I have a 55gal planted aquarium I just started getting into planted aquariums so I’m really confused with this whole thing...I don’t know when to turn on and off my co2? I’m using a 20oz paintball tank as my co2 canister cause it was much cheaper than buying a giant co2 thing and within about a week or two I ran out of co2 so I’m pretty sure I was running it wayyyy to long it ran it 24/7 and I don’t think I’m supposed to go through that canister that quickly...so I don’t know how much co2 I need for my 55gal tank and how to inject it properly...any suggestions??
CO2 injection
- Thread starter WiiSports
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ZxC
Aquarium Advice Addict
I would have CO2 turn on 2 hours before the lights, and shut off when the lights shut off. This is always best done with a solenoid valve on a timer in sync with your lights on a timer.
Sorry to tell you, but 20oz of CO2 on a 55 gallon won't last you very long, a few weeks to a month max.
Ensure CO2 is dropping the pH of the tank water a full 1.0 – 1.2. To do this, measure the pH of tank water with no CO2 dissolved in it, and then measure again 2-3 hours after CO2 has been running. Ensure the drop in pH is a full 1.0-1.2. If the drop is not there yet, slowly up CO2 over a few weeks until at least a 1.0 drop is achieved, and watch fish / livestock carefully. Adjust CO2 down if you notice fish gasping at the surface and consider running an airstone at night when pushing a 1.2 or greater drop. For example, a tank water pH of 7.5 with no CO2 dissolved in it, should reach a pH of 6.5 – 6.3 for CO2 to really shine, and for maximum plant health.
Consistency in CO2 levels is key to plant health. Keep CO2 levels as stable as possible once a desirable level has been reached.
Sorry to tell you, but 20oz of CO2 on a 55 gallon won't last you very long, a few weeks to a month max.
Ensure CO2 is dropping the pH of the tank water a full 1.0 – 1.2. To do this, measure the pH of tank water with no CO2 dissolved in it, and then measure again 2-3 hours after CO2 has been running. Ensure the drop in pH is a full 1.0-1.2. If the drop is not there yet, slowly up CO2 over a few weeks until at least a 1.0 drop is achieved, and watch fish / livestock carefully. Adjust CO2 down if you notice fish gasping at the surface and consider running an airstone at night when pushing a 1.2 or greater drop. For example, a tank water pH of 7.5 with no CO2 dissolved in it, should reach a pH of 6.5 – 6.3 for CO2 to really shine, and for maximum plant health.
Consistency in CO2 levels is key to plant health. Keep CO2 levels as stable as possible once a desirable level has been reached.
