CO2 and a PH Controller

[skiwez]

HI All,

Just started a planted tank things seem to be going OK got some algea but not to bad. The one question I have is it preferable to use a PH contoller to run the CO2 or just run it a XX bps to run in tandem with my light period? The tank is a standard 55 gallon with 4 55 watt compact flourescent lights. Lots of plants

 

[WyldFya]

Do you have livestock, or is it planted only??

 

[Lonewolfblue]

HI All,

Just started a planted tank things seem to be going OK got some algea but not to bad. The one question I have is it preferable to use a PH contoller to run the CO2 or just run it a XX bps to run in tandem with my light period? The tank is a standard 55 gallon with 4 55 watt compact flourescent lights. Lots of plants

Controller is not required. It's just fine running it just on a timer. The only thing you would need to watch out for is tank dump when the CO2 bottle is almost empty. Once the liquid CO2 is gone, and it starts decreasing in tank pressure, the output pressure increases, causing the CO2 output to increase. Other than that, you don't really need a controller. It's more of a personal preference. I used one for a year, and found it to be a PITA. I no longer use it, and I have 4 planted tanks with CO2, and all have inhabitants as well. Just keep an eye on the bubble count when starting, tweaking it in for the first week, which you'll have to do. Once it's tweaked in, you won't have to adjust it anymore til the tank get's close to being empty. And even with tank dump happening to me once, I never lost any fish because I was able to catch it in time.

 

[WyldFya]

Still got the pH controller?? I'll gladly take it off your hands!

 

[Lonewolfblue]

Yes, I still have it. Debating on if I'll ever use it again. Will keep you in mind if I decide to get rid of it.