[rezco]

The issue is not the pH or alkalinity but the method used for diffusing CO2 in the water itself - what are you using?

 

[anthony10292]

I used a ceramic diffuser but didn't like the microbubbles in the tank. I now use an inline reactor, the ista max mix. It seems to work well. The co2 gets chopped up in the reactor and only a few tiny bubbles make it into the tank.

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[anthony10292]

I would say my diffusion method is good. No leaks found.
To my knowledge, the higher kh, the more co2 it takes to reach the desired ppm of co2. I may be misinformed though.

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[rezco]

I would say my diffusion method is good. No leaks found.
To my knowledge, the higher kh, the more co2 it takes to reach the desired ppm of co2. I may be misinformed though.

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The higher the KH the more CO2 needs to be dissolved to get the same pH drop. The ppm CO2 does not change. So if you see a small pH drop after running CO2 and your tank has high KH then you might actually be fine. Have you looked at a pH/KH/CO2 chart?

If after factoring in KH and pH you find CO2 is still low then I would look at CO2 delivery and CO2 loss rates. You already mentioned the Insta mix is doing a good job so let's not worry about that.

The next variable is CO2 loss. Any filter or pump that is disturbing the surface with agitation will cause CO2 to leave the tank. Sumps and under tank drains are another factor as they allow ambient air to mix with the CO2 rich water.

 

[anthony10292]

The higher the kh, the more co2 it takes to drop the ph. The lower the ph and kh, the less co2 you need right?

I have a drop checker but really don't pay much attention to it. I mainly test the pH and kh and compare it to the kh/pH co2 chart. During peak times, pH is around 6.8-7. 3 hours after co2 has been off pH is 7.4-7.6.

I use an eheim canister. And I have 2 circulation pumps. A koralia nano 240 and a 420. The 420 is slightly pointed towards the surface to create some surface movement. But it really doesn't break the surface. Its also on a time to come on for 30mins every other hour. I have it on a timer because I had a bad oil slick but I didn't want it running 24/7.

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