???? about CO2 in planted tank

**Lady Hobbs** · 02-27-2007, 12:35 AM

I have ordered bubble counters and will set up a few of those DIY yeast/sugar/water concoctions for CO2.

My concern is pH dropping during the nightime. I read CO2 should be off when the lights are? I was wondering if I could add an inline shut-off (like on air pumps) and just turn CO2 off this way or do you think with it being under pressure, this would not work? I'd hate for the line to pop apart and this thing bubbling on my floor all night.

What is the normal setting for a planted tank? I think I heard 2-3 bubbles per minute?

Any other idea's as to how to shut this bubbler off at night without unhooking it every day or is none of that really necessary?

Thanks

**Chrona** · 02-27-2007, 12:54 AM

My plan is just to use an airstone and take it out when I shut the lights off. The bubble counters will probably dissolve more CO2 than the airstone but I only have a 10g tank so meh...

As for the bubble rate, what size tank do you have?

**jweintraub** · 02-27-2007, 03:29 AM

Trying to stop the bubbles from comming out during the night will definately create some serious pressure in a DIY setup. I think the only way would be to get the expensive tank setup where you could actually turn off the C02 tank itself. Mine runs 24/7 and I have no PH issues.

**Chrona** · 02-27-2007, 03:30 AM

Originally Posted by jweintraub

Trying to stop the bubbles from comming out during the night will definately create some serious pressure in a DIY setup. I think the only way would be to get the expensive tank setup where you could actually turn off the C02 tank itself. Mine runs 24/7 and I have no PH issues.

Well, with an airstone, you could just take the airstone out of the tank :) Otherwise, capping a bottle with an active yeast ingredient is a ticking bomb....literally, hehe.

**cocoa_pleco** · 02-27-2007, 04:23 AM

bombs away! lol

**sushant** · 02-27-2007, 08:56 AM

chrona's idea sounds better

**Lady Hobbs** · 02-27-2007, 11:32 AM

I will try to just let it run and see what happens and hope no pH drops. These bubble counters are not designed for larger tanks anyway ( 20 gallons is all) and I plan to use two of them in my 55 gallon.

I don't want to use a bubble wand as I bury them in gravel at the back of the tank which would be a hassle messing with twice a day. And, wouldn't the wand continue to use the CO2 even without it being in the tank?

I have the pressurized CO2 system somewhere on my long list of stuff I gotta have but it's somewhere near the bottom of the list with more tanks, substrate, fish, stands, etc, all nearer to the top. LOL Investing in 3 of them is something that will be on the list for some time I'm afraid.

**sergo** · 02-27-2007, 01:23 PM

you could use a gate valve and close the tank side at night and open the other valve to just dump out into the air. it doesn't get any easier than that. you can also use the valve to adjust the bubble rate. that's what i use to control my bubble wand and dual air stones. it's works like a champ!

**Chrona** · 02-27-2007, 01:45 PM

You could just hang two airstones over the side and pull them out at night....Theres really no need to bury them in gravel or anything

**Lady Hobbs** · 02-27-2007, 02:09 PM

I am female. I don't know what a gate valve is!

Chrona, Have you checked your pH leaving it in the tank running from the airstone?
If bubble wands dissipate co2, why couldn't you just leave it go as is?