How do I run CO2 through a Fluval 405

[rdzralph]

Hello, I need help setting up my planted tank. I‘ve been doing a lot of research on SD and it seems that running CO2 through a canister is the best way to distribute the CO2. My questions/concerns are:

1. How do I run CO2 through a Fluval 405/How do I connect the CO2?

2. What’s the ideal PH I should shoot for?

3. What test kits should I have and what levels should my readings be once CO2 is introduced?

4. My tap is PH 7.6, during water changes its tap water straight to the tank will this affect my discus once PH drops with CO2?

Also, thinking of purchasing a Milwaukee PH Controller, do I really need it?
My substrate will be a layer of eco complete with pool filter sand on top.


Thanks!

[Wahter]

Hello, I need help setting up my planted tank. I‘ve been doing a lot of research on SD and it seems that running CO2 through a canister is the best way to distribute the CO2.


The BEST way? Really? You can also use a sintered glass diffuser or a reactor (typically requires a powerhead) or a membrane product. Some are shown here:
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/5481/product.web
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9915
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9918
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9907



My questions/concerns are:

1. How do I run CO2 through a Fluval 405/How do I connect the CO2?


If you're going to do it that way, people just bleed the CO2 right into the intake of the filter, when the CO2 reaches the impeller, it's gets chopped up.



2. What’s the ideal PH I should shoot for?


Plants can take a wide range of Ph. I wouldn't worry too much about.



3. What test kits should I have and what levels should my readings be once CO2 is introduced?


You probably should know what your kH reading is.



4. My tap is PH 7.6, during water changes its tap water straight to the tank will this affect my discus once PH drops with CO2?


Again, kH will come into play as to how much your pH will 'bounce'.



Also, thinking of purchasing a Milwaukee PH Controller, do I really need it?


Some people love the pH controllers, others (like myself) just let the CO2 run 24 x 7.



My substrate will be a layer of eco complete with pool filter sand on top.


This laying with sand on top of a gravel substrate always puzzles me because when the time comes for you to remove a larger plant, all the bottom layer material will come right up, plus the sand will be light enough to trickle down into the eco complete and mix right in.

Foster's and Smith's website has some good CO2 information.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=441

There's also some old (but good) information on the krib:
http://www.thekrib.com/Plants/CO2/

Hope that helps,


Walter

[rdzralph]

Walter,

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Really appreciate the info and the links.

[Harriett]

Walter is right on this [per usual!]. Couple more cents worth: I run my CO2 with a controller [so it's on 24-7] also; it is set for about 6.8 pH and stays there. I run my CO2 line into my canisters' intake pipe--I just drilled a small hole in the pipe above where my prefilter sits and below the water line, fit it with a connector for an airline and siliconed that into the pipe; I plugged my CO2 line into that connector. Works just fine. Put some plants in front of it and itworks great. I have a horizontal spray bar about 2-3 inches below the water line surface that the return water and diffused CO2 come out of. I rarely even see teeny bubbles [gas mist]--it just breaks the CO2 down so well.
Best regards,
Harriett

[cyberhog05]

I also do it that way. But my canister has the plumbing for a surface skimmer and I just run my C02 line into that. It works more efficiently than my reactor I had. I also use a ph controller and a drop checker for a little peace of mind. I can glance at it when I walk by the tank. My tap is about the same as yours and I drop my ph a full point 7.6 to 6.6 and it keeps my algae away, my plants are happy and the Discus do not seem affected.