Can I? Should I? Co2

[Monkey Magic]

Hey guys recently got my co2 unit it came with a reactor im just wondering if i can have both oxygen and co2 running through it?? Is this a good idea or will bad things happen

 

[Austin.b]

I'm still new fairly new to CO2, but if you have a bubbler going and CO2, the oxygen will outgas te co2, causing low co2 levels. When I was a beginner and thought it was as simple as turning it on and letting it do it's thing, it was too little amount of co2 for the plants. So I had this black hair algea outbreak all over my tank. I'm still trying to get it out of my tank 2 months later. So IMO, don't do both at the same time. Hopefully someone more experienced will chime in

 

[Monkey Magic]

So i shouldnt be aerating and co2 at the same time?? Im brand new at this so anything youve learned and are willing to share im all ears

 

[Gillie]

No do not aerate while injecting co2. you want just enough surface movement to oxygenate the water without gassing out the co2, I use a spraybar placed a half inch under the surface so I have minimal disturbance on the surface. Did you get an indicator?

 

[Monkey Magic]

Yes i did so i should cut the air pum out altogether and just use the spray bar right now its yellow which means their too much co2

 

[Gillie]

Cut the air and tweek the co2 until it turns green.