C02 rate for my 220 gal

Hey all,

I finally got around to measuring my c02 injection rate via the displacement method.. I used the following tools:

1. A clear plexiglass 300 ml measuring cup with the following marks at: 50, 75, 100, 150, and 175, 250, 275, and 300 ml
2. My canon dslr movie mode timer. I used a tripod to keep the movie running for 5 minutes while I did this. I used the tilted viewer to easily watch the timer.

Here are the steps I took:

1. Start movie mode. Of course is out of focus but the timer was the important part
2. Have c02 on. Simply disconnected the c02 tube from the needle wheel.
3. Fill measuring cup with water and invert. Ensure no air in cup.
4. At a minute mark, place the c02 tube under the cup and let the c02 bubble into it.
5. Remove c02 at the next 1 minute mark.

I repeated these steps 3 times.

Results:

A bit less than 150 ml for each execution of the test. Remember my hand may not have kept the cup level, but you get the idea lol

I think this is approx. twice what I remember Tom saying he used for his 120 or 180, can't remember.

Just for review:

1. C02 tube is 4' max with an inline (cheap air type) check valve approx. 1' in. The other end goes to a drilled hole in the casing of the NW pump.

2. NW output diverted via 2' tube to large cerges.

3. 2' output hose from cerges back to sump.

I am running approx. 50 mmoles at substrate. Max lighting intensity is 50% of 12 tubes for a duration of 6.5 hours.

So, I will use this method to measure the 57 and 75 gal and see how they compare.

So, I will post the blurry video later and you can see the bubble rate I use. MUCH more than 5-6 bps

I use to fret about how much I used/consumed compared to others, but it is what it is. The fish seem fine and as long as that is the case, and I have 2x20lb tanks for the scape, I am okay with it.

I consume a 20lb tank in 8-9 weeks at the present rate.

Thanks!

 

DIY herbie on all 3. Same basic setup for filter and c02 on all, except for size on the 220. The 57 and 75 have the same filter and c02 setup.

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DIY herbie on all 3. Same basic setup for filter and c02 on all, except for size on the 220. The 57 and 75 have the same filter and c02 setup.

 

So, I am again 33% higher.

I think the difference can be found among the following:

1. Large surface area. 18 sq ft for me vs 12 sq ft for a 180.
2. Heavy surface ripple on my tank. I use twin outlets, one on each end, whereas I think Tom has a single outlet.
3. I have a larger and more open wet/dry than Tom. I think it is larger at least, but for sure is not sealed as well
4. Efficiency of the c02 system. I think Tom's may be more efficient than mine lol

So, this is interesting that your 120 uses even less but with very high light and some demanding plants.

Thanks Tom for posting this value.

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So, I am again 33% higher.

I think the difference can be found among the following:

1. Large surface area. 18 sq ft for me vs 12 sq ft for a 180.
2. Heavy surface ripple on my tank. I use twin outlets, one on each end, whereas I think Tom has a single outlet.
3. I have a larger and more open wet/dry than Tom. I think it is larger at least, but for sure is not sealed as well
4. Efficiency of the c02 system. I think Tom's may be more efficient than mine lol

So, this is interesting that your 120 uses even less but with very high light and some demanding plants.

Thanks Tom for posting this value.

 

For me, the issue is aesthetics....I no longer use my vortech powerhead and I do not want tubes on the INSIDE of my tank if I can help it.

I can direct the flow downward if I desire and not all is surface ripple. I can see all plants sway even on the substrate so I am ok I think

I would leave the outlets up top and use the ph lower in the tank were I to go that way....

Thanks

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For me, the issue is aesthetics....I no longer use my vortech powerhead and I do not want tubes on the INSIDE of my tank if I can help it.

I can direct the flow downward if I desire and not all is surface ripple. I can see all plants sway even on the substrate so I am ok I think

I would leave the outlets up top and use the ph lower in the tank were I to go that way....

Thanks

 

Hi all,

Well I just measured the rate of c02 for my 75 gal tank. This is using 3 small LED strips and maxing at 50 mmoles at the substrate and that is on a good day Mostly ferns and some downoi and some sunset cyrpts.

So, I tested the rate 3 times as in my original post and recorded 75 ml per minute of c02 displacement.

I am going to measure the 57 gal rate in a bit and will post the results.

This tank growth is good, but downoi are small. Some BBA but only on the cypress knees mostly at the tops.

Later.

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Hi all,

Well I just measured the rate of c02 for my 75 gal tank. This is using 3 small LED strips and maxing at 50 mmoles at the substrate and that is on a good day Mostly ferns and some downoi and some sunset cyrpts.

So, I tested the rate 3 times as in my original post and recorded 75 ml per minute of c02 displacement.

I am going to measure the 57 gal rate in a bit and will post the results.

This tank growth is good, but downoi are small. Some BBA but only on the cypress knees mostly at the tops.

Later.

 

Hey all,

I just did the 57 gal as well and the rate is mid-way between the 50 and 75 ml marks, so I say 62 or so

To summarize c02 injection rate:

220 gal = 150 ml per minute
75 gal = 50 ml per minute
57 gal = 62 ml per minute

All use a bit oversized wet/dry, all have high current, and all use victor/ideal/burkert/Swagelok regulator setups.

Take care.

Next up, is to get a good amount of PAR readings on my 220.

Later.

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Hey all,

I just did the 57 gal as well and the rate is mid-way between the 50 and 75 ml marks, so I say 62 or so

To summarize c02 injection rate:

220 gal = 150 ml per minute
75 gal = 50 ml per minute
57 gal = 62 ml per minute

All use a bit oversized wet/dry, all have high current, and all use victor/ideal/burkert/Swagelok regulator setups.

Take care.

Next up, is to get a good amount of PAR readings on my 220.

Later.

 

Hi, not sure I even know...the last time I used a thermometer the 220 was 78-82 and the smaller ones I am sure run warmer.

I will see if I can find a meter or some such and measure it.

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Hi, not sure I even know...the last time I used a thermometer the 220 was 78-82 and the smaller ones I am sure run warmer.

I will see if I can find a meter or some such and measure it.

 

Hi Fab,

Yes, I am not immune to algae But it is limited...

I tend to get BBA on hardscape in the 220 that is NOT covered in plants and that get good light. I get BBA on the tips of the cypress knees in the 75 gal. None in the 57. I get some BGA in the 220 where the hg crushes up against the glass but just a tiny bit.

I do get some type of string algae in the hairgrass that Tom had warned me about. But is easy to spot and comb out...

All told, not enough to spend much time or anxiety on....

I very rarely get algae on plants and that is a warning sign that something is amiss..

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Hi Fab,

Yes, I am not immune to algae But it is limited...

I tend to get BBA on hardscape in the 220 that is NOT covered in plants and that get good light. I get BBA on the tips of the cypress knees in the 75 gal. None in the 57. I get some BGA in the 220 where the hg crushes up against the glass but just a tiny bit.

I do get some type of string algae in the hairgrass that Tom had warned me about. But is easy to spot and comb out...

All told, not enough to spend much time or anxiety on....

I very rarely get algae on plants and that is a warning sign that something is amiss..