CO2 Equipment

[Fishkeeper26]

So I've had a 20g long planted for about two years now, and a lot of plants have recently died. So I figure it would be a good time to look into CO2, however I know absolutely nothing about it! Can anyone help guide me? thanks

 

[mfdrookie516]

Here are several threads that I, as well as several others, have explained how to set up/use co2:

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/co2-question-155336.html
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/another-co2-149416.html
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/co2-148857.html
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f15/best-co2-units-144043.html
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/how-to-set-up-a-co2-system-137982.html

If you have specific questions after reading those, then fire away

 

[Fishkeeper26]

What's system would you recommend for a 20g long?

 

[mfdrookie516]

The same goes for a 20 as it does for a 200 in terms of the regulator and everything. The only difference would be the amount of co2 being used (and possibly the diffuser). I only recommend that MA957, since it's a good unit and the only one I have experience with.

 

[Fishkeeper26]

Thanks!!! So I would need the regulator, a diffuser, and a drop checker (as the necessaries)?
I read about the pH controller, is that needed?
Also does the system have to run on a timer, or does it run constantly (which is better)?

 

[mfdrookie516]

you need the cylinder, regulator, solenoid, needle valve, bubble counter, a diffuser of some sort, and a drop checker. you don't need a ph controller. you want the solenoid on a timer, about 30 minutes to an hour off from the lights, coming on and going off before them

 

[Fishkeeper26]

What's the solenoid and needle valve?
How do you know how much CO2 to put in?

 

[mfdrookie516]

Did you read the first link I posted? That explains the whole process.

 

[Fishkeeper26]

Yes, so the solenoid helps adjust the pH?
I still don't understand what the needle valve does?
And other than the color the drop checker gives you is there any other way to tell how much?

 

[fort384]

A solenoid electrically turns the flow of CO2 on and off.

A needlevalve is a very sensitive low pressure valve that allows you to very precisely control the flow of CO2.

You can measure CO2 using a pH measurement, and a KH measurement, and then applying this formula:

CO2 = 3 * KH * 10^(7-pH)

 

[Fishkeeper26]

Thanks, how do I determine the KH or the formula?

 

[fort384]

You need a KH test kit. KH is in degrees in that formula by the way... which is how most test kits will measure it anyways.

 

[Fishkeeper26]

Thanks!!!!