CO2 and lights on separate timers

PMC

Junior Poster
Oct 24, 2005
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I've got my lights and CO2 on separate timers and am wondering what the concensus is for when the CO2 should come on prior to the lights and when the CO2 should be turned off? Say, for instance the lights come on at noon and go off at 10pm. Should the CO2 get a one hour's head start (turned on at 11am) and be turned off, say, 1/2 hour earlier (9:30pm)?

Thanks, Peter
 

Simpte

Prolific Poster
Feb 17, 2005
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Re: CO2 and lights on separate timers

I have mine set to come on 1/2 hour before the lights come on and go off 1/2 hr after lights out.
 

brad

Prolific Poster
Aug 2, 2005
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Re: CO2 and lights on separate timers

mine comes on a 1/2 hour before the lights, and goes off at the same time.
 

matpat

Prolific Poster
Mar 29, 2005
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58
Dayton, Ohio
Re: CO2 and lights on separate timers

Mine is set to an hour before light on, I think :) I think the important thing is to check your CO2 levels when the lights first come in. If it is at 30ppm then you should be fine. If it is lower, you may want to try starting the CO2 a bit earlier.
 

Cornhusker

Guru Class Expert
Jan 23, 2005
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Re: CO2 and lights on separate timers

because i have so many digital timers in service, ''$25.00 a pop'' i set my reactors to come on with lights and go off at same time.i think too much tech. is getting involved here.ambiant light also is different at different times where the tank is located.this light information,pro's and con's have worn out it's welcome.too many variables! the same go's for TEST KITS. regards,cornhusker :) :)
 

Tom Barr

Founder
Staff member
Administrator
Jan 23, 2005
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Re: CO2 and lights on separate timers

I've never had any issues with using the light timer for CO2.

some suggest you get better growth if the CO2 is high when the lights come on, but I think the fish and the time of day when the O2 is lowest balance that issue out.

Either way, I do not think you will find it that much difference, I'd be very surprised if you did. I tried aeration at night/all sorts of timer set ups, even adding pure O2 gas.


Regards,
Tom Barr
 

PMC

Junior Poster
Oct 24, 2005
14
0
1
Re: CO2 and lights on separate timers

Helpful advise. Thanks everyone.