Part 2 of 2 of CO2 Injection for Planted Aquariums. To read the first part, click here.
How do I administer CO2 to an aquarium?
A typical CO2 setup consists of a pollen glass atomizer, CO2 bubble counter, CO2 regulator,
and a container of liquid carbon dioxide. Theses items are made out of
glass to give the nature
aquarium a clean look without the extra components, and makes the
equipment easier to clean. Plastic equipment is also available as a cheaper alternative.
The pollen glass atomizer takes the liquid
CO2 and turns it into tiny bubbles that are pumped into the tank. Tiny bubbles make it easier for the CO2 to dissolve into the water, because they have a higher surface area.
A CO2 bubble counter counts the number of bubbles released per
second into the tank, preventing all of it from being released at once. A CO2 regulator controls the volume of CO2 being released to the bubble counter.
How does CO2 affect the aquarium water chemistry?
The addition of CO2 affects pH and water hardness (KH). The pH
will change slightly during the day and during the night which will not harm
any tank inhabitants. The changing of the KH
that can cause osmotic shock to fish and plants.
The KH is affected by shifts in the pH, so if the shifts of the pH are very small than KH changes will not cause harm to the fish. A large drop or increase in pH could easily cause a large drop/rise in KH and cause a massive die off of your plants and fish. This is where pH testing and water hardness testing is greatly advised.
Hopefully, CO2 administration in your nature aquarium or planted aquarium will be made easier by this two part guide. Check back soon for our step-by-step guide of setting up a nature aquarium!
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