Is a pH controller a good way to control co2 or no

[Mijo51380]

I just wanted to see what you think about a pH controller to control co2 is this good or bad? Would I be better off to just run the co2 without the controller. It just seem I have to drop the pH a lot to get my levels where they need to be? The pH in the tank is set at 6.5 the tap water is 7.5 if I both sit out over night there both at 8.4

 

[Jkeating8]

I think Ph controllers are an unnecessary expense, but some prefer them. I just use a solenoid and a timer to regulate co2 during my photo period. Works very well.

 

[Mijo51380]

Is it bad to change the pH that much when doing water changes. And wouldn't it do the same thing if I didn't use the controller

 

[aqua_chem]

I'm not clear on your measurements. You're saying your tank's pH is 8.4 if you're not using CO2, but 6.5 with CO2? That seems like a very large drop to me. Do you know what your KH is? It sounds like you're putting a LOT of CO2 into the tank to get that kind of shift. The pH shift itself isn't that big of a deal, but if you have too much CO2, it can certainly cause problems.

 

[Mijo51380]

The pH in the tank is 6.5 the tap water is 7.5 and if I take a glass of both and let it sit over night it reads at 8.4 I I do use a drop checker and it shows light green to yellow. And I forget the numbers for kh and gh but I know I have very hard water

 

[Mijo51380]

Ok my gh is 12 and kh is 10 this is from the tank

 

[aqua_chem]

You're probably running 50-70 ppm of CO2 with those numbers. Is there a particular reason you're running that high? Are you seeing the results you want? Any fish side effects?


Also, was your original question answered to your satisfaction?

 

[Mijo51380]

So I gave it a few days the plants are growing better and the fish are fine