Dialing in Co2 recommendations.

[Sb1415]

Thanks to @Naturescapes_Rocco and @Dennis Wong for their reports on Co2 profile, I have been following my Co2 concentrations closely to see if that might be the cause of lingering algae.

Tank size - 24 gallon. In line diffuser.

This is my current schedule
Co2 on at 4am
Lights on at 8 am
Co2 off at 3 pm
Light off at 4 pm

My Hanna co2 checker
8 and 10 am - 30 ppm
3 pm - 40 ppm
5 pm - 30 ppm

Pearling starting around 11 am

I am planning to change the Co2 to come on at 2 am.

Questions

• Is it usual to need 6 hours to reach Co2 target of 40 ppm in a 24 gallon tank ? Just seems a long time
• Is there a need to stop co2 1-2 hrs prior to lights turning off ?
• How long after lights coming on does one expect pearling ?

Thanks

 

[techman81]

Or you could just bump up your bubble count a little to hit the 40ppm earlier. Just do some more testing to make sure you don't peak higher than that or wherever you want to be. 45ppm probably wouldn't hurt but keep an eye on the fish to make sure they're not bothered by it.

Also, is 8 hours of light really necessary? I don't run mine more than 7.

 

[Noahspapa]

I am going through some of the same challenges. Question - when using the Hanna test kit, at what degree of pink do you call it done. The slightest hint of pink?

 

[Naturescapes_Rocco]

That's excellent! You should be super happy with that. I think you're ple

I am going through some of the same challenges. Question - when using the Hanna test kit, at what degree of pink do you call it done. The slightest hint of pink?

Correct. Faint pink is the proper amount for any titration-- if you go until deep pink, it's too much.
The solution should turn slight pink and stay there for 20-30 seconds or more. If it's faint pink after 20 seconds, that's your number!