This site is supported by the advertisements on it, please disable your AdBlocker so we can continue to provide you with the quality content you expect.
  1. Support us by upgrading to the lifetime advertisement free version.

    Click here for more information.
    Dismiss Notice
  2. We are after as many aquarium plant images that we can get, doing so will assist us in completing the aquarium plant database.

    https://barrreport.com/threads/aquatic-plant-images-wanted.14374/
    Dismiss Notice
Ad Free Version - No more add? Aquarium Plant Images Wanted

CO2 at night?

Discussion in 'Advanced Strategies and Fertilization' started by Laith, Mar 21, 2005.

  1. Laith

    Laith Lifetime Charter Member
    Lifetime Member

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2005
    Messages:
    182
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    5:23 PM
    I've seen that Tom (and others) turn off their CO2 at lights out to avoid excessive CO2 buildup while plants are not using it.

    Is this necessary if your CO2 is hooked up to a pH controller? The CO2 saving is minimal anyway because of the amount of CO2 needed to bring the pH back down to where you want it when the lights go on...

    I tried hooking up my pH controller (pH set to 6.6) to a timer and when the pH controller kicks back in an hour before lights on, the pH has gone up to 7.3. At my bubble rate, the pH comes back down to 6.6 after about 2-3 hours.

    I'm a bit worried about the 0.7 pH swing and am thinking of taking the controller off of the timer as their shouldn't be any risk of CO2 excess at night? :confused:
     
    #1 Laith, Mar 21, 2005
  2. Paul

    Paul Guru Class Expert

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2005
    Messages:
    169
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    5:23 PM
    Re: CO2 at night?

    I had the fish gasping at the surface a while ago when I was using the DIY C02 kits. I now use a bottled c02 and just run an airstone a few times during lights out, as far as I am concerned, C02 is cheaper than a ph controller :)
     
    #2 Paul, Mar 21, 2005
  3. Paul S

    Paul S Junior Poster

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2005
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    5:23 PM
    Re: CO2 at night?

    I shut my CO2 off one hour before lights out.
    CO2 is turned on 2 hours before lighs on.
    KH is 5-6
    PH is 6.7 - 7.1
    Fish are doing very well. Algae is trying to hang on.
    At present I'm doing the above function manually but will go back to auto mode when I get my new solenoid valve.
    Running CO2 at 24/7 was too problematic. (ie. fish were stressed to the point where some perished)

    Above method works well for me but YMMV.

    enjoy

    Paul S
     
    #3 Paul S, Mar 21, 2005
  4. Laith

    Laith Lifetime Charter Member
    Lifetime Member

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2005
    Messages:
    182
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    5:23 PM
    Re: CO2 at night?

    Thanks but my question was whether people thought it served any purpose to turn off the CO2 if you have a pH controller running...
     
    #4 Laith, Mar 21, 2005
  5. Greg Watson

    Greg Watson Administrator
    Staff Member Administrator

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2005
    Messages:
    5,023
    Likes Received:
    3
    Local Time:
    5:23 PM
    Re: CO2 at night?

    It would not serve any useful purpose to turn it off when you have a pH controller ...

    Greg
     
    #5 Greg Watson, Mar 21, 2005
  6. Laith

    Laith Lifetime Charter Member
    Lifetime Member

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2005
    Messages:
    182
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    5:23 PM
    Re: CO2 at night?

    Thanks Greg, that's what I was looking for! I know it seems pretty obvious but good to have confirmation... ;)
     
    #6 Laith, Mar 21, 2005
  7. Tom Barr

    Tom Barr Founder
    Staff Member Administrator

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2005
    Messages:
    18,694
    Likes Received:
    735
    Local Time:
    5:23 PM
    Re: CO2 at night?

    I'll disagree, you can use it with a pH control, just for the hours "on" during the day and turn it off during the night, not that there would be a need for this, but you could do it if you desired.
    So generally, yea, no need, but you could cook up a way and perhaps some reason.

    Regards,
    Tom Barr
     
    #7 Tom Barr, Mar 23, 2005
  8. jippalbert

    jippalbert Junior Poster

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2005
    Messages:
    17
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    5:23 PM
    Re: CO2 at night?

    Not to hijack this thread but If my KH is around 5-7 It is ok to simply shut off the regulator at lights out? No Major PH swings ?


    My KH is currently coming up around 3 . Having a hard time with GH and the Sera test kit.

    JK
     
    #8 jippalbert, Mar 24, 2005
  9. Tom Barr

    Tom Barr Founder
    Staff Member Administrator

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2005
    Messages:
    18,694
    Likes Received:
    735
    Local Time:
    5:23 PM
    Re: CO2 at night?

    Should be fine

    Regards,
    Tom Barr
     
    #9 Tom Barr, Mar 25, 2005
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)
Loading...
Similar Threads - CO2 night
  1. nanomania

    Co2 On 24/7? Airstone At Night?

    nanomania, Jul 26, 2020, in forum: CO2 Enrichment
    Replies:
    1
    Views:
    501
    Deanna
    Aug 1, 2020
  2. Jro

    Co2 Not Gassing Off Overnight

    Jro, Feb 15, 2018, in forum: CO2 Enrichment
    Replies:
    26
    Views:
    3,171
    Simon Yee
    Apr 4, 2019
  3. omartinez

    Turn OFF CO2 at night or not?

    omartinez, Apr 20, 2015, in forum: CO2 Enrichment
    Replies:
    10
    Views:
    6,417
    Tom Barr
    May 31, 2015
  4. Asmack Arabia

    Questions on CO2 Degassing and Nighttime Aeration

    Asmack Arabia, Jan 19, 2014, in forum: CO2 Enrichment
    Replies:
    18
    Views:
    2,009
    Solcielo lawrencia
    Jan 23, 2014
  5. vinlo

    CO2 Off at Night Question

    vinlo, Jun 20, 2012, in forum: CO2 Enrichment
    Replies:
    10
    Views:
    326
    Biollante
    Jun 20, 2012

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...
    Dismiss Notice