CO2 Balancing

[fjf888]

I recently switched my CO2 diffusion from a CO2 reactor to running it through a RIO 800 powerhead with venturi attachment. I did this b/c it addressed a couple issues, misting and added flow.

The results with plant growth were tremendous, but I was still battling small cases of BBA and GDA. I figured with regular EI dosing the issue was CO2 so I gradually bumped up the CO2 daily. The algae improved somewhat, but I had my CO2 revved up so fast that it ran out very quickly.

So I did the following.

1. My lighting is a Current Nova Extreme T5 HO 4x55. I had the 4x55 on for 3 hrs and the 2x55 on for 9 for total of 12 hours. I cut it down to 2x55 to 11 hrs. It is raised about 5-6 inches above the tank. Tank is open air.

2. I minimized the surface chop and directed the flow to both sides of the tank with the dual loc line. (Tank is a predrilled reef tank 72g with sump).

3. I halfheartedly covered the sump with black plastic

I succeeded in gassing a couple fish and causing the rest of the inhabitants serious stress once the CO2 tank ran low, likely thanks to the clippard needle valve (plan to replace that). CO2 ran out in 3 weeks. Before tweaking the CO2, I was up to 2 months with a 5lb tank, which I could live with. I also confirmed there were no leaks in the line, I'm also using Tygon from ACE Hardware.

I'm sort of out of ideas at this point, maybe reduce the photoperiod a bit more.

[dutchy]

Misting causes more use of CO2. And I mean A LOT. In my case, it was so much, that I switched back to normal external reactor operation, while continuing extra flow. I've seen good results with enhanced flow without misting.

BBA will take time to beat, it's more about getting new growth that stays algae free. GDA is hardly a CO2 issue IMO, let it live out it's lifecycle for 3 weeks, not cleaning the windows, seems to help. I tried this, but for me it didn't work. It's still there

regards,
dutchy

[Gerryd]

Fred,

Using a mazzei on my 180, I use a 10lb every 4-5 weeks.

I don't think I have a leak either.........

[dutchy]

I use 4 lb in 6 weeks with external AM1000 reactors on my 180....big difference. Although I'm not sure which of the two is better in the perspective of plant growth....

regards,
dutchy

[Tom Barr]

I get 3-4 months from 10lbs on a 180- Gal tank using Needle wheel.

Regards,
Tom Barr

[Gerryd]

Hijack in progress...

Dutchy, please read your blog comments on your 180. I had a question or two...

Back to topic.

Well, I like the mist effect myself, but cannot compare the two. I used to use only one AM1000 on my 180 and powered it differently as well.

I keep a 5lb as a spare and just keep refilling and swapping them out.............

[Tom Barr]

Less light will "cure" both BBA and GDA, if you can point the light away from the front glass, this also helps. Shorter times, and/or less intensity.

Wait a few weeks, let the plants grow in better/well, really get growing good, then try adding the light back up again, tweak the CO2 etc.

Regards,
Tom Barr

[Biollante]

Hi Fred, All,

The simplest reactors will always be more efficient from a CO2 gas usage point of view.

The plants themselves do not care how the CO2 goes into solution.

Biollante

[Gerryd]

Bio,

I think Tom has theorized that the mist may in fact be better assimilated by the plants, and is thus the reason for misting in the first place?

Would not misting vs reactor be a difference in entering solution? If so, and mist is 'better' (not proven), than the plants DO care..

Does that make sense?

Please forgive my questions, just want to ensure I understand....

[boink]

Here is another point of view for you guys, going from mazzei to reactor:

I have a 60 gallon (ADA 120P) running with originally, the following:

216 watts of t5ho (8 hrs 2 banks, 4 hrs 2 banks)
CO2 with a mazzei pumped by a 2028, with the bps reallly low (.5-1bps), a 10 lb tank lasts about 4-5 months and tiny mist coming out.
Autodosing every night
Drop checker was green

I had all algae in check except for GSA

I switched to a 24" tall 2" wide reactor, with the bubble count pretty high now--3-4 bps with a light green-green drop checker. The Co2 is 100% dissolved--no bubbles coming out the outtake.
I have bba showing up now, and thinking I may go back to a mazzei.

The only reason i switched was to increase the flow and cut back on the back pressure. I am thinking I will go back to mazzei.