Search results for query: *

Thank you... Following your lead... I've changed the gauge to one from an old CO2 Supermarket single stage regulator I had lying around. Running at just over 40psi gives me enough pressure to get the bubble rate up to where I need it to be. Let's see how it goes...

Couldn't quite achieve the original plan but I have swapped the needle valve for one off an old single stage reg. Reinstalled with a single anti siphon valve and was then reminded of an issue I discovered previously... The working pressure control valve seemingly faulty... Reads 30psi when set...

Couldn't quite achieve the original plan but I have swapped the needle valve for one off an old single stage reg. Reinstalled with a single anti siphon valve and was then reminded of an issue I discovered previously... The working pressure control valve seemingly faulty... Reads 30psi when set...

There seems to be a pattern: CO2 Needle Valve Recommendation . . .

@op, without wishing to hijack your thread but in the interests of testing solutions. I think I'm going to blast the needle valve with CO2 to clear any obstructions/water, then cannibalise another reg to make an inline bubble counter then fit non-return valves either side (or maybe just between...

I'm feeling my CO2Art regulator is a weak spot in my set up... Hard to set and, more recently, prone to unpredictable surges of CO2 after attempting to restore the bubble rate. I don't mind investing in good kit but when I look at what's readily available it's hard to discern a good regulator...

Ah, interesting... I came here for advice on a new reg after experiencing issues with my CO2Art Pro reg. I'm finding the bubble rate drops off, I adjust it up again but then find the following day, when the solenoid reopens the supply, the bubble rate is crazy. On two occasions I've overdosed...

Just read enough of this thread to help answer my initial question re definition of "stable" CO2: Stable CO2 The emphasis on flow with regard to CO2 has perhaps also answered a second question, also relative to stable CO2... I recently switched from a Bazooka diffuser to internal reactor, also...

I've switched to a regulator with a solenoid; switching on a couple of hours before lights on. I set the bubble rate to the same as when I had CO2 running for 24hrs (102 BPM) and achieving a good colour in the CO2 drop checker. However, at lights on today (first since adding the solenoid) the...

Understood. Makes sense. Thank you.

So... Given the above profile... I'm just under 1pH drop so can assume CO2 saturation is slightly under 30ppm? An, in theory, once a solenoid is fitted, it should read 7.2pH some time during the CO2 off period? All things considered... A good result?

Useful to know, especially as my dog has a habit of sniffing around behind the sofa (where the CO2 lives!). Thank you.

CO2 Supermarket £139 vs CO2 Art £119... Anyone experience of one or both of these and able to offer some insight into which is the best? I'm happy to pay the extra if it makes a difference. Would even consider the pro versions if it were clear how they are superior... I just need reliable...

Thank you, both. My CO2 runs 24/7 (although planning to get a solenoid soon!). These are the readings I will take today: EVENT PH Removed tank water +24hrs 7.2 At LIGHTS ON (1600) 6.3 +30mins (1630) 6.3 +30mins (1700) 6.3 +30mins (1730) 6.3 +30mins (1800) 6.3 At LIGHTS OFF...

Hi, I'm struggling to remember how to measure CO2 concentration using a PH meter... I recall something about measuring a sample of aquarium water after 1 hour. If the PH has dropped 1 point then the concentration is 30ppm but I'm not sure if I've got that quite right... Anyone help fill in the...

It was set up for some time but was stable from day one. I can absolutely accept that it was coincidental - I got lucky, and the cable had nothing to do with anything.

Apologies for digging up an old thread but it's relevant... I've just stumbled upon this theory and it has piqued my interest. Casting my mind back, the single most successful planted aquarium I had, in term of being genuinely algae free, included a heated cable in the gravel. I also enjoyed...

Thanks for the input. I intend to weigh the empty (when it's empty) and the new one I have on standby. Just forgot last time. Thanks again.

I do. Thank you. I've don't recall ever seeing the reg value drop low, although I'm not great at always checking. Do you still appear to be getting a "normal" output at the diffuser?

I'm expecting my CO2 to run out soon but I don't think I've ever witnessed what the regulator readings are when it starts to run down. In the past I've found it has stopped completely before I've taken time to observe the regulator. Does the regulator indicate when the bottle is nearing its end...

I don't want to speak too soon but I thought some may find it helpful if I shared details of what seems to be working in terms of dealing with the algae and improving the plant growth. I can't pinpoint any one thing, nor can I discount maturity of the tank playing a role too. That said, these...

FWIW... Here's my battle with algae. I've been keeping planted tanks on and off for about 20 years. High tech and low tech. I was spoilt by an incredibly good experience with my first tank; following the precise methodology set out by some brothers from just north of Milton Keynes who also had a...

Contemplating adding a solenoid or, trading my CO2 supermarket reg for one with a built in solenoid. I'm prompted by reading how CO2 fluctuations can cause algae; figuring shutting it down during lights out will add stability and therefore help reduce algae. Thoughts on this theory welcomed...

How long does a high-tech tank take to mature in your opinion; and what would you expect to be seeing by now?

Mine recently ran out... The replacement revealed a small leak from the reg...

So... Some weeks later... I've started to get BBA... I think caused by my CO2 running out. Before the BBA the hair algae and coating of green algae on leaves had reduced but then remained fairly persistent. CO2 has been restored and I've recently increased the lighting from 20% to 50% as the...

Brilliant! Thank you for your help. Having done all the other bits (increased dosage, 2x per week water change / clean, increased circulation) things are looking better. The algae seems to be retreating (helped by some physical removal) and new plant growth is looking healthier. I'm awaiting...

So... The aquarium is currently reading 7.0 and the sample taken yesterday is currently reading 8.0... Assuming CO2 is the only influencing factor that shows 30ppm concentration in the aquarium water?

I will indeed check it again later today (about 24hrs after it was taken out). It was just interesting the difference between the two so soon.

Interestingly, the siphoned off sample; measured about 15mins after removing from the aquarium, was 7.1. The aquarium, immediately following the water change, was still at 6.9... I'd just changed about 40% of the water...

In the past I've found solenoids to be a bit of a pain. Running exceptionally hot and a whiff of unreliability. I've had both the "normal" solenoids and the low-heat versions. When I first started in planted aquariums (almost 20 years ago now :crazy:) I ran 24/7 and it was one of my most...

The readings so far seem, erm, static: Lights are on from 4pm to 11pm. CO2 runs 25hrs. Date / Time / PH 16/10/2018 20:45 6.5 17/10/2018 12:13 6.9 17/10/2018 15:51 6.9 18/10/2018 08:32 6.9 18/10/2018 15:52 6.9 18/10/2018 23:12 6.9 19/10/2018 08:11 7.0

I've made a start measuring PH but have another question... My KH is off the scale based on a dip test (actually, two dip tests from different brands). Does this mean my PH will be less reactive to CO2? (Something I thought I read somewhere).

Thank you, both.

After trying a number of internal and external filters over the years, I keep coming back to Juwel internal filters. Good capacity, well made, easy access and with a fine filter at the top of the media stack there's very little that causes the media below to clog. None of those useless suction...

I realise this is like asking how long is a piece of string; however, I'd like to get some idea of how long my 2kg fire extinguisher will last - just so I can get a replacement in good time. Foolishly I neglected to follow some good advice to weigh the extinguisher when it was full and work out...

I've bought a cheap but well reviewed one off Amazon. Thanks.

I just looked at the price of the buffer and storage solutions :what:... I have a drop-checker but I like the idea behind this one. Maybe a better use of my investment, albeit not supporting the PH profiling for which I think I may just buy a liquid test kit.

Interestingly the digital pen meters seem almost as faffy as liquid tests - what with calibrating, cleaning with distilled water, and storing with "storage solution". The upside is obviously having a specific value vs trying to match colours etc, however, not the simplicity I was hoping for...

I did come across Hanna but not the more affordable ones you linked to. Quite happy at that price! Out of interest... I've seen images of aquarium water being tested by removing some of the water into a container. Is there a reason the probe is not simply put straight into the aquarium?

I was going to invest in a PH pen but Practical Fishkeeping's recommendation does not appear to be available anywhere! Not sure whether to trust the reviews on Amazon - how can people really tell whether the device is accurate? Surprised Aqua Essentials are not selling a device too. Hmmm...

Thanks for the explanation. My CO2 runs 24hrs per day. On a previous setup I used a solenoid but it was less successful than tanks I ran about 15 years ago which were on for 24hrs (hence why I reverted). In practise I guess that means my setup should peak just before the lights come and be...

That's quite a lot compared to mine, and on a smaller tank too. Do you run if 24hrs or only when lights are on? I'm not sure about the PH. I have some dip tests which probably are not a good enough measure but may give me something to go on. By PH drop I am assuming the difference between the PH...

Thank you. It's my intention to dose after except, with 3x per week dosing and 2x per week water change you end up doing a water change the day after a dose. Hence why I'm thinking I'll dose 2x per week (after the water change).

If I'm reading the correct article then it suggests I should dose 5ml per day? TNC seem to endorse increasing dosage to 5ml 3 times per week to achieve levels similar to EI. Given my current plant mass I think I should err on the side of 3x per week? Becomes hard to dose without then doing a...

Thank you both. I've ordered some more plants. The centre was a lot denser but the plant ended up in a poor state during my holiday and was also thick with aerial roots, making things look quite ugly. The remaining stem plants were heavily pruned. I'll increase the TNC Complete dosage too...

Oh, I see. I've just added one to the album.

I'm not using EI - just 50ml per week of TMC liquid. I've popped some photos in a Google Album. Thank you.

I'm trying to arrest the spread of algae in my four month old tank. I went through the diatoms back when the tank was first set up and things were looking mostly good before I took a three week holiday in August; during which there were no weekly water changes, fert dosing, etc. When I returned...

I have now placed my order but did consider Co2Art. Unfortunately they do not sell any regs without solenoids.

Great idea. Thanks.

Or drill one :)..... FWIW - Found out what the problem was with CO2 Supermarket. In short, they only take a certain number of orders each day to ensure they meet their service level for despatch. In reality it seems you have to place your order the day before (i.e not by "3pm") to get "same...

Frustrating... CO2 Supermarket checkout is not working and no telephone contact on their website :mad:

Good idea re the tie. I'll do something similar. Thanks.

Thank you! Reassuring to see a complete set up.

Right! Ordered all the kit...

Scratch that! I can't read!!! Height was 480, which should fit.

I'm now considering using a fire extinguisher rather than welding gas. It saves me £20 on an adapter to convert the thread sizes in addition to the other benefits/savings. However... The shortest one I can find is 580mm tall which may prove just a little bit too tall. I'd be happier if I could...

I had thought about simply buying one with a solenoid fitted; however, from memory, it has to be powered up to keep the gas flowing? If I could simply leave it unplugged then I may consider it. I had solenoids in the past but found them to often be a weak link and debatable benefit vs. my...

Hmmm... I'm finding it quite challenging to find a reg without solenoid suitable for vertical connection. The CO2 Supermarket one is horizontal connection and requires a right-angle adapter. It's a solution of sorts but I'd prefer the reg to be above the cylinder.

The CO2 Supermarket regs all seem to have the output pressure fixed at 3 bar. This does not strike me as a problem, simply not what I'm used to and so I'm wondering whether there are any down sides to this? My overwhelming sense is that it is one less thing to go wrong!

Good to know I'm just not finding the "No.1 best seller"! I'm not planning to use a solenoid, simply running the CO2 on a the low-side 24hrs. So many have solenoids built in. I think I'll just choose one and go for it. Has anyone used CO2 Supermarket? I've also got my eye on this one too. I...

There does not seem to be a "go to" regulator... The one that everyone swears by. Are they all much of a muchness? Even the retailers don't seem to explain why one may spend an extra £x on one regulator vs another in their range. Confused...

Ah, OK. No problem. Thanks for clarifying.

Thanks & noted. These are the times when online outlets need to do more to show how each device works. I thought the Bazookas attached only to the co2? Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

How to diffuse CO2? 55ltr tank with Juwel internal filter: 50mm Bazooka? In the past I directed output from a Juwel internal into what was a cylindrical stepped type reactor(?). It created an opposing flow to the CO2 rising up the steps, just enough to keep the bubbles in suspension. Seemed to...

OK, thanks. It's a 55 litre tank so I'm proposing 600g welding gas from Machine Mart (£14). I'm anticipating getting a few months off each cylinder so not such an overhead to keep an eye on them and get to a point when I can predict when they're likely to run out.

Thanks for such a comprehensive reply. Much appreciated! I see some valves are double stage, primarily (it seems) to ensure pressures are maintained right to the end of the gas supply. Does anyone use one of these vs single stage? Worth the extra?

Hmmm... Getting sucked in... Considering CO2 now, for a couple of reasons.... Firstly, it's just occurred to me that daily dosing of liquid carbon will be a pain, especially when on holiday! Secondly, the basis of liquid carbon is rumoured to be a particularly nasty chemical. So... To help...

I wish I was better at understanding these things. Thank you for saving me the wasted expense of buying alternatives!

Probably a stupid question but just checking current thinking... TNC Liquid Carbon and combined ferts dosed tank... No gas CO2. I propose to REMOVE and replace both the carbon and nitrate remover sponges from my new filter and replace with basic sponges. This is what I've done in the past...

Thanks, all. My preference was the dark one but I get the various arguments for each.

Thank you. I'm topping off with gravel. I noticed Tropica have changed the names slightly too on their site - not helpful!

TNC Carbon - check. Tropica Growth Substrate - check. Thank you!

I know which one I prefer, just wondering which you'd choose: Shared Album A Gnarly root (the dark one) B Slender stick (the light one)

Perfect! Now I just need to think about which substrate to go under the gravel and which liquid carbon to use.

That's a very long article and my laziness will probably mean I end up eating my words but it seems the argument is save money? I'm erring on the side spending the money for the convenience.

Longish Winded Background Story... Hi all. Not been around for some time, having downgraded to a small basic tank while I got on with renovating my home. I've still got a couple of rooms to do and some other projects but having tired of looking at the sorry excuse of my current aquarium I...

Thank you. Kribs and Keyholes seem to be getting on just fine. Very occasionally there's a little sparring but most of the time they're happy in each other's company.

It's been trimmed a couple of times. Some initial hair algae has disappeared. As have the diatoms and algae growing on the glass seems non existent these days. Water changed once, I think, not sure now. OK, so it's a bit random but it's growing and I like it. Might add a feature plant on the...

All the "car free" people I've ever met are usually on to me to be a taxi service and/or collecting or delivering stuff for them. I recall one occasion when it was pouring with rain and I was asked to give a "car free" person to give them a lift to work. Got to the top of the road and it was...

grabber? Never crossed my mind. I always thought you may be a bit paranoid though :D

Erm... Trusty old BMW 3 series and a Renault Clio (Sport, I think). Shopped for a replacement for the BMW earlier this year but didn't like any of the new cars at the time. The Mazda 6 came near (and my wife quite liked the Ford SMax - but I wasn't going there). Decided to stick with the BMW -...

Curious to know how the moss does - I have a rather large roof and it's loaded with the stuff.

I spent ages thinking it was Didplis but what I was recently sold as Didplis has much shorter/smaller leaves. Obviously my current "Didplis" could be incorrectly named. EDIT... This is what my Didplis looks like: http://www.plantgeek.net/plantguide_viewer.php?id=83

It's a plant I had several years ago. Trawling back through my information from that time I thought it might be Ludwigia arcuata; however, looking at other pics I'm no longer convinced - the leaves look much narrower on mine.

My tank is 185ltr.

I'm experimenting by dosing Tropica Plant Nutrition (the non + version).

I've used Blagdons for my low-tech. Been up and running a few weeks now and all seems OK.

LOL - it's not that good. It works but it ain't pretty and parts of it will probably be improved upon as inspiration strikes. The pics are largely self explanatory, although I've added some footnotes/specs after the photos: Plastic tubes are: Internal = 20mm with 2mm wall thickness. Outer =...

I know most people clear the muck off the gravel when water-changing but I find it all a bit hit or miss - I'm either syphoning away the gravel, or the live leaves, or playing dodge the curious fish. The point being that I do use an air powered vac and, because my tank is deeper than average...

I like to contribute something to the forum :D

Don't forget to adjust your timers... EOM

My memory may be letting me down here but GU10 suggests mains voltage which, if I'm correct, is undesirable near water. If you can set them up in a safe way or use low-voltage equivalents then I'm slowly getting the impression the LED lights are on the cusp of some feedback around and about...

This thread has got me thinking... One thing that irks me is being sold a CO2 testing kit that will not accurately measure CO2 without an additional purchase. It's not even clear that an additional purchase of 4dk solution is prudent when the instructions clearly state that tank water should be...

Thanks, Guys. In the past I have replaced bulbs due to age and it's what I was about to do now. However, in the past I've not noticed any discernable difference in growth etc which I why I began to think more about it.

Seriously - no opinions, proven facts, etc? Is it the case that nobody knows, or is there such a degree of uncertainty that nobody is prepared to stick their neck out? It's fairly obvious that I'm unsure about the true effect on plant growth, hence the post. Maybe it's just a boring subject -...

Are people still fully signed up to the concept of changing tubes every year (or whatever)? I'm familiar with the theory of the light output dropping over time and note some mention of the spectrum changing. I also realise that the drop in output may not be discernible because it's not...

I too was advised that TPN+ would be fine for my low-tech, although I had not included details of my stocking levels. I find myself wondering whether there would be any noticable negative effects of dosing TPN+ versus TPN (i.e. a belt and braces approach to dosing where it is fine even if it's...

Cheers, George. That's exactly the sort of information I was after. I suspect the Triplus and PowerGlo may be too harsh, which is a shame because I can get the Grolux from Lampspecs all for one P&P. Pondering...