CO2 @ lights off

[HiGhTiMeZ]

so ive learned that having co2 continously injecting even @ night or lights off is useless... and may even be harmful.

Situation: i have 55gal semi heavy planted tank with 2 diy co2 injector. (soda bottles)

Question: does any1 here shuts off their co2 injector? if yes, how?

~i think i can use those T-valves that have air regulators and turn it off manually when i turn the lights off.

comments? suggestions? or shud i really care ?
thanks in advance.

 

[WyldFya]

You don't want to shut off the CO2 in reaction co2. If you do that, when you open the valve back up, you will have a co2 dump, which can be quite lethal. With pressurized co2, you shut off at night using a solenoid. You do need to worry about the co2 at night if you have a lot of fish. The easiest thing is to run a bubbler opposite the lights.

 

[HiGhTiMeZ]

haaaaaa wyld ur a savior!!!!!
i was just about to cut the tubes but i thought of checking my thread 1st...

THANKS ALOT DUDE!!
id just have to take out the foams i put in front of my ac100 to get surface agitation and release o2 again on lights off.

heh, this planted thing can sometimes be complicated.

 

[WyldFya]

Planted tanks can be very complicated. I still get stumped from time to time, and I've been at it for a long time.

 

[Lrry93]

Put the lights and Solenoid for the regulator on a timer. It easy and maintenance free that way

 

[evercl92]

Put the lights and Solenoid for the regulator on a timer. It easy and maintenance free that way

Rather difficult to run a solenoid on DIY CO2 though.

But the airstone at night thing is what most people do. Personally, I've never had an issue, DIY or pressurized.

 

[HiGhTiMeZ]

all righty then!
thanks alot guys!

 

[WyldFya]

Put the lights and Solenoid for the regulator on a timer. It easy and maintenance free that way

Won't work on reaction co2. You would have a co2 dump in the morning when the lights came on, likely killing all the fish.