[kribification]

Hi everyone,

I have a 55g high tech planted tank and with the bubble rates I need to see proper growth on my R. macrandra, the bubbles are too fast to count and bubble counter has no water left in it in 2 days. I guess I simply need a bubble counter that produces larger but fewer bubbles but I can not find any where I live. Any suggestions (may be on a DIY one) would be greatly appreciated.

( I have seen a glass bubble counter on the web, which can be reversed to produce larger /fewer bubbles but it is not available here and I can not possibly duplicate its shape by DIY)

 

[bsantucci]

Bubble counter is kinda worthless when you get to uncountable levels. I haven't had water in mine for a year now. If the plants and fish are happy don't even worry about it.

 

[benealing]

Using plain mineral oil will slow the ascent of the bubbles and make them easier to count. It also will not evaporate. HOWEVER, when I used it, it eventually found its way into my tank and I had to soak it up with paper towels.

I am now comfortable enough with CO2 to just watch my fish and make very slight adjustments when I feel it is needed.

Maybe consider a pH controller if you really need to keep close track on your CO2 level.

 

[kribification]

Thanks for the answers, it is relieving to see others not relying on bubble count. It makes sense to observe the tank and guesstimate, but I still think it would be nice to have an idea. It would help detecting possible leaks, for example.