CO2 and O2

[Khoon]

I have a planted tank and I run an air pump 24 hours while my CO2 and lighting is only turned on for about 8-10 hours. My question is, should I leave the air pump on 24 hours?

 

[ian_m]

Certainly not as you will be instantly removing the CO2.

When I nearly gassed my fish, whilst setting up my CO2, put air on and with in minutes fish all recovered.

So air pump is excellent way of removing the CO2.

 

[Steve Smith]

As Ian says, not a good idea. The bubbles from the air stone cause excessive surface movement which speeds up the process of gassing off the CO2 from the water.

If you feel the need to run the air pump, run it whilst lights are out but turn off before CO2. CO2 should come on and hour or so before lights on also to make sure CO2 levels are good for the photo period.

 

[weasel]

The air pump isnt running any filter is it,just thought id ask ..

 

[geoffbark]

No problem in running that air pump 24hrs, but you will need to crank the CO2 injection up to allow for the increased surface movement.