Hi Scott, all,
I apologize in advance for the length of this post...
Okay. Here are three videos of my Rio 1000 with a split blade config.
The first two videos simply show the CURRENT bubble rate and mist from different angles. Can you count the bubbles per
second? I think the mist it provide is pretty darn good personally, and I have been using a mazzei for awhile now.
The third video shows the operation as I INCREASE the bubble rate significantly. At the HIGHEST rate in the video, that
was LESS than I was feeding my mazzei. More on that later.
The LOWEST rate is what I would think of as 4-6 bubbles per second.
Please note:
1. The rythmic noise from the rio. I attribute this to the shoddy DIY snipping job
No noise with c02 off, so is useful
to know it is 'on' and getting c02 lol
2. The size increase/decrease of the mist and associated bubbles as the bubble rate changes...
Very effective method of c02 diffusion...
I will be back but wanted to post the video..
Front view of current rate and operation. Note the nice mist produced.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0o6pcfMJNw0
Side view of current rate and operation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p824IhYwvk8
And here I increase the rate to what the mazzei rate was, back to my current rate, and down to 3-5 bps? Please note the corresponding increase/decrease in mist vs bubbles..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgKr3OcmOs8
So, back from commercial...lol
I am pretty sure that Tom is indeed only using this method for his 180 but his lighting is different. PAR may be closer than we think
but I think I am higher PAR than he is right now...avg range 75-100 at substrate and close to 190-200 at surface...
You can see why I am always so interested in bubble rates from the posters...
I know that something was off and looks like I was right....
Even though the mazzei provided good mist that was detectable all over, I had two lingering issues:
1. Consistent plant growth and algae issues (albeit small) that could only be c02 related. Carpet plants were the hardest to keep for me but I can see the signs of poor c02 around here and there. Intermittent issues are always a good indication that c02 may be off.
2. Tremendous usage of c02. Filling a 10lb bottle once a month!
For example my new stauro would do well, than not, than okay in MOST areas but not all. Same with HC. Do well and than get algae covered. Do well and melt. You get the idea.
About 10 days ago now I did the following:
1. Installed a vortech mp20
2. Shut off my mazzei leg and directed that flow to the other legs/outlets. Much improved flow as the mazzei requires a lot.
3. Installed the Rio pump as you see above. Don't laugh it is not permanently placed and I am still 'experimenting'
so aesthetics don't matter
This also adds a nice flow across the center carpet stauro..
4. Lowered the bubble rate SIGNIFICANTLY as per the video. The highest rate in the last video was the mazzei rate. Compare
that to the rate in the first two videos. Can you see a difference?
Since that time I have observed the following:
1. Tremendous growth in the stauro. Size of plants and leaves increased significantly.
2. Better and earlier pearling. Much more consistent with a water change..
3. Reduction in some of the cladorpha that plauges small areas of substrate and wood.
4. Better growth in all anubias which were lagging somewhat.
5. Better overall growth it seems but it also could be plant momentum that Tom speaks of as things HAVE been going well!
I realize that the improvements were due to many items not just the rio mod, but I am just pointing out I guess that you can think that
you have a great setup (mazzei and good pump) and all is working 'optimally', and things could always be better if you are having lingering issues.
I think now that I will soon have one of those 100% algae free tanks with the great growth that folks here have...
I may not be optimal just yet, but so much better I think with just some small simple improvements.
I feel confident that I will be able to lower the rate more but we will see. No fish stress at all and plants are really doing well...