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When should I install the Co2 system?

727 Views 7 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  bigbites, 
B
Here is a noob question for you all..

Im just setting up the tank..

Substrate - Check
Filter operational - Check
Heater - Check
Lighting (acquired but not yet set up)

I wanted to take baby steps and do this right.. Im going to put my bulbs in the hood and test out the lights tomorrow.. to make sure they are ready to go.

Im still waiting for the cloudy water to clear up (assuming it's from the sand/substrate and tank only a day or two old)..

I have no plants or fish yet as I wanted to make sure mechanics were in place and I got the cycling going..

So the big question is.. When should I set up my Co2 system?

I assume setting it up now while nothing is in the tank to interfere is a good idea. Make sure it's operational.. and just wait to turn it on when I get plants in .. but is that an immediate thing or should I wait until after cycling?

What say you, oh wise community..?
I did a search but didn't find anything in relation to timing..
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Darkblade48
You can set it up whenever it is convenient for you :)

Best to set it up before you get your plants, as you have mentioned though.
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B
Thank you sir!
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B
When should I activate the co2 system though? On day one of planting.?
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C
I would set it up, now and start doing your fishless cycle. Definantly don't try a fish cycle,with your first one. I always run mine for 24 hours, then start dialing in my co2 levels. Start the timing and get a good photodiode then I plant. Usually takes me about 3 days. Won't hurt nothing though to plant it and then start it. Just be sure to have your lights going. I always like to make sure all my equipment is running properly before adding any living thing. As dark said it's up to you and what your wanting to do.

-Chris

And definantly get it going, whenever your planning on planting. Plants usually do good just don't put to much ammonia in it if your doing that.

-Chris
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B
So running co2 with out the plants is ok too? I assume with out lights so algae doesn't start...right.?
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Darkblade48
bigbites said:
So running co2 with out the plants is ok too? I assume with out lights so algae doesn't start...right.?
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If you don't have plants, then there is no real reason to turn on/off lights nor turn on/off CO2.

It would be a waste of electricity and CO2 gas, respectively.

Whenever you decide to put in live plants, you can start CO2 and turning the lights on.
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Darkblade48 said:
If you don't have plants, then there is no real reason to turn on/off lights nor turn on/off CO2.

It would be a waste of electricity and CO2 gas, respectively.

Whenever you decide to put in live plants, you can start CO2 and turning the lights on.
Click to expand...
Thank you Dark.. I know that sounded like a stupid question.. and this was the answer I was looking for. I am so afraid of making a mistake that I feel compelled to ask borderline dumb questions :)

This is my first tank this size.. and Im going all in with the plants and Co2, etc.. my biggest fear is doing something wrong and starting an Algae war or something like that.
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