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help with chemistry 101

1K views 3 replies 2 participants last post by  fish_4_all 
#1 ·
I downloaded Chucks Calculator but I dont understand what I am using it for... sorry I'm a little slow on the uptake. I measured my pH at 7.4, my KH at 6 degrees, and it says my CO2 content is 7ppm LOW. Now what? Do I try to raise the KH (I have a alkaline buffer by seachem) or do I lower my pH or does that just mean its a good idea to add C02?


And the fertilizer part of the calculator... ya lets not go there yet... :?

Thanks :)
 
#2 ·
Do not alter the chemistry of the tank. The number are fine. You can not get accurate readings if you use pH down. The number from the chart will say you have more CO2 but you won't.

A little more KH could help but I wouldn't mess with it more than what you add now if anyhting to get it there.

7ppm is low if you are injecting CO2. If you are, how are you diffusing it?
 
#3 ·
Im not adding CO2 yet, I was just trying to figure out how much I should add and what the calculator is used for.

I was going to just use an airstone but if I should use an actual diffuser I will, just need to find one. I am just going to do the DIY CO2 cause a CO2 inject system is way out of my budget.
 
#4 ·
Basic DIY will get you up to about 20-30ppm which is fine, just try to make sure you keep the levels steady as best as you can.

An airstone can work but you will not get much of it to dissolve with an airstone. If you have an HOB filter, simply put the airstone under the intake of the filter or of a canister.

Do some testing, I would say twice a day for the first week or so to see where you get to as far as CO2 levels. Then once a week to make sure things stay about where they need to be.

As for current conditions, natural CO2 levels are about 3ppm. Go off what you have right now to monitor how much it changes when you add CO2 to make sure that things go haywire in the short term.
 
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