After a few weeks I’ve finally gotten my kH up to 4° in my 29g (started < 1) and can finally take my regulator, reactor etc out of their box (no controller*, at least yet).

I’m going to start with 1 bubble every 2 seconds and go from there, but I have a few other questions also.

1. In the beginning stages, when and how often should I measure my pH to most accurately determine where I’m at?
2. Should I let the CO2 run 24/7 or shut it off at night? If I should shut it off, when should I turn it on and off in relation to lights on, lights out?
3. What are the odds of Oxygen being an issue? Should I be running my sponge filter when lights are out?


Can’t wait to fire this baby up, thanks in advance for any help.

edit *: Initially had typed solenoid, I in fact do have a solenoid, it is a pH controller that I haven't purchased.

IMO 1 bubble per 2 seconds is a good start point. Check your PH at the start and end of the light cycle it should be lower at the start due to the influence of the CO2 injection. I run my CO2 24/7 but have a power filter moving the surface at night to oxygenate the water. If I don't do this the fish are at the surface distressed. Most purists would advise that CO2 is stopped at night.

A compromise that I am about to try is the Barr reactor. This makes sense as in theory it vents CO2 without mixing significantly with the water.

I would leave all filtration active and have a constant surface movement without too much turbulance. KH 3 is the theoretical low point to avoid PH crash, in your case I would still increase the KH to 5 or 6 to give some latitude.

Check your KH and PH to work out the CO2 levels and adjust slowly to increase or decrease the levels. Above all watch the reactions of your fish, dead fish are not good for plants.

Ian

They are if you bury them deep enough in the substrate When I was a
young lad I'd bring home the suckerfish I'd catch with the black crappie and
bury them in my mom's rose garden...outstanding blooms

Bill