Questions about pressurized co2 system

Just got a pressurized Co2 system but sure if im doing anything correctly.

I plugged everything in and have all the tubing in. But I have some questions/concerns:

Do I need to have the knob for the co2 tank on?

Also theres a leak where the tubing connects to the diffuser, how do I fix that?

Also how do I keep the co2 steady?

Lastly can I just plug the solenoid thing into a plugged timer so it turns on by itself?

Heres a pic of the leak:

 

1. Yes the knob on the tank itself needs to be completely open (after you put the reg on)

2. if it’s a leak, push the tubing down further (can soften with warm water) not much to do at a connection like that. Also it may j be bubbles building up there, not a big concern if their aren’t bubbles absolutely spewing out from the connection

3. CO2 should be steady with a good regulator which keeps a regular flow

4. yes, I have mine turn on two hours before the lights and turn off two hours before (to build concentration for when the lights turn on)

Also, get a drop checker if you don’t have one already, it will probably take you a bit to find the right bubble rate

 

1. Yes the knob on the tank itself needs to be completely open (after you put the reg on)

2. if it’s a leak, push the tubing down further (can soften with warm water) not much to do at a connection like that. Also it may j be bubbles building up there, not a big concern if their aren’t bubbles absolutely spewing out from the connection

3. CO2 should be steady with a good regulator which keeps a regular flow

4. yes, I have mine turn on two hours before the lights and turn off two hours before (to build concentration for when the lights turn on)

Also, get a drop checker if you don’t have one already, it will probably take you a bit to find the right bubble rate

Thank you so much for the quick reply!

1. I just turned it on, can I leave it on even when the solenoid is off?

2. Ill try that, hopefully it will stop. Or maybe like you said its only a build up of bubbles.

3. How can I know if its steady? I have a drop checker in there but its still blue since I just turned it on. I need to get a timer so that it can turn on before. Ive heard people turning it on 1 hour in advance, would you say that ding it 2 hours is better?

If the drop checker turns yellow, do I just lower the bubble count?

 

1. Yes, leave it open all the time, the solenoid will handle turning on and off

3. You can check w pH but I tend to look for like green at lights on and forget about it, typically does fine for me because plants will be constantly up taking it, using it as it enters the water
I started w 1 hour, on my own I found that 2 works better for getting a good concentration (green aqua on yt agrees too)

and yes, reduce the bubble rate if you’re hitting yellow (or more importantly, gasping fish)

 

1. Yes, leave it open all the time, the solenoid will handle turning on and off

3. You can check w pH but I tend to look for like green at lights on and forget about it, typically does fine for me because plants will be constantly up taking it, using it as it enters the water
I started w 1 hour, on my own I found that 2 works better for getting a good concentration (green aqua on yt agrees too)

and yes, reduce the bubble rate if you’re hitting yellow (or more importantly, gasping fish)

Thanks! I just ordered a timer in and its coming in tomorrow. Ill have the solenoid on a timer and in the meantime Ill be on the lookout for the green indication and any fish gasping so that its the right amount. Again thank you so much!

 

1. Yes, leave it open all the time, the solenoid will handle turning on and off

3. You can check w pH but I tend to look for like green at lights on and forget about it, typically does fine for me because plants will be constantly up taking it, using it as it enters the water
I started w 1 hour, on my own I found that 2 works better for getting a good concentration (green aqua on yt agrees too)

and yes, reduce the bubble rate if you’re hitting yellow (or more importantly, gasping fish)

One more question, what psi should I have the co2 on? I can adjust it but I have it rn under 30.

 

If your diffusers working fine you can keep it there, I run mine at like 40 bc the diffuser needs a bit more pressure

Some in tank diffusers need more than others, reactors typically require less psi

 

If your diffusers working fine you can keep it there, I run mine at like 40 bc the diffuser needs a bit more pressure

Some in tank diffusers need more than others, reactors typically require less psi

Ah okay, thanks! So far it seems to do good just under 30.