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OK could someone just read over this make sure i'm going about this the right way? im just goin to type out my thoughts and if ive made a boo boo anywhere please correct me, or feel free to add anything!

I tested my water, results:

PH = 8
GH = 200 which is 11.2dH
KH = 150 which is 8.4dH

My water paramaters give me CO2 readings of about 2.52ppm. They should be about 15ppm? And no more than 30ppm

So I get a two litre drinks bottle, make a hole in the top, fit some air line tubing into the lid, seal that with fish safe sealant. Plumb the other end into the fish tank. Think im going to use a ladder with a sponge at the top to keep the bubbles in contact with the water longer... as the longer they are in contact the better? If thats the case would it be possible just to invert a clear plastic tube block one end and bubble the bubbles into that? i need some sort of release in the tubing just incase something gets blocked so a T join with a rubber stopper should do the trick?

then get 2 cups water 2 cups Sugar ¼ teaspoon Active Dry Yeast ¼ cup warm water, put the yeast in the warm water and pour everything into the 2 litre bottle. put on cap. and thats it?

As i have quite high KH my PH shouldnt lower too much too quickly, so when i start running my CO2 my fish shouldnt suffer any serious stress. I will test my water daily to monitor progress and CO2 levels. If anyone is interested i will also post my findings.

Anything else guys? Am i on the right track? Even close? lol

Depending on the size of your tank, you might need one of[link= these ]http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/diy_reactor.htm [/link] which really helps the CO2 diffuse into the water. I also had to use 2 2-liter bottles to get enough CO2. All that was for a 38G tank. The plants will appreciate it though.

Last edited by mattyboombatty at 30-Nov-2004 18:05

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Hi,
Sounds like you are on track and I agree with Matt's
post. I use a reactor with my tank and it works great,
far better than with a diffuser.

At equilibrium CO2 saturation is about 5mg/l. If you are
running around 2mg/l, I'd say that you are running something
that is agitating the surface and aeriating it.

You are correct, you would want to run between 15 and 30
mg/l saturation.
Have Fun!

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

hey there's no fly's on you frank!! I've got a fair amount of surface agitation from the return of the canister... will sort that out...

my tanks about 18 Gal i will look into making a reactor, thanks for all the help