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  1. Andy D

    Starting over - liquid CO2

    If you take a look at THIS site and identify the algae you had it will give you a good idea of what the problem was. If you can also list things like tank/lighting/filter specs, cleaning regime, fert dosing regime etc it will help identify where it may have been going wrong.
  2. Andy D

    Importance of having a clean tank and using CO2

    Fish-less tanks can still be surprisingly dirty. I ran an experiment to test Clive's suggestion that by simply leaving a planted tank for 8 weeks that it would cycle (Unsurprisingly this worked). Even though this tank had no Fauna the filter still got quite dirty. CO2 injected tanks produce...
  3. Andy D

    pics of sodastream adapter seal

    Pic of mine in this thread: http://www.ukaps.org/forum/index.php?posts/433078/
  4. Andy D

    Sodastream canister stand?

    I also bought a bike water bottle holder to sit my Sodastream bottle in.
  5. Andy D

    soda stream adaptor help

    If you have only lost the o-ring then you don't need to replace the whole adapter. I can measure mine tomorrow if that helps. Contact CO2 Art. They may be able to take the seal from an adapter and send it to you.
  6. Andy D

    Soda stream co2

    Yeah the cylinder output pressure. Thanks for the info. [emoji106]
  7. Andy D

    Soda stream co2

    I just wondered what the output pressure was to see what should be registering on the high pressure gauge. As you say, the second gauge will show that the Reg takes it down too.
  8. Andy D

    Soda stream co2

    High pressure gauge could be faulty although I am also unsure of the output pressure of a Sodastream bottle. I've not used mine yet but the white seal is definitely present and will be to ensure a tight seal between the adapter and the Sodastream bottle.
  9. Andy D

    CO2 in Hampshire

    What size tank is this for? It may be a more expensive initial outlay but I believe Arundel Avaries (Arundel street - I'm sure you know this already) stock a 1KG ISTA CO2 kit. They can also arrange refills but I don't know what the cost of that is.
  10. Andy D

    which diffuser/ atomizer/ reactor?

    Another shout out for the Tropica one from me. [emoji106]
  11. Andy D

    Still problems with diffuser output

    That's a shame but at least you know. [emoji4]
  12. Andy D

    Still problems with diffuser output

    I had a leak in a pure glass bubble counter once. I only found out by submerging it.
  13. Andy D

    Still problems with diffuser output

    How did you test for leaks? I would submerge everything from (and including) the bubble counter onwards. My gauge takes a while to drop when I close the cylinder. I just assumed it took a while for the pressure to drop. I would imagine closing the cylinder would be the surest way to ensure...
  14. Andy D

    recommend co2 reg

    You could start with forum sponsors: http://www.co2art.co.uk/collections/regulators-solenoids
  15. Andy D

    recommend co2 reg

    What's your CO2 source?
  16. Andy D

    Co2 bottle help

    It looks like it should be fine. Can you get confirmation on the connector type on the Regulator?
  17. Andy D

    Co2 hose, anything easier to work with?

    If you look at the ADA guides they do use airline for any glass connections but they try to ensure the minimal amount is used. CO2 hose is so inflexible. I use airline from stop valve to diffuser.
  18. Andy D

    Going on holiday

    I believe one tells you the pressure from the FE and the other tells you what the Reg has brought it down to.
  19. Andy D

    Some silly questions about CO2 bubbles

    One day when I start using externals I'll give it a go. My internals don't allow me to try it.
  20. Andy D

    Some silly questions about CO2 bubbles

    Jose, an interesting read. Have you noticed how Tom advises to position a spray bar - vertically rather than horizontally. Hmmm...
  21. Andy D

    Spray bar or no spray bar for best CO2 distribution?

    2 points here: 1. The quoted flow rate is typically with an empty filter. You could reduce the amount of media to increase the flow. 2. 10 x turnover is the figure we use but this also takes into account the fact that the filter will not give the stated turnover rate. So as long as the...
  22. Andy D

    Spray bar or no spray bar for best CO2 distribution?

    Ideally you will need to know you kH but the idea is based upon dropping your pH by 1 by the time the lights come on. This should equate to 30ppm. You will need to get a pH meter. This are quite cheap on eBay and typically come with calibrating powders (to be mixed with RO or similar). The...
  23. Andy D

    Spray bar or no spray bar for best CO2 distribution?

    I would try the various methods - spraybar, spraybar with koralia, no spraybar and no spraybar with koralia - and run a pH profile each time. See which method gives you the biggest drop. This should also help evaluate whether you are injecting enough CO2.
  24. Andy D

    E.O.T.D - The Mechanics

    Thanks all! [emoji106]
  25. Andy D

    E.O.T.D - The Mechanics

    Hi All! I have been reading up on the dreaded 'end of tank dump' but I am struggling to understand the mechanics behind what actually happens. Can someone explain please?
  26. Andy D

    4 hours before lights on to drop 1 point

    If the level is spot on and the only issue is the time then I personally wouldn't worry about it too much.
  27. Andy D

    Another user with CO2 Issues

    Looks great! You gotta be pleased you have stuck with it now. :)
  28. Andy D

    Does this look safe ?

    How does a 'proper' CO2 cylinder offer greater safety then a FE? Just wondering?
  29. Andy D

    CO2 Drop Checker Fluid Turning Clear??

    May be linked to some extent to my question earlier - http://www.ukaps.org/forum/index.php?threads/Does-Bromo-Blue-need-replacing%3F.35214/ I hope you get an answer.
  30. Andy D

    Does Bromo Blue need replacing?

    Sorry, I should clarify. What I mean is does the drop checker solution need routinely replacing?
  31. Andy D

    Does Bromo Blue need replacing?

    Hi All, Just a general enquiry. As the title asks, does Bromo Blue need to be routinely changed? If so, why? Thanks!
  32. Andy D

    Another user with CO2 Issues

    Have you considered removing the rock in front of the Staurogyne? I just wonder if given the flow pattern the rock is deflecting the CO2 etc away from that area? I'm sure you have mentioned this earlier but what is your kH?
  33. Andy D

    Co2 dump??

    I found this thread useful - http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/6470-Dual-Stage-Regulators
  34. Andy D

    Glassy plants

    I've never really understood the thinking behind plants using up the nutrients to prevent algae. Unless plants use up all the nutrients immediately then algae must have access to them too. Therefore why doesn't every tank with any trace of nutrients have algae? The answer as we know is that...
  35. Andy D

    calculating co2 levels KH 17.8

    I have copied this from one of Clive's posts: "The toxicity of CO2 has to do with the dissolved gas pressure in the water which makes it difficult for the fish to exhale. Imagine if I put a plastic bag over your head and forced you to re-breathe the air you exhale. Any living thing that...
  36. Andy D

    CO2 Tubing

    I looked into this a while back and found this quite useful - http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/4843-co2-tubing
  37. Andy D

    Basic drop checker question.

    What Clive says. Get that bubble rate up. :)
  38. Andy D

    Basic drop checker question.

    A good idea (that I got from Ceg4048) is to get a pH meter. These can be brought cheaply from eBay and usually come with calibration powders (that need to be mixed with distilled or RO water). Take the pH reading every 30 minutes and post the results. Typically you are expecting the pH to drop...
  39. Andy D

    Basic drop checker question.

    Have you allowed 2 hours for the drop checker to change colour?
  40. Andy D

    Recommend FE seller online

    I got mine from eBay. Lots of options on there. Just check their feedback.
  41. Andy D

    Why do we aim for 30 ppm CO2?

    Of course! :) Yours was very informative too!
  42. Andy D

    Best Diffuser?

    EDIT - tried again but it does not seem to want to let me post links anymore...
  43. Andy D

    Best Diffuser?

    I recently bought an UP atomiser from Aqua Essentials. It is much better than the diffuser it replaced but can be awkward to install. I have tried posting a link but just get an error message. :(
  44. Andy D

    Ph test fluid in drop checker?

    These guys seem to have loads of CO2 related gear. Are they close? Contact us | Oasis Aquarium Ltd
  45. Andy D

    Ph test fluid in drop checker?

    Fair enough. You could just crank it. I think that is what I need to do too. :)
  46. Andy D

    Ph test fluid in drop checker?

    I read somewhere that the low pH test is the same stuff but why worry? It is just a guide anyway.
  47. Andy D

    CO2 diffusion in a large tank

    Looks like there are two externals. There is an intake where Clive has advised and there is another hidden behind the rocks. Then there are two green spraybars in each corner. The one in the middle seems to be powered solely by the powerheads to improve flow I guess.
  48. Andy D

    Why do we need the drop checker to be green by lights on?

    Thanks! One day we will all escape The Matrix. One day...
  49. Andy D

    Why do we need the drop checker to be green by lights on?

    Thanks for the replies all. Just wanted to be sure my logic was correct. I have completed pH profiles and I am happy with that but the drop checker thing was just niggling at me. :) Another niggle mind you is with regards to the pH profile. If CO2 levels are not equal in all areas (hence the...
  50. Andy D

    Why do we need the drop checker to be green by lights on?

    Hi All, I'm sure there is an easy answer for this that I am not thinking about so apologies in advance. :) Drop checkers are said to be 2 hours behind when it comes to the colour change so I take this to be that what the drop checker shows indicates the pH 2 hours before. CO2 concentrations...
  51. Andy D

    ph readings, dropchecker always green and aquasoil... any relationship?

    So why is the drop checker not affected by other acids? Surely any acid would have an impact on pH?
  52. Andy D

    ph readings, dropchecker always green and aquasoil... any relationship?

    I am only just a beginner with CO2 so I hope someone else who knows more will be able to help but I think you are right in that the substrate is reducing the pH. I believe it lowers and buffers the pH and is a popular choice for shrimp keepers because of this. I have very hard water (although I...
  53. Andy D

    Drop checkers

    Geoff is right, you use a pre-calibrated fluid - a mixture of 4dkh water and bromo blue (if memory serves me right, I use a pre-mixed solution). Tap water is not used. I also agree that it is just a guide and a better measure would be to get a pH pen.
  54. Andy D

    Drop checkers

    Perhaps all you ever need to know - CO2 Measurement Using A Drop Checker | UK Aquatic Plant Society Average price probably around £10-£15.
  55. Andy D

    New to pressurised CO2 - ready to purchase

    Not used this one personally but people I know that have used CO2 Art have nothing but good things to say. Cannot see an issue with that Reg.
  56. Andy D

    co2 do i take the plunge?

    And there is a LOT of useful info! As Foxfish says, take your time. Read through some of the other threads in the CO2 section.
  57. Andy D

    CO2 Refills...

    What is your CO2 source?
  58. Andy D

    CO2 Refills...

    Great find. I am in Fareham so that has saved me trying to find a supplier.
  59. Andy D

    DC position in tank

    I wondered this myself and have moved its position from lower down and opposite to higher up. Does not seem to make a great deal of difference. To be honest I am not too concerned about the drop checked and I sue it as a very rough guide. I did as Clive advises and run a pH test and my pH does...
  60. Andy D

    Do I need to increase bubble rate or be patient?

    Just want to add that Richard at Aqua Essentials sent me another one pronto. Great service as always!
  61. Andy D

    Do I need to increase bubble rate or be patient?

    Hi Alastair, First off I am using CO2 tubing. It is part of a kit I got of AE. Good news (of sorts) is I have found the leak! There is a leak in the bubble counter. I have patched it up for now and have sent an email to Richard to see if he can send out a replacement. Thanks for the...
  62. Andy D

    Do I need to increase bubble rate or be patient?

    Only control is via the needle valve. I will check again for leaks. In theory I could remove the diffuser and the gas should just come out of the end of the tube but it does not even seem to be moving the water.
  63. Andy D

    Do I need to increase bubble rate or be patient?

    I have checked for leaks as I thought that could be an issue and I am fairly confident there are none. If I do turn the rate up a lot then it flows through fine but I am talking quite a few bubbles per second.
  64. Andy D

    Do I need to increase bubble rate or be patient?

    Hi All, I have just set up a FECO2 system and I currently have it set to 1bps. At the moment there is water in the ceramic diffuser and this also runs about 6inches up the tubing. At the moment there is no CO2 coming out of the diffuser. Do I just need to be patient and wait for enough...
  65. Andy D

    Ebay CO2

    You could do it manually but for the extra outlay now you could save yourself a lot of headaches (and further cost) down the line.
  66. Andy D

    Ebay CO2

    The solenoid allows you to put the CO2 onto a timer. With the lights and CO2 on a timer you can provide a consistent dosing and lighting period. Not quite sure about the solenoid. I think they are magnetic anyway.
  67. Andy D

    Ebay CO2

    Ah, forgive my slight mix-up. I have just bought the one you linked too but I posted a link to the same Reg but based in the UK rather than Hong Kong.
  68. Andy D

    Ebay CO2

    That's the one I linked to. :) That would do it.
  69. Andy D

    Ebay CO2

    Only issue with this one is it does not have a solenoid.
  70. Andy D

    Ebay CO2

    I have just bought a regulator like this - CO2 Solenoid Regulator for Aquarium and Home Brew | eBay More expensive than the one you listed but has all the necessary parts and will fit straight onto a FE.
  71. Andy D

    Setting up a bubble counter

    Hi Big Clown, Thanks. That is what I thought. Pics are always welcome though. :)
  72. Andy D

    Setting up a bubble counter

    Hi All, I am in the process of getting a pressurised CO2 system together and have bought this set from Aqua Essentials - http://www.aquaessentials.co.uk/neutro-co2-diffuser-set-100l-p-5434.html I know how to set everything up (I have also ordered the remaining parts - regulator etc) but I am...
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