I'm wanting a few opinions on a Co2 misting period. Lately, I've been fighting this long thread algae. In my efforts to establish a consistent CO2 level, I've reduced my lighting period to 6 hours and started misting co2, 2 hours before the lights come on and stopping the misting 1 hour prior to lights shutting off. The thread algae isn't completely gone but slowing down noticeably in its growth. I'm wondering if it would make sense to start misting co2 3 hours prior to lights coming on and shutting it off 2 hours prior to lights shutting off. My lighting period is from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM and I wouldn't mind seeing the aquarium at night without the mist everywhere. I'm typically watching TV and my aquarium at about 8:00 PM.
Background info:
46 gallon bowfront with a 4x39 watt T5HO fixture running only 1 6500K and 1 Pink Current bulbs. I used to use Giesmann's but the fixture is only 5 inches above the water and Giesmann's might have to much PAR for that distance.
Pressurized CO2 with UPAqua inline mister, indicating yellow with slight green in 4 dkh drop checker in the evening. Drop checker still indicates lime green at 7:00 AM. Water flow provided by Rena XP2 filter in left rear aimed at right rear corner and Koralia style water pump in right rear corner aimed at front middle glass.
KNO3 dosed to 10.5 ppm every other day, kh2po4 dosed to 3.23 ppm every other day, k2so4 every other day 2.4 ppm and micros dosed to .3 ppm Fe every other day. 50 % water changes at least once per week.
Front one third of aquarium covered with Stauro 049, middle third is crypts, Bolbitus and Fava Fern. Rear third is Rotala Macandra, H. Macromoides and Hygro Tiger.
Since the drop checker still "indicates" green CO2 levels in the morning, I was wondering if shutting off CO2 2 hours before lights out would cause a fluctuation noticed by algae. The fish might appreciate the shorter CO2 period as well.
Thanks in advance for your opinions.
Background info:
46 gallon bowfront with a 4x39 watt T5HO fixture running only 1 6500K and 1 Pink Current bulbs. I used to use Giesmann's but the fixture is only 5 inches above the water and Giesmann's might have to much PAR for that distance.
Pressurized CO2 with UPAqua inline mister, indicating yellow with slight green in 4 dkh drop checker in the evening. Drop checker still indicates lime green at 7:00 AM. Water flow provided by Rena XP2 filter in left rear aimed at right rear corner and Koralia style water pump in right rear corner aimed at front middle glass.
KNO3 dosed to 10.5 ppm every other day, kh2po4 dosed to 3.23 ppm every other day, k2so4 every other day 2.4 ppm and micros dosed to .3 ppm Fe every other day. 50 % water changes at least once per week.
Front one third of aquarium covered with Stauro 049, middle third is crypts, Bolbitus and Fava Fern. Rear third is Rotala Macandra, H. Macromoides and Hygro Tiger.
Since the drop checker still "indicates" green CO2 levels in the morning, I was wondering if shutting off CO2 2 hours before lights out would cause a fluctuation noticed by algae. The fish might appreciate the shorter CO2 period as well.
Thanks in advance for your opinions.
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