how about this for CO2 injection?... comparatively

[Prometheus]

so being a "poor college student" i haven't spent the money on a traditional co2 system. but after reading about different types and learning about bubble ladders and upside down bubble catching things (very scientific name don't you think?) i decided to simply set the exhaust from my filter to create a bubble jet which leads into my plants... including a clump of java moss... which catches the bubbles and acts as a "natural" bubble ladder. (pic included) and yes, while some of it is oxygen, some of it is still co2, and that's what counts. the thing is... i want ya'lls more experienced advice because im thinking of stuffing my tank full of plants and i just wanted to know if i might need some additional help with co2 levels in my tank or should i be fine. not sure what all info you need to give an educated answer (pH levels and lighting leves, ect. ect. ect.) but im sure i can provide that info if ya'll need it. so whatever other info is required to solve this problem just ask and ill see if i can get you an answer and we can figure this thing out. thanks

what info i can provide right off the bat (im feeling a little under the weather with a stuffy head so this post might sound a bit scatter brained... if so, my apologies lol) is as follows....

its a standard 29 gallon

im running two 30" dual strip HO T5s for a total of 124 watts. bulbs range from (i think, ill have double check) powerglow (lifeglow or whatever they are called), a 10000K, a 67000K, and an actinic.

sand is that "supernaturals" stuff from petsmart and other places.

temp is about 78 - 80

i do regular enough water changes and keep an eye on the health of my fish, if the ever look like they need a water change i give it... that's how i watch my water chemistry... i haven't done a water test in years so i don't know what the pH or any of that stuff is. i know my tap water used to come out high at around 8+

 

[ar0wan]

I'd at least supplement with EXCEL
but I recommend FLOURISH as well
When I got out of bed this morning
I almost Fell

 

[jcardona1]

You have ton of light over that tank, perhaps that's why your plants are covered in algae. I'd scale it back, about tenfold! Co2 in the atmosphere and in your tank will reach equilibrium on it's own (a little surface movement will help) but you won't get it higher than 3-4ppm. Most co2-injected tanks are running 30-50ppm.

I would add Excel on a daily basis

 

[ScottieB]

I'd agree - with that much light you'll need some more serious CO2 or you're going to battle algae. Either back off the light (raise it up a few inches at least if you can - many of those lights come with feet) or set up a DIY CO2 bottle or two. I run mine through my Fluval and get 25-35ppm most of the time on my 29 (my 29 is a bow front though, so taller than standard, and I still raise my very similar lights up on the feet - about 3-4").

 

[JasonG75]

Also if you using a HOB I would suggest FILLING the tank up all the way because all the splashing is GASSING off your co2

 

[jcardona1]

Also if you using a HOB I would suggest FILLING the tank up all the way because all the splashing is GASSING off your co2

He's not injecting co2, so he isn't gassing off anything. In fact, surface agitation helps the gas exchange that occurs at the surface of the aquarium, whereby co2 enters the water from the atmosphere.

 

[JasonG75]

He's not injecting co2, so he isn't gassing off anything. In fact, surface agitation helps the gas exchange that occurs at the surface of the aquarium, whereby co2 enters the water from the atmosphere.

READ AGAIN:

"i decided to simply set the exhaust from my filter to create a bubble jet which leads into my plants... including a clump of java moss... which catches the bubbles and acts as a "natural" bubble ladder. (pic included) and yes, while some of it is oxygen, some of it is still co2, and that's what counts."

He from what I understand is using a ladder method is this not HomeBrew co2? If he is talking about the gas exchange in fish waste as co2 then we are only talking maybe 2-3ppm whereas planted tanks (most) run 25-30ppm with pressurized co2.
Now, when injecting co2 little to NO surface aggitation is what we try to achieve in order to not WASTE (gas off) our Co2 levels. This can also been seen if one is using a drop checker with calibrated 4dKH solution.

Run your system with the spraybar slightly hitting the surface..You will notice your indicator color remains in the dark green area
Now run your system with the spraybar NOT hitting the surface and that dark green now turns to lime green which indicated a ppm of 25-30.

 

[jcardona1]

is this not HomeBrew co2?

This is what I'm not sure of...

Now, when injecting co2 little to NO surface aggitation is what we try to achieve in order to not WASTE (gas off) our Co2 levels. This can also been seen if one is using a drop checker with calibrated 4dKH solution.

I've gotten away from this old idea. By having a decent amount of surface agitation, you have higher levels of dissolved oxygen. Higher levels of dissolved oxygen means the fish can withstand higher level of co2 in the water. This means you have more flexibility when trying to combat algae and getting your plants to grow healthier.

My planted tank ran a sump with two returns at the surface creating a nice strong current. My dropchecker was consistently yellow, all day. Never had one fish hang at the surface and they were all as healthy as can be. Some folks start to have fish gasping as soon as the DC turns bright green - that is due to the lack of dissolved oxygen caused by the lack of surface agitation.

In summary, more surface agitation = more dissolved oxygen which means you can push co2 higher which = happier plants and healthy fish. The tradeoff of course is some wasted co2, but that is a small price to pay as refills are cheap.

 

[ar0wan]

He's not using DIY CO2
he's just pumping atmospheric air
into the water column

 

[Prometheus]

im home from work and im a bit more clear-headed now, still a little congested but atleast im awake and can think! lol

He's not using DIY CO2
he's just pumping atmospheric air
into the water column

right! im not using DYI co2 injection. im using a fluval submersible filter. one of the old 3 Plus series. if your not familiar with this type of filter ill describe it for you. its basically a powerhead that has a plastic vented (for water flow in) chamber attached underneath; the entire unit (filter) sits in the water and stuck to the back of the tank with suction cups. ummm.... here... go follow this link, it has a picture. http://www.aquahobby.com/products/e_fluvalplus.php

the system goes like this:
atmospheric air is injected with the filter exhaust.
bubbles make their way across the tank and get stuck in java moss.
bubbles slowly work their way out of java moss... like a natural bubble ladder.

does it make sense now?