Hi all,
As you may know Tom was just here and we had a chance to discuss many plant related and maintenance topics at leisure...It was very nice to be sure...
Anyway, I wanted his opinion on the c02 rate for my 180. Please note the growth is excellent I think and there is very little algae. Some diatoms and a bit of BBA on the tip of the wood closest to the light. Tom suggests some fish control via ottos and rubberlip plecos...
I have a very high bubble rate, certainly not 1-3 bps. I asked Tom if my rate was too high and he basically said that it takes what it takes and forget the rate. Bubble size is not the same and cannot be compared realistically. As long as the fish and critters are not stressed and plenty of oxygen is available, all should be well.
The other thing we agree on was that pearling was irrelevant in terms of guaging the plants overall health. We really need to simply look at the PLANT itself to look for deficiencies or issues.
Since I stopped worrying about bubble rate and pearling I enjoy the tank more and simply adjust c02 slowly and carefully as needed. I have lots of surface agitation and a very light fish load so no stress at all.
Just wanted to say that I spent lots of time thinking about/working towards either bubble rate or pearling that I was chasing red herrings the whole time. Sufficient c02 is on a per tank basis and IMO cannot be compared using bubble rate or the duration of the c02 cylinder.
I would also say that with my new high quality c02 regulator that I have a higher bubble rate than before where I used a 10 lb in 4-5 weeks on my 180. It has now been 3 months and the c02 level hasn't really shifted at all.
So, I think the single stage I had leaked and I did not see where or how.
Just some experience that I wanted to share.....
As you may know Tom was just here and we had a chance to discuss many plant related and maintenance topics at leisure...It was very nice to be sure...
Anyway, I wanted his opinion on the c02 rate for my 180. Please note the growth is excellent I think and there is very little algae. Some diatoms and a bit of BBA on the tip of the wood closest to the light. Tom suggests some fish control via ottos and rubberlip plecos...
I have a very high bubble rate, certainly not 1-3 bps. I asked Tom if my rate was too high and he basically said that it takes what it takes and forget the rate. Bubble size is not the same and cannot be compared realistically. As long as the fish and critters are not stressed and plenty of oxygen is available, all should be well.
The other thing we agree on was that pearling was irrelevant in terms of guaging the plants overall health. We really need to simply look at the PLANT itself to look for deficiencies or issues.
Since I stopped worrying about bubble rate and pearling I enjoy the tank more and simply adjust c02 slowly and carefully as needed. I have lots of surface agitation and a very light fish load so no stress at all.
Just wanted to say that I spent lots of time thinking about/working towards either bubble rate or pearling that I was chasing red herrings the whole time. Sufficient c02 is on a per tank basis and IMO cannot be compared using bubble rate or the duration of the c02 cylinder.
I would also say that with my new high quality c02 regulator that I have a higher bubble rate than before where I used a 10 lb in 4-5 weeks on my 180. It has now been 3 months and the c02 level hasn't really shifted at all.
So, I think the single stage I had leaked and I did not see where or how.
Just some experience that I wanted to share.....
