How long does Co2 take to lower pH

[FishN00b83]

I just turned on my Co2 system for the first time today. I have 10psi going to 1bps right now. My goal pH is 6.2, and I'm currently at 6.6. I am only trying to lower it .4 because my kH is only 1*, so looking at the chart on aquariumplants.com it says my ideal pH is 6.2. How long should it take the Co2 to lower my pH? It's been running for 10-15 mins, and I tested the water with the API Master Kit pH test, and it hasn't dropped yet.

 

[FishN00b83]

After playing with it for a while, 3bps looks like what I need to get my pH to drop .4 (@ ~12psi). That seems like a lot to me, but after reading a lot of articles and other peoples threads, every system is different apparently. I checked the whole system for leaks, I couldnt find one, so I know it's not escaping any where. I'm going to let it run for the rest of the photo period and see what happens. If everything is still ok, I guess I'm all set. My GBRs get here tomorrow I think, so I got everything done just in time!

 

[aqua_chem]

I highly recommend getting a drop checker. The kH/CO2 method is nice, but it would suck to gas your fish needlessly. They're under $20, so money's not a huge issue.

 

[FishN00b83]

Ive went to 4 LFS in my area, and none of them had one. They all looked at me like I had 10 heads when I asked.

plus, isnt the drop checker delayed a lot?

 

[jetajockey]

The drop checker is essential IMO. Once you get the system set you shouldn't have to mess with it much, so the delay isn't really a big deal. They sell them on ebay for a few bucks, just make sure you get 4dkh solution for it also otherwise you are just using a fancy pH test.

 

[aqua_chem]

You'll most likely have to order it online. Mine was $10 off ebay.

I think that a time delay is trivial in the long run. It's like, what, 2 hrs? Not a huge issue. You'll want to accurately know your CO2 levels if you're running pressurized CO2. Honestly, I would rather confidently know that my fish are safe and not getting gassed.

I once heard someone say "Patience is the secret to growing plants. Impatience is the secret to growing algae". I'm going to spend a weekend dialing in my CO2 to the right levels before I even put plants in my new tank, much less fish.

 

[aqua_chem]

They sell them on ebay for a few bucks, just make sure you get 4dkh solution for it also otherwise you are just using a fancy pH test.

You can make the 4dkh solution if you have an electronic balance. Cheap ones are <$10.

 

[FishN00b83]

The drop checker is essential IMO. Once you get the system set you shouldn't have to mess with it much, so the delay isn't really a big deal. They sell them on ebay for a few bucks, just make sure you get 4dkh solution for it also otherwise you are just using a fancy pH test.

I cant seem to find one with a drop checker and the solution. I'd buy it right now.

 

[aqua_chem]

The solution is really just 4dkh solution and normal low range pH drops, which all aquarist should have. There is a guy selling just that solution for $7.50 shipped, or you can make it yourself. All you really need is the glass doohickey.

 

[FishN00b83]

How do I know how much 4dkH solution and pH solution to put in?

 

[mfdrookie516]

Here's what I got... just add one drop checker, a few drops of the 4dkh solution, and a few drops of your pH test solution.

Aquarium Glass Drop Checker x3 for Co2 Monitor Tester | eBay - It's nice to have some extras... and it's free shipping. Adds up to $3.33 each.

4 dKH Reference Solution For Co2 Drop Checker pH | eBay

That's $15 and enough solution to last years

 

[aqua_chem]

How do I know how much 4dkH solution and pH solution to put in?

Google. Anything along the lines of "DIY Drop Checker" or "DIY Drop Checker Solution" will get what you want.

 

[FishN00b83]

Here's what I got... just add one drop checker, a few drops of the 4dkh solution, and a few drops of your pH test solution.

Aquarium Glass Drop Checker x3 for Co2 Monitor Tester | eBay - It's nice to have some extras... and it's free shipping. Adds up to $3.33 each.

4 dKH Reference Solution For Co2 Drop Checker pH | eBay

That's $15 and enough solution to last years

Thanks! I ordered the 4dkh off ebay just now. The drop checker I saw the shipping would take close to a month! I just went on greenleaf and got one off the website. It cost more, but I'm not waiting a month, so whatever lol.

 

[FishN00b83]

Hey, I got my CAL Oracle today and put it in. It actually came with a little bottle of solution too, so I guess the one I got off eBay can be extra. I guess I'll see how this works tomorrow. Should I start with like .5bps and work my way up until the bulb turns green?

Thanks for all the help!

 

[ldaniel]

0.360g of Sodium Bicarbonate in 1 gallon of water should = ~ 4Dkh. I had to look all over the net to find out those numbers when I was making my own solution. Just for a reference later.
I would leave the CO2 set at what it is now and see. Then make your adjustments. Just my advice.

 

[FishN00b83]

0.360g of Sodium Bicarbonate in 1 gallon of water should = ~ 4Dkh. I had to look all over the net to find out those numbers when I was making my own solution. Just for a reference later.
I would leave the CO2 set at what it is now and see. Then make your adjustments. Just my advice.

Thanks I needed to lower it to 2 bps...everything is good now!