. below 2dKH).

The most frequent problem I have read about pH regulators is that the pH probe needs regular maintenance, including frequent calibration.

There are three main methods to add CO2 to planted tanks:
1) DIY CO2 generators & reactors
2) Pressurized
3) Adding Exel

The pros and cons of each should be weighted based on your particular needs and settings. Most of us begin with DIY and eventually upgrade to pressurized.

I use a DIY CO2 drop checker (monitor) to avoid CO2 saturation -which will kill fishes- or depletion.

What are your GH and KH? What fish are you keeping or planning to keep in your planted tank?

Pepe
Santo Domingo

soldieroffortune1974

I too use a DIY CO2 in all my planted aquariums.Total cost is about $2/week. It's really not that difficult,as long as you keep it steady.As pepetj stated,too much CO2 and it will kill the inhabitants.

Planted aquariums ph regularly swings up or down by as much as 3-4 points by day and night. The amount of oxygen diffused in the water changes the ph significantly. During the day,plants give off oxygen and absorb CO2,at night,the plants give off CO2 and absorb oxygen. The balance between day and night,plus the amount of CO2 you add,will have a significant impact on the ph overall.

I do not have a regulator,but I do have a monitor. The pros and cons,are based on what you can personally guarantee.i.e) diligence in monitoring the CO2 system )ability to control system )level of knowledge to know how much is too much )ability to learn when to use it and when not to.

If you have a few plants in a 55 gallon aquarium,there's no need for CO2 infusion. If you can barely see the inside (like me) with every plant you can imagine,then CO2 is a must.

It shuts off the CO2 1 hour before lights go out,and turn it on 1 hour after the lights come on. That way,I don't have to worry about saturation being too high,and the plants have a steady supply,while they are producing oxygen for the inhabitants.

Here's an excellent link on a DIY CO2 reactor,simple,cheap,effective (same 1 I use):

DIY CO2 setup

chipster55

Hi Thanks for your insight (and link)..My main goals are 1. To have a planted Discus tank and 2. Eventually breed them. This is why I am taking my time and trying to gather all info I can. ..My tank is heavily planted at this time and I have about 15 neons and 5 sterbais and 2 bristlenose at this moment..i want to make sure I understand the aquascaping and water conditioning (steady ph) prior to purchasing the Discus.. Eventuallly I will be converting my 75 gallon to same thing.i have been doing alot of forum reading on this subject and there always seems to be something new..I hope to order Discus in a month or two once I understand all this..I did purchase a Choice C02 system from Green Leaf Aquarium (great people) and the oracle drop checker. I still could use any advice anyone would like to give me..