chemistry measurements

magsdez · Post by **magsdez** » Sun May 25, 2008 12:30 pm

Hi. Had a question about water testing. I just put in my CO2 and was wondering when in the day/night cycle should I be measuring everything? Since I just started the co2 about 30min ago, when should I do the initial testing? I've read over this site and AGA for as much info as I can, so anything else anyone can think of that I need to watch out for. We have med hard water (I'll get back with you on the specifics). pH 7.5 (peat moss in the fluval filter) and an unfortunate problem with very high nitrates, which has been causing me to do 35-40% water changes at least once a week.

Thank you and when is the next meeting? I was out of town yesterday, so I couldn't attend.

ingg · Post by **ingg** » Sun May 25, 2008 1:10 pm

Right bfore the lights come on should be the lowest PH reading, assuming you are running CO2 24 hours a day.

magsdez · Post by **magsdez** » Sun May 25, 2008 1:36 pm

I have it on a timer, so only during "daylight" hours.

neilanh · Post by **neilanh** » Sun May 25, 2008 1:39 pm

It takes a few hours to get the water fully saturated with CO2. Allow that to happen before you test.

magsdez · Post by **magsdez** » Sun May 25, 2008 5:54 pm

kinda what I thought as well, but good to have confirmation.
Thanks!

Jeff120 · Post by **Jeff120** » Sun May 25, 2008 7:18 pm

Next meeting is the 28th of June.

I would measure the KH and PH every few hrs. You should see your PH drop every hour or so. Its a good idea to keep an eye on the fish, it they are at the surface the CO2 is to high.

magsdez · Post by **magsdez** » Tue May 27, 2008 1:51 am

Well, I let the system "sit" for about 24hrs then tested again. At 1 bubble per 3 sec, no change in pH or KH. I increased the CO2 to 1 bubble/2 sec and will retest same time tomorrow (or today if you notice the time

). Fish seem fine. I've a KH of 130ppm with a pH of about 7.5-both tests are the Hagen system for consistancy. Am I on the right track?

magsdez · Post by **magsdez** » Tue May 27, 2008 1:53 am

Well, I let the system "sit" for about 24hrs then tested again. At 1 bubble per 3 sec, no change in pH or KH. I increased the CO2 to 1 bubble/2 sec and will retest same time tomorrow (or today if you notice the time

). Fish seem fine. I've a KH of 130ppm with a pH of about 7.5-both tests are the Hagen system for consistancy. Am I on the right track?

ingg · Post by **ingg** » Tue May 27, 2008 8:38 am

On the right track - what size tank?

I'm running at least a bubble a second into all of my tanks... 75g at 2 bps, and 180g at, umm, more than that.

magsdez · Post by **magsdez** » Wed May 28, 2008 12:15 am

I have a 75gal running at 1bubble/2sec. I'm running it through one of my filters. Tested again today with no change yet in KH or pH. On a suggestion by my BF, I readjusted the outtake nozzle to sit further down then where it has been; near the surface. If I don't get any changes by tomorrow, I'll try your suggestion ingg. I have a 12 gal with the Hagen yeast that's doing great. Pearling and everything. Just can't seem to get it going with the 75gal or the 2.5.

Well, I'll keep you all updated. Thanks

chemistry measurements

chemistry measurements

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