co2 24/7 or just during lights

VaughnH

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Jan 24, 2005
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Re: co2 24/7 or just during lights

Tom has always said he prefers to shut off the CO2 at night, to give the fish a break and to save CO2. When my solenoid valve failed and would not shut off I ran CO2 24 hrs a day for a month, and I saw no fish distress as a result. But, that may mean I was running too little CO2.
 

dschmeh

Prolific Poster
Re: co2 24/7 or just during lights

i had the co2 on a timer with the lights and im now running it 24/7 the tank looks great and the little algae i had is gone. BUT i also switched to pmdd premix and EI about the same time so im not sure if it was the co2 or i the change in dosing or a combination. It seems its working fine like it is but was looking for feedback.
Dave
 

Tom Barr

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Jan 23, 2005
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Re: co2 24/7 or just during lights

You can set it on a timer, with the lights or 1/2 before they come on and 1 hour before they go off.

Your choice there. The tank is so small, it's easy to mix the gas into the tank fast though and degas at night.

Regards,
Tom Barr
 

rrkss

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May 7, 2006
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Re: co2 24/7 or just during lights

nope, plants only need CO2 during the photoperiod so injecting it at night serves no purpose except wasting the gas.