CO2 & KH Levels

[tubamanandy]

My tank KH is 5 which I understand is quite good for a planted tank.

Only problems is, my CO2 Reactor (Tunze) seems to struggle to drag my PH down (starts at 7.29 but only goes down to about 7.18) no matter how much CO2 I seem to put in.

Not sure if its the Tunze unit being inefficient or the KH of 5 holding the PH solid.

Any ideas ?

 

[Martin cape]

My KH is 5.5 and co2 pulls pH from 7.1 down to 6.3 pal.

 

[ceg4048]

Hello,
There are only a handful of plants that care about KH, so any KH is good for plants generally. As Martin confirms, you might have to investigate leaks in the system or try a different method of diffusion. Try porting the gas directly into the filter inlet and see if you have an easier time pulling down the pH.

Cheers,

 

[tubamanandy]

I can see the CO2 bubbles going into the Tunze reactor circa 1-2/second so surprised CO2 is not being pulled down further. suppose there could be a fault with the tunze unit or maybe its not that efficient. Design of it looks good with CO2 coming in at the bottom of a tube and a small powerhead at the other end forcing water down.

 

[DTL]

I can see the CO2 bubbles going into the Tunze reactor circa 1-2/second so surprised CO2 is not being pulled down further. suppose there could be a fault with the tunze unit or maybe its not that efficient. Design of it looks good with CO2 coming in at the bottom of a tube and a small powerhead at the other end forcing water down.

The tunze reactor is working fine if all the Co2 is not all collecting at the top of the tube. Some may collect there a bit over the day, but should clear itself once your solenoid kicks off at end of period. I ran one of these and found it great, I only removed it to limit the hardware in my tank.
Ps the pump can be adjusted to increase flow rate from what I remember so that might be worth trying

 

[tubamanandy]

DTL: Stupid question but I'm guessing I may have the Tunze Reactor setup incorrectly.

You are supposed to have the white plastic plug in the T piece during operation ?

 

[foxfish]

1-2 BPS you say but on what size tank, lighting etc!?

 

[tubamanandy]

Only 60 Litres, medium lighting (CREE XR-E's LED)

 

[DTL]

DTL: Stupid question but I'm guessing I may have the Tunze Reactor setup incorrectly.

You are supposed to have the white plastic plug in the T piece during operation ?

Yes. BTW you may need to run the pump for an hour or so after the CO2 stops to avoid having a bubble of gas in the pump which might cause it to stall at the next turn on.