More plants, and Co2...Definitely More Plants and Co2 !

My crap test kit says I'm up around 20 ppm for co2 based on the kh, ph (ph dropped .8 from the tap). But I do have another hagen bubble ladder on the way with another diy co2 ready to go when that gets here so I'll have double the co2, and more consistent co2 then. I have another jungle val and dwarf sag I could put in the tank but I don't want to disturb the growing algae and restart the cycle! So again... should I let it go through its cycle or just clean it and do a water change (its been a week and a half) and plant a couple more plants (even though I don't really have space now...)

The hagen bubble ladders are neat to watch, but rather ineffective,

If you use DIY, try the DIY reactor I have outlined, it does 10X what the ladder will do.

Regards,
Tom Barr

Not to disagree with you or anything but I think the hagen ladders do quite a bit in terms of disolving the co2 in the water... (i know you are arguing micro bubbles do more...) a bubble comes out with approximately a radius of .2cm then when its all done radius of .05cm that math gives me a little over 98% diffused into the water... with good circulation i think this would be a very affective way to get co2 into the water... most people say that 1 2 liter is enough to do a tank ~25 gallons as far as co2, and with two of those even if my bubble ladders suck, I think its safe to say I'll have enough co2

here is another picture

A Co2 ladder is co-current. (There is no positive pressure) Tom's little DIY Reactor is counter current. (This forces a greater "positive"ambient pressure within the vessel) multiplying contact time, and Greater Co2 saturation exponentially. While the design itself is quite efficient, it also supplys what is IMHO a neccessary edge to Yeast Reactor systems. Remember...you have relatively little expansive energy compared to tanked Co2, and this does actually make a difference in saturation in a liquid environment ! Savvy ???

Just a heads up. You can also get an edge on organic sytems by using a nutrient rich substrate like ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia, Seachem Flourite or Onyx. With a yeast reactor, and 2.5W lighting I'd go for the ADA/ASA

Mi Dos Centavos, Prof M

Tell you what, I'll outright bet 20$ that the DIY reactor will kick these things butt.
Wanna take me up on it?

I'll pay pal you if you honestly believe after using the DIY reactor for 2 weeks with the same DIY source etc.

You pay me 20$ if I'm right, I'll pay you 20$ if I'm wrong.

Also, I say you can drive any 25 gallon tank at a max level with one 2 liter Brew(changed weekly) if the room is relatively warm(75F etc or higher) and 1/2 teaspoon Yeast + 1 cup sugar.

You use 2 such 2 liter and the 2 ladders now.

It's not so much about dissolving alone, it is about distribution as well.
This is especially true with larger systems.

Now why would I do this bet?
I'm not much of gambler, but I know if you try it, you'll be a lot more successful, with DIY.

I did DIY for over 10 years on tanks from 10 to 90 gallons.
All the CO2 reactors I made where a reflection of trying to get the most out of the DIY method.

Applying that to the CO2 gas tanks made things very easy.
Try the DIY reactor, it's cheap and easy to make.

What do you have to lose there?
I can explain why and all, but the best evidence is actually trying it and seeing it.

Regards,
Tom Barr