C02, light, etc

[mat692]

Hi been reading the forums and got too much info now Im thinking I need to make some changes?

>I have started using a coke bottle CO2 sys with the outlet into the inlet of one of my filters, should I be gettin rid of my 02 airstone.

>Ive also just started using flourish and read to take the carbon out of my filter as it takes out the nutrients is this correct?

>My lights are old workshop fluros, It has twin 65 daylight bulbs but are about a million years old should I be replacing the bulbs :-?

The tank is 47in W by 16in H by 15in D, has UG filter a Cosmo 1900F internal with the CO2 going into it and a millenium 2000 set up with noodles Carbon then wool. the light over hangs both ends of the tank by about 2". :roll:

[Faran]

I have started using a coke bottle CO2 sys with the outlet into the inlet of one of my filters, should I be gettin rid of my 02 airstone.

No, but you may want to hook up your airstone to run only at night. Timer on the air pump does this well. You should look into using a second coke bottle as a safety in case your CO2 generating bottle tips over. You don't want all that crud getting into your tank.

Ive also just started using flourish and read to take the carbon out of my filter as it takes out the nutrients is this correct?

Most people stop using carbon in their filters unless absolutely necessary as it leeches the nasties back in the water once it gets old.

My lights are old workshop fluros, It has twin 65 daylight bulbs but are about a million years old should I be replacing the bulbs :-?

Flouro bulbs should be replaced every 6 months.

HTH!

[mat692]

Thanks is there any reason for only running O2 at night,

Ive set up my CO2 so if it tips it will fall and pull the hose out of the tank so no probs with that

[Plantman]

Thanks is there any reason for only running O2 at night,

Ive set up my CO2 so if it tips it will fall and pull the hose out of the tank so no probs with that

if you run your strong O2 during the day, it will be competing for space in the water. your Co2 will lose and therefore defeat the purpose of having CO2 in the first place. Blue is right, if you allow the O2 to be back on at night, it will made sure that your CO2 is not excessive.

[Faran]

Another reason is that CO2 is released from the water due to surface agitation (bubbles) so it's good to have it on during the night (when plants produce CO2 anyways) and off during the day when you're doing your CO2 injection.

So have you figured out what you'll be doing as far as a CO2 diffuser goes? Some people inject it into the canister filter but I've seen some really sexy ceramic/glass diffusers with a built in bubble counter that I'm gonna try and get...

To explain, the CO2 runs down the glass tube and then enters the spiralled section from the bottom. At this point you get to watch the bubbles wind their way up until released at the top. They then sit under the ceramic porous disc which breaks it down into millions of microscopic bubbles.

This is a bit of a hybrid between two of the popular designs by Amano's ADA glass works. I should have these on the market by the end of the month.

[evil_elmo]

BlueandKim

i got some of those glass diffusers when i went back to hong kong last year. i wanted to use them on my DIY CO2 but it wont work. there isnt enough pressure for the CO2 to come out

i ended up getting my gf to get me a pressured CO2 setup from over there....

ps

if you know anyone in asia get them to get your fish stuff since its SO cheap its not funny

[Faran]

good point, would definitely have to be a pressurized system.