CO2 on timer and large pH swings?

[Laith]

Yesterday I disconnected my solenoid from my pH controller and connected it to a timer to turn CO2 on and off with the lights (actually on about an hour before lights on). I have a KH of 12.5 so set the bubble rate yesterday to give me a pH of 7, so around 43mg/l of CO2.

This morning after the CO2 being off for over 12 hours, the pH monitor is showing a pH of 7.58.

I know that pH variances shouldn't pose a problem but is there a limit? Here we're talking almost 0.6 of a variance. Is this still tolerable?

 

[Spar]

Re: CO2 on timer and large pH swings?

still tolerable

Shalu on plantedtank has swings of .7-1 each night on his tank.

I have had 1 swings too from co2 injection and never had side-effects. Not at the frequency Shalu does though.

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: CO2 on timer and large pH swings?

For future references: pH swings in FW lakes can go from pH 6 to pH10 daily, some averages for fully planted (50% or more surface area) lakes averages about 2 full pH units.

So since everybody likes to discuss natural things when it comes to their tanks and routines and why they do certain things, this is suddenly ignored...........

We add CO2 for the plants to grow, it is used as a fertilizer, not pH control!! :gw :gw :gw :gw

Regards,
Tom Barr