Co2 and air stone running at same time?

Should I have my air stone running at the same time as my co2 diffuser? I’m having problems with sustaining a proper amount of co2 in the water and I think it’s because of the air stone and surface agitation are causing a gas exchange.

 

You can have them on at the same time. Even with co2 u will need surface agitation. If your filter is doing the job well you are fine without the airstone but it should not make things worse.
Do you have water circulation for the co2 to spread around? Maybe you need wider bubbler for it?

 

Here's a video I often recommend on the subject (it should help answer your questions):

 

You can have them on at the same time. Even with co2 u will need surface agitation. If your filter is doing the job well you are fine without the airstone but it should not make things worse.
Do you have water circulation for the co2 to spread around? Maybe you need wider bubbler for it?

The co2 diffuser is below the outflow of water from my filter in hopes of keeping co2 in the water for as long as possible, the problem is even after a few days my co2 reader is still blue (not enough)

 

The co2 diffuser is below the outflow of water from my filter in hopes of keeping co2 in the water for as long as possible, the problem is even after a few days my co2 reader is still blue (not enough)

What is your KH? Ph of water before co2?

 

KH was 8 I believe last time I checked, PH is 7.8

 

CO2 Chart

 

CO2 Chart

So what's the best way to find a balance? my ph is too high

 

I believe you need to inject more co2 but I am not very well experienced on the topic. Hopefully someone else is able to help you. The chart I forgot to say is to see your current level of co2
Maybe write about what kind of co2 system you have? Might it be leaking?

 

I believe you need to inject more co2 but I am not very well experienced on the topic. Hopefully someone else is able to help you. The chart I forgot to say is to see your current level of co2
Maybe write about what kind of co2 system you have? Might it be leaking?

I'm going to put more in and see if it has any effect over the next few days, I have a 5lb bottle with a check valve, bubble counter and diffuser. I was also thinking of running it for longer since I run it for only 8 hours during the day. Anyway thanks for your help!

 

Should I have my air stone running at the same time as my co2 diffuser? I’m having problems with sustaining a proper amount of co2 in the water and I think it’s because of the air stone and surface agitation are causing a gas exchange.

I would not. Oxygen bubbles defeat the purpose of injecting CO2. I use a circulation pump placed low in the tank and angle it slightly upwards so that I have "slight" ripples on the surface: just enough to break the surface film. You can run O2 at night if you want. Maybe use a timer.

I'm going to put more in and see if it has any effect over the next few days, I have a 5lb bottle with a check valve, bubble counter and diffuser. I was also thinking of running it for longer since I run it for only 8 hours during the day. Anyway thanks for your help!

Make sure that you do not go too much above 30 ppm. If your CO2 solenoid is plugged into a pH controller, set the pH at 7.0. If you are using a drop checker, keep a constant check on your pH until you can calibrate at the optimum level of 7.0-7.3. I would calibrate in increments. shoot for say 7.4. once that is achieved, then increase the bubble count to get to 7.2. Just don't gas too much too fast. be patient or you may "gas" your fish.

CO2/pH/KH table

 

I guess I should clarify a bit. A lot of CO2 users refer to 6.8-7.0 pH as the sweet spot for CO2 injection with the spot checker turning "green". These pH readings are obtained using 4 dkh solution like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MY87WVP/ref=twister_B08X7GTPVZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
If you look at the CO2 chart for 4KH and follow over to the green area, you will see that a pH window of 6.7-7.0 is green. So, it is better to have 4dkh solution in your drop checker.

If you DO NOT have 4dkh solution and taking pH readings with a test kit using aquarium water, since your KH is 8, look at 8 KH on the chart: your "optimum" CO2 level is 7.0-7.3.

 

- use a CO2 reactor
- inject earlier, let's say, at least an hour before sunrise
- don't use an airstone during the day

If you like to have crystal clear water surface, use an airstone during the night.

Good luck

 

I guess I should clarify a bit. A lot of CO2 users refer to 6.8-7.0 pH as the sweet spot for CO2 injection with the spot checker turning "green". These pH readings are obtained using 4 dkh solution like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MY87WVP/ref=twister_B08X7GTPVZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
If you look at the CO2 chart for 4KH and follow over to the green area, you will see that a pH window of 6.7-7.0 is green. So, it is better to have 4dkh solution in your drop checker.

If you DO NOT have 4dkh solution and taking pH readings with a test kit using aquarium water, since your KH is 8, look at 8 KH on the chart: your "optimum" CO2 level is 7.0-7.3.

Thanks for the help, I was thinking of adding more co2 because it should lower the ph, I am going to slowly add more over the next couple days to see if I can get it to the right amount

- use a CO2 reactor
- inject earlier, let's say, at least an hour before sunrise
- don't use an airstone during the day

If you like to have crystal clear water surface, use an airstone during the night.

Good luck

Thank you! I will do that

 

You may want to think about fertilizers and fertilization methods. Here is a Nutrient Dosing Calculator that you can use for different methods:

Planted Tank Nutrient Dosing Calculator

I use PPS because it is a lower daily dose, but very effective with CO2. PPS gives the plants just enough nutrients per day. I tried EI dosing before and it is very effective, but I grew tired of 50% partial water changes every week. You can play around with the calculator to determine how much fertilizer to use for your tank.