CO2 (&pH?) level at different tank locations

Hi Tom.

I have been doing a lot of reading about CO2. I now appreciate that this is the area where I should be focussing all (most) of my attention.

I was reading last night about how you used an expensive CO2 probe to check CO2 levels at various places within a tank; interesting stuff - I was under the impression that the CO2 would be reasonably evenly distributed throughout the tank.. but I can see that's not the case.

I'm just wondering - what happens with pH in all these areas?

Assuming the kH remains the same, which it would, if you measure one area near where the CO2 is entering the tank and find 100ppm, and then in another spot you only measure 10ppm - doesn't this mean that the pH will be different in different places of the tank too? Wouldn't this case issues with the fish as they constantly swim through 'patches' of water with differing pH?

I can't see any reason how the pH could not change if the CO2 is 'patchy' ?

Maybe you've already answered this but I've missed a thread somewhere...

It seems that circulation is a whole lot more important than I thought too! I read something about putting the plants in the middle of the tank and letting the water swirl all the way around them. This seems like the best way of getting good circulation. It seems very difficult to get good circulation yet good dense planting - any tips on how to best achieve this?

Scott.

 

Ok I see. I thought the water would change pH instantly though.

I remember reading about your reverse flow UG filter idea. Sounds like a good idea and a good concept to experiment with.

Yeah - my tank looks like a glass of lemonate at the moment! As long as the plants grow well I don't mind. ;-)