CO2 in the planted fish/shrimp harboring aquarium

[Ron Sower]

Hi Folks!

I'm starting this thread  topic because I'm thinking seriously about setting up CO2 when we get back into our home and that an overdose may lead to CO2 poisioning of our fish. 

We have a highly populated, heavily planted, 54g with 2 large caniter filters on it, no airstone, but constantly moving water surface.   From my past education, I learned that most of the O2 absorption in an aquarium occurs at the surface.

Question #1....Is the current thinking that the highest O2 absorption rate is still at the surface of the water column?  (Any studies to support this?)
Question #2....How does one determine the balance of CO2 injection so as not to poison the animals in the tank? (Is trial and error the only way?)

Thanks for feedback,
flr

[BallAquatics]

Question #1....Is the current thinking that the highest O2 absorption rate is still at the surface of the water column?  (Any studies to support this?)

There is some transfer from plants and fish under the surface of the water, but most is transferred at the surface, both in and out of the water.

Question #2....How does one determine the balance of CO2 injection so as not to poison the animals in the tank? (Is trial and error the only way?)

The amount of dissolved CO2 in the water will change your pH.  There are charts on the Internet that will show the correlation as well as optimum levels.

Dennis

[Mugwump]

You might try a 2 litre pop bottle DIY unit first.....they are not big enough to bother your PH and do a nice job, and are cheap/easy to run....I have a couple and Scott rigged a nice setup for his....perhaps he'll chime in....

[b125killer]

I stopped using the 2 litter bottle and started using pressurized CO2. I had a few CO2 bottles from when I was into paintball. I got  adapter for the bottle off ebay. I also got a bubble counter and CO2 Glass Diffuser off ebay. I just try and get a bubble a second from the counter and everything has been good. I like it better than dealing with the yeast and sugar mixture. And I didn't like cleaning out the old mixture out. 

[Ron Sower]

What I have are 2 - 24oz paintball bottles that Aron alerted me to.  The lady I got them from happened to be someone that I've bought fish from in the past and I loved going to her house to see her fish and her beautiful planted tanks.  So those are the 2 setups I'll start with.

[Mugwump]

What I have are 2 - 24oz paintball bottles that Aron alerted me to.  The lady I got them from happened to be someone that I've bought fish from in the past and I loved going to her house to see her fish and her beautiful planted tanks.  So those are the 2 setups I'll start with.

Just a reminder....watch Aron and any projectile.....LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL....like corn..did you ever ask him about the dimple in the bottom of good wine bottles???

[Ron Sower]

Okay, Aron....let's hear this!!!

[P4Angels]

OH hear we go 

[Mugwump]

Once upon a time, in a place not so far away.........

[P4Angels]

a great adventure took place....

[P4Angels2]

after the great meeting of the minds with an auzzie and Illinoisians and Iowans...

The Ox Yoke Inn will never be the same

[Mugwump]

It was a wild and fun time amongst good friends....

[Mugwump]

and I never did find out about the remote computer camera that Aron had ??..it was mounted where???

[P4Angels]

stir that pot a little more my friend....

[b125killer]

This sounds like the beginnings of a good story.