Tips for a CO2 beginner?

HI all! So, I have a heavily planted 10 gallon with a string/BBA algae problem. So, because I need consistent CO2 levels and Christmas is right around the corner, I figured i’d Get a CO2 Kit for Christmas.

Here is what I’m getting:
-a DIY CO2 Kit (amazing reviews, very very simple to set up. I researched it a ton)
-a bubble counter with a check valve built in
-a drop checker
-CO2 tubing
-diffuser
-citric acid and baking soda as the solution (I can’t remember the actual name of what the stuff you use to make the reaction but I think solution is close)

I also am going to be getting a finne x (my phone won’t let me add the x for some reason but y’all know what I’m talking about) planted+ 24/7 light that is very very adjustable (I can even dI'm it to my likings and program it and stuff).

Anywho, how should I go about introducing CO2 to my relatively low tech tank? Will the addition of the CO2 change any of my parameters and should I do it slowly?

I have already read the basics like removing the magnet to cut off the reaction an hour before lights out, turning it back on an hour before lights on

 

Here’s the tank as of this morning. You can’t really see too much algae because I scrubbed and deep cleaned everything yesterday. Also, my only filter is a sponge filter, with that affect anything at all?





My current light is beamswork DA FSPEC which from what I have heard is not the best. I also can’t program it or use a remote to control it so I really want to see the difference between this and the finnex.

 

Measure your KH - it should remain the same day to day - note it down. Measure your PH then add one bubble per second CO2 - wait a few hours. Measure your PH again. Gradually increase your CO2 which will drop your PH until you have 30ppm CO2 and done! Don't worry if your PH changes rapidly - it will do each day as you re-introduce CO2.

 

Once you're at the right level, note the colour of your drop checker for reference. This is what your aiming for while the lights are on.

 

In easier terms, a full 1.0 drop in pH = roughly 30ppm CO2.

The kH chart is a ballpark at best guess. It assumes only carbonates and Carboxylic acid is affecting pH... many other factors at play in our planted tanks.

a pH drop of 1.0 is a very good place to start.

 

Ok I'm going to be adding a diy co2 different way. But will a 1.0 drop in ph hurt the fish or is it gradual over the course of treatment?

Also beautiful tank sunflower!

 

Ok I'm going to be adding a diy co2 different way. But will a 1.0 drop in ph hurt the fish or is it gradual over the course of treatment?

Also beautiful tank sunflower!

No, the drop in pH is when dissolved CO2 forms carboxylic acid (a weak acid) thus lowering the pH. There is no issues towards fish because there is no mineral swings / tds swings during this type of pH swing. You can go higher... some running 1.3 or 1.4 drop but that is walking a fine line.

I was most comfortable running 1.2 or 1.3 drop in pH from using CO2. Control of solenoids and lights are important to ensure safety when running CO2 at a higher, optimal rate.

 

Awesome thanks op for asking the questions. Although my method is a slow dissolve with not solenoids. But the ph was definitely something I wondered about

 

Thank you everyone! My pH right now is 6.6, will it be okay for my pH to lower to 5.6? I have shrimp in there and worry about their molts Should I get a buffering substrate?

 

Oh also, which GH and KH test kit do y'all recommend? I've heard API's isn't as great as their regular test kits (which I use)

 

Also, will the fact that my only filtration is a DIY sponge filter affect anything CO2 wise because it uses an air pump constantly?

 

Also, will the fact that my only filtration is a DIY sponge filter affect anything CO2 wise because it uses an air pump constantly?

You would have to pump insane amounts of CO2 into the water to off-set the airstone off-gassing CO2. I don't know of a single tank running CO2 with a sponge filter...

 

Can you put your airpump on a timer without affecting filtration?? If so run it for a few hours at night when the CO2 is stopped anyway to help bump up oxygen when the lights are off. This works for us. During the lighting cycle, you'll get some oxygen in the water from the plants anyway.

 

ah - I just checked out air-driven sponge filter :/

 

Maybe I could turn it into a walstad? I did some digging on my own and found that CO2 works with walstads, but I’ll just have to replace the soil every couple years (CO2 increases allelochemicals) which I don’t mind. Or I could just turn down my air pump very low? Would that cause issues with gas exchange/would that make CO2 levels skyrocket easily, even with it set to a very small amount?

 

I think if I turn my air pump down really low (I have a valve that can do this) it might work... I think I’ll try it and mess around with it and see how it works.

 

Oh wait DUH!! I still have my old internal filter! I’ll rig it up today with all the media from the DIY filter and we will see how that goes