i've seen people say their co2 reads between 20-30 ppm. is there a co2 test out there that i'm over looking on all the product sites? i mean, what's the deal? 
how do you test co2?
- Thread starter danepatrick
- Start date
Though they can be expensive, the best way I've found for doing all of my water testing is by the use of test-specific meters. A dissolved CO2 meter can run from $120 USD and up. The probe can add another $40 - $200 depending on sensitivity level and ease of calibration. Current pricing may be off from my numbers since I bought my meters and probes several years ago.
Here's a better kit that also measures KH - carbonate hardness which affects the solubility of CO2 in water.
Red Sea Deluxe Lab
measures: pH High, pH Low, Ammonia, Nitrite, GH, KH, Chlorine, Iron, & CO2
Correct water conditions are essential for the health and development of both fish and plants. Performing the tests included in the Deluxe Fresh-Lab will assist in establishing and maintaining a successful aquarium.
A stable pH, maintained at the natural level for specific aquarium inhabitants is essential for their well-being and therefore should be checked regularly.
Ammonia, which is toxic for fish, is regularly introduced into the aquarium by fish waste. A functioning Biological Filter, which house living colonies of nitrifying bacteria, will convert the ammonia to nitrite and thereafter to nitrate, which are less harmful. Regular testing for ammonia will provide a positive indication that your Biological Filter is functioning correctly and that it is in balance with the stocking level.
Iron is an essential element regularly taken up by plants. In order to dose iron supplements such as FloraFe, it is important to monitor the level of iron present in the water.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is taken up regularly by aquarium plants. Over stocking of plants in the aquarium can deplete the carbon dioxide adversely effecting their growth. The solubility of CO2 in water is affected by the Carbonate hardness (KH) of the water. All plants and many fish species are dependant on a specific General Hardness (GH) for their well being. Therefore both GH and KH should be monitored regularly.
Chlorine is often used to ensure that tap water is safe for human consumption, it is however harmful to fish, plants and nitrifying bacteria. Use the chlorine kit to ensure that only chlorine free water is added to your aquarium.
Red Sea Deluxe Lab: $34.99
Contains the following individual Fresh test:
pH High - 100 tests
pH Low - 100 tests
Ammonia - 60 tests
Nitrite - 80 tests,
GH - 25 tests
KH - 25 tests
Chlorine - 60 tests
Iron - 60 tests
CO2 - 35 tests
The kit also contains FREE BONUS 25 ml bottles for each of the Plant Success range - FloraFe, FloraVit & FloraPure
Red Sea Deluxe Lab
measures: pH High, pH Low, Ammonia, Nitrite, GH, KH, Chlorine, Iron, & CO2
Correct water conditions are essential for the health and development of both fish and plants. Performing the tests included in the Deluxe Fresh-Lab will assist in establishing and maintaining a successful aquarium.
A stable pH, maintained at the natural level for specific aquarium inhabitants is essential for their well-being and therefore should be checked regularly.
Ammonia, which is toxic for fish, is regularly introduced into the aquarium by fish waste. A functioning Biological Filter, which house living colonies of nitrifying bacteria, will convert the ammonia to nitrite and thereafter to nitrate, which are less harmful. Regular testing for ammonia will provide a positive indication that your Biological Filter is functioning correctly and that it is in balance with the stocking level.
Iron is an essential element regularly taken up by plants. In order to dose iron supplements such as FloraFe, it is important to monitor the level of iron present in the water.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is taken up regularly by aquarium plants. Over stocking of plants in the aquarium can deplete the carbon dioxide adversely effecting their growth. The solubility of CO2 in water is affected by the Carbonate hardness (KH) of the water. All plants and many fish species are dependant on a specific General Hardness (GH) for their well being. Therefore both GH and KH should be monitored regularly.
Chlorine is often used to ensure that tap water is safe for human consumption, it is however harmful to fish, plants and nitrifying bacteria. Use the chlorine kit to ensure that only chlorine free water is added to your aquarium.
Red Sea Deluxe Lab: $34.99
Contains the following individual Fresh test:
pH High - 100 tests
pH Low - 100 tests
Ammonia - 60 tests
Nitrite - 80 tests,
GH - 25 tests
KH - 25 tests
Chlorine - 60 tests
Iron - 60 tests
CO2 - 35 tests
The kit also contains FREE BONUS 25 ml bottles for each of the Plant Success range - FloraFe, FloraVit & FloraPure
Howdy,
That's all great info above, but the "classic" way to read your CO2 levels is a simple table. All you need to know is your current pH value (best measured with a permanent submerged pH indicator in your tank) and the kH of your water. These two parameters are all you need. To my knowledge, every CO2 kit is sold (or at least should be) with a table for according readings. Check your package inserts or visit the website of a company selling CO2 kits.
HarleyK
That's all great info above, but the "classic" way to read your CO2 levels is a simple table. All you need to know is your current pH value (best measured with a permanent submerged pH indicator in your tank) and the kH of your water. These two parameters are all you need. To my knowledge, every CO2 kit is sold (or at least should be) with a table for according readings. Check your package inserts or visit the website of a company selling CO2 kits.
HarleyK
